Professional Translation for European Languages MA
Start in: September 2022
This translation master's combines practical training and theory to give you the skills and knowledge to become a professional translator in European languages.
Overview
Throughout this translation master's you'll work between English and one or two of the following languages:
- French
- German
- Italian
- Spanish
The professional translation focus is a distinctive feature of this course. It incorporates:
- translation theory
- practice
- professionalism in translation
You'll receive expert training in professional tools and computer-assisted translation (CAT) software. The training will explain how to work in different real-world contexts, such as:
- business and finance
- legal
- technical
- marketing and publicity
- literary translation
In your professional life you'll only translate into your mother tongue and our teaching reflects this.
Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.
View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information
What you'll learn
This master's in translation provides training in professional tools and computer-assisted translation (CAT) software.
The course structure allows you to tailor your own programme of study.
It includes professional practice and research-led compulsory modules covering:
- specialised translation
- translation theory
- use of CAT tools
You can choose from a wide range of optional modules in topics such as:
- translation from a second foreign language
- legal translation
- literary translation
- translation for EU institutions
- interpreting, finance and marketing
You'll also complete a translation project or dissertation.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
How you'll learn
Our teaching is based on experiential learning. This develops your skills in a real-world context. You'll study independently and in groups.
In semesters one and two you'll typically have taught classes during office hours, Monday to Friday. From June to August, you'll work with a research supervisor on an extended translation project or dissertation.
Part-time study
If you're taking the MA part time, your work is split over two years. You'll agree your individual study plan with the Degree Programme Director. This will include your core practical translation modules in year one. You can start your translation project or dissertation at any time in year two.
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral examination
- Performance
- Portfolio
- Research proposal
- Written exercise
You'll have regular one-to-one consultations with teaching staff. You'll also have a Personal Tutor to discuss other study or welfare issues.
We provide a friendly learning environment, with small teacher-student ratios. We work closely as a team and believe in supporting your personal development.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- courses
- groups
- notifications
- messages
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- our University Student Services Team
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
We're proud to be part of Newcastle University's School of Modern Languages. Our highly-qualified educators are a key strength of this course. You'll be taught by academics who are:
- experts in translation studies or other relevant fields
- translating and interpreting professionals
- specialist translator and interpreter trainers
Find out about individual members of our Translating and Interpreting Studies team.
Your future
Translation careers
The Professional Translation for European Languages MA will equip you with the skills and strategies to enter a career:
- as freelance or in-house translator
- in public or private organisations
- in or beyond the language-services sector
Our graduates have gone on to work for leading companies and international organisations such as:
- The European Central Bank
- Amazon
- Sage
- Hodder and Stoughton
Many of our graduates have also chosen the freelancing path. They've built successful careers in the Languages Services Industry. Their clients include Newcastle United and the Premier League.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
Our facilities include:
- three dedicated interpreting suites
- professional translation software
- the Language Resource Centre, equipped with audio-visual and computing facilities linked to a digital speech bank
- a senior common room
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2022 entry (per year)
If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
- additional costs
- living costs
- tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Search for funding
Find funding available for your course
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2022 entry.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
How to apply
Using the application portal
The applicant portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.
You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.
If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the applicant portal.
Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
Apply Online
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:
- campus tours
- on-campus open days
- virtual open days
- webinars
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually
Overseas events
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.
Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
Dr Myriem el Maizi
Degree Programme Director
School of Modern Languages
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 5867
Email: modlang.pgadmin@ncl.ac.uk
Online
For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.
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