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Translation and Localisation MA

This Translation and Localisation Master's combines practical training and theory. You'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to build a career in the translation and localisation industry.

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Start date(s):

  • September 2025
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Overview

Our Translation and Localisation MA will enable you to gain industry-relevant skills and critical academic knowledge in linguistic practices and project management of localisation, as well as translation and audio-visual translation (AVT).

We offer the following language pairs:

  • English and Chinese
  • English and French
  • English and German
  • English and Italian
  • English and Spanish

You will learn from experienced researchers and translation and localisation professionals. You will have access to the latest industry insights and Translation Studies research. You will be able to adapt to emerging trends of IT applications in the localisation and translation industry.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

What you'll learn

You will develop the expertise enabling you to enter the translation and localisation industry as a fully-fledged professional. Our teaching is informed by cutting-edge research in professional practice, and you will benefit from our industry experience and established connections. Our team of lecturers have a wealth of professional experience, both in-house and freelance.

Under our guidance, you will gain the knowledge and hone the skills you need to excel in your chosen localisation, translation, and AVT field. Specifically, you will learn how to:

  • localise a wide range of materials, including digital interactive products such as apps, video games, and websites, in the role of both translator and linguistic quality assurance (LQA) specialist
  • apply project management skills to a range of localisation projects
  • understand the implications of different localisation models, with different levels of resources, as both localisation linguists and project managers
  • use a range of computer-assisted-translation (CAT) tools, both desktop-based, such as memoQ and Trados, and cloud-based, such as Smartcat and MateCat, to create and manage full translation projects
  • strategically approach a range of client briefs in the fields of localisation, translation, and AVT
  • learn to use a range of professional working strategies including text-analysis skills, post-editing machine translation (PEMT) skills, research strategies to improve translation output, and self-monitoring strategies for translation quality
  • develop professional-level translating skills in a range of genres including technology, commerce, law, and literature
  • apply AVT skills to a range of materials such as documentaries, and movies which involve both subtitling and dubbing
  • develop translation approaches specific to a range of video game genres for consoles, PCs, and smart devices (English and Chinese only)
  • leverage theoretical knowledge to craft work that meets industry standards in localisation, translation, and AVT
  • develop an analytic and reflective understanding of your own translation practice, which will serve as a basis for further professional development.

You will develop the career-management skills needed for entry into the translation and localisation profession. You will gain a critical understanding of the norms and debates relating to professional practice, ethics, and interpersonal relationships. Our successful Translation & Interpreting Guest Speakers Programme will offer you further insight into professional practice.

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.

How you'll learn

Your development

Professional opportunities and development

We organise industry talks and study visits for our students. You will also have the opportunity to apply for internships.

We'll help you take translation, audio-visual translation (AVT), video game translation, and other digital localisation assignments. We have a global reputation for knowledge and expertise in these fields. A growing number of organisations offer our students opportunities to gain professional experience.

Past examples include:

  • Keywords Studios trainee programmes and other video game translation and localisation opportunities
  • translating and subtitling opportunities with our industry contacts
  • study visits to the EU’s Directorate General for Translation and European Commission in Brussels
  • study visits to international organisations in The Hague

We’ll keep you up to date with the latest developments in localisation. We have full academic membership with the Globalization and Localization Association (GALA).

We are also a corporate education member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.

You’ll also get academic membership to established translation societies. This includes the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL).

Your future

What can you do with a Translation and Interpreting MA degree?

Our graduates use their linguistic, IT, and interpersonal skills, and cultural knowledge in a range of sectors.

Audio Visual Translation (AVT) careers

  • in-house subtitle translator (translation and dubbing of audio-visual content)
  • in-house project manager in a translation agency, working on a range of AVT projects
  • freelance subtitle translator, working as a self-employed translator and dubber of audio-visual content

Localisation careers

  • in-house localisation in an agency, working on digital and non-digital products (from brochures to apps, websites and video games)
  • in-house project manager working for a localisation agency
  • freelance localisation - running your own business as a self-employed independent localisation specialist
  • cultural liaison - working for developers or companies in one locale liasing with clients and publishers in another locale to promote products

Translation careers

  • in-house linguists working for a translation agency
  • in-house project manager working for a translation agency
  • freelance self-employed translator
  • translating documents for EU Institutions and members of the European Parliament

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.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Facilities

Language Resource Centre

Our Language Resource Centre is dedicated to the study of languages. It contains a vast collection of books, journals, and audio-visual tools. It also has computing facilities linked to a digital speech bank.

Computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools

Our online memoQ translation server is unique in UK Translation and Interpreting programmes. You will have access to professional CAT tools like Trados and memoQ.

You will receive a free 1-year license for memoQ and have the option of using this software on personal computers. You will also be instructed how to use cloud-based CAT tools, such as Smartcat and Mate Cat.

Other facilities

The Phillip Robinson Library has an excellent collection of books and articles. There are resources on translation and interpreting studies, audio-visual translation and localisation. Many of the materials can be read online via the library’s digital service.

You can practice in one of two dedicated interpreting suites. You will also have access to a senior common room where you can relax, eat or study.

Learn more about the School of Modern Languages facilities and resources.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination
  • graduation

Find out more about:

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Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

How to apply


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Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

School of Modern Languages
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 5867
Email: modlang.pgadmin@ncl.ac.uk

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