Translation Studies MA
- Study mode and duration
- Course code
- 4181F
- Fees (per year)
- Typical entry requirements
-
View full entry requirements - Course delivery
- On Campus
Course information for entry year:
Overview
Our Translation Studies MA combines practical training and theory in the fields of translation, interpreting and localisation.
You'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to build an academic career in the field of translation studies.
Find out more about our full suite of Translating and Interpreting courses.
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, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Ãå±±½ûµØ study experience for the academic year 2025-26.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
If you’re studying an accredited degree and thinking about working in Europe after you graduate, the best place to find current information is the . This official resource explains whether your profession is regulated in another country, what steps you need to take, and which organisation you should contact.
What you'll learn
On this MA, you’ll build strong practical and theoretical skills in translation. You’ll learn how to translate a wide range of texts between English and Chinese, and explore how culture, ethics, and context shape translation.
You’ll also:
- use professional translation tools like CAT software and machine translation
- understand key translation theories and how they apply to real-world tasks
- choose optional modules in areas such as audiovisual, legal, literary, or technical translation
In your final semester, you’ll complete either a dissertation or a practical translation project with commentary.
You will take compulsory and optional modules that typically include:
- Research Methods
- Translation and Interpreting Studies
- Practical Translating
- Public Service Interpreting
- Localisation
- Subtitle and Video Game Translation
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.
The module information below 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.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Compulsory modules
You will take the following compulsory modules:
- Translation and Interpreting Studies (20 credits)
- The Language Industry: Professions, Processes and Society (20 credits)
- Research Methods & Dissertation/Project (60 credits)
You will take one of the following compulsory modules:
- Translation Practice and Analysis: English to Chinese (10 credits)
- Specialised Translation: Chinese to English (10 credits)
You'll take further optional modules from the following, to bring the total number of credits to 180:
|
Optional Modules |
Credits |
|
20 |
|
|
20 |
|
|
20 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
20 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
10 |
* If you completed Stage 1 of the Translation and Interpreting MA you won't take this module
How you'll learn
You’ll learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, and hands-on workshops. Practical sessions will help you apply theory to real translation tasks.
You’ll also benefit from:
- training in industry-standard translation software
- group work and peer feedback
- guest talks from professional translators
- online resources and support through our Virtual Learning Environment (Canvas)
- your personal tutor and academic staff will support you throughout the course
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral examination
- Performance
- Portfolio
- Research paper
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- academic staff
- personal tutors and research supervisors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
- peers
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
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:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Ãå±±½ûµØ. 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
Your future
Our Careers Service
Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.
You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.
We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.
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.
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 these materials are accessible 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, Funding and Scholarships
Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and 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. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance .
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.
Search for funding and scholarships
Find funding available for your course
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:
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.
How to apply
Using the application portal
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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
Enquiries
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