MA — 2024 entry Translation and Interpreting
The growing complexity of international communication requires professionals with skills in both translation and interpreting. Our internationally recognised course is one of the few in the UK to give you the expertise needed to perform both aspects professionally
Why choose
this course?
- Our programme has a strong practical component to suit the needs of the translation and interpreting market today, enabling you to develop a professional CV as you study.
- We’re one of the UK’s top translation and interpreting research centres, with more than four decades of experience in postgraduate education and research training.
- We focus on exciting and newly developing areas of the discipline, such as translation and interpreting technologies, distance/remote interpreting, hybrid modalities of interpreting, machine translation, artificial intelligence (AI) tools, translation process research, translation as intercultural mediation, corpus-based translation, audiovisual translation and multi-modality studies.
- The Centre for Translation Studies (CTS) has developed an ambitious new research programme on the responsible integration of human and automated approaches to translation and interpreting. This programme informs our teaching and future-proofs your career in this evolving industry.
Statistics
Fantastic graduate prospects
91% of our School of Literature and Languages postgraduate students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2023, HESA)
10th for research impact
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked the School of Literature and Languages 10th for research impact
4th in the UK
For Languages and Linguistics in the Guardian University Guide 2024
What you will study
Our internationally-recognised MA combines translation and interpreting studies with a strong focus on technology. This allows graduates to meet the demands of the global market and current challenges for the language industry and work environment.
We offer Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Greek, Italian, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish paired with English (languages subject to availability and/or demand). Other languages may be available upon request, subject to a minimum number of students.
You'll develop skills in translation and interpreting (consecutive, dialogue interpreting and sight translation), delivered on-site and remotely via audio/video link. Lectures enable you to understand, discuss and justify translation and interpreting-related decisions.
Practical modules are taught by experienced professional interpreters and translators, simulating realistic scenarios and covering a variety of specialisms (e.g. business, legal, scientific, technical, medical domains). Our range of optional modules will focus on the creative, technological, business and research dimensions of translation and interpreting, allowing you to customise your learning experience according to your own strengths, personal tastes and career ambitions.
To conclude your MA, our flexible dissertation options enable you to submit a choice of one of the following:
- A dissertation based on researching a specific translation and/or interpreting topic
- An extended translation with a reflective analytical commentary
- An interpreting project with an analytical commentary
- A critical report of a language industry work placement
- A critical report of a skills-enhancement programme (such as a summer school or similar).
During your studies, you will have an opportunity to demonstrate academic and professional excellence by winning prizes. These include the following:
- RWS Campus Top Student Award (two Trados licenses)
- Project management training (one free-of-charge place in the Pro PM Training and Certification Programme)
- Professional Engagement Portfolio Prize
- Best Dissertation in Translation and Interpreting Prize.
An international community
The Translation and Interpreting MA programme attracts students from all over the world, fostering a vibrant, multilingual and multicultural international community. Our MA cohorts consist of a harmonious blend of recent graduates who have recently completed their undergraduate courses and more mature students with different background and experience.
A future-proof education
The course helps you develop not just core translation and interpreting skills, but also competencies in terminology, transcreation, localisation, multimodal communication, distance and technology-mediated interpreting, hybrid practices and other specialised and multilingual language services. Our experienced academic staff will help you develop a broad understanding of the current and future challenges in the field, while our professional translators and interpreters bring their workplace experience, standards and up-to-date knowledge of the market, into the classroom.
The programme is industry-facing and provides a future-proof education that is guided by Surrey’s research and expertise in translating creative and specialised texts, interacting with translation-memory systems, machine translation/interpreting, and AI tools such as ChatGPT, performing post-editing tasks and collaborating through digital platforms. It addresses machine-translation quality and usability, the translation of audio-visual content for diverse audiences, text mining, the basics of natural language processing, and corpus linguistics approaches to terminology extraction and enhancing quality in translation and interpreting.
Professional development
Our course is designed to help you develop the linguistic, translation and interpreting, technological, business, interpersonal and soft skills needed for a successful career in the language services industry.
You will enjoy regular contact with professional translators and interpreters in your practice-based modules and gain advanced knowledge of how technologies are shaping up the translation and interpreting industry. You’ll benefit from course components that emphasise the business aspects of the translation and interpreting profession.
You will have invaluable opportunities to further hone your translation and interpreting skills and strategies in real-life working environments. For example, our students have recently provided interpreting services for various multilingual events held at the University of Surrey, such as workshops and graduation ceremonies. They have also refined their skills by participating in a remote interpreting summer school and have developed projects with the local community, such as Watts Gallery or the Guildford Walking Tours.
You will gain further insights into the industry from the external guest speakers we invite to the Centre for Translation Studies seminars and workshops, such as:
- Professional translators and interpreters
- Subtitlers and audio describers
- Professionals working in public services, companies and international organisations
- Representatives of professional translator and interpreter associations
- Translation and interpreting researchers.
These opportunities will prepare you to begin work as a freelancer or as a language service provider at an international organisation, government body, university or private company. You will receive guidance on the development of a professional engagement portfolio to help you build a professional CV as you study. This involves documenting work placements and other collaborations with language services providers, and extra-curricular activities, such as joining a professional body, attending professional development workshops and webinars, and participating in projects with the local community.
Industry links
We offer professionally-relevant courses and we have forged close links with the main professional bodies in the language industry. For example, we are part of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Linguists’ Higher Education Language Partnership and corporate members of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting. You can join these bodies as a student member during the course and become a full member after you graduate. After graduating from our MA Interpreting course, you will be able to have your interpreting modules recognised towards application for membership of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters.
We also collaborate with the Translation Automation User Society, the European Language Industry Association, and the Globalization and Localization Association, which gives you the possibility to apply for a work placement with various translation and interpreting partner companies. We collaborate with language service providers, and have an extensive network of visiting professionals, so you will benefit from excellent connections and be taught to industry standards.
The MA Translation and Interpreting course is studied over one year (full-time) or two years (part-time). The taught part of the programme is divided into eight 15-credit modules. A 15-credit module is indicative of 150 hours of learning. The hours of learning comprise of contact hours, guided learning and private study.
The MA Translation and Interpreting course has five compulsory modules, and you must select another three optional modules.
Our varied offer of optional modules will enable you to tailor the programme to your personal strengths and preferences. If you are a full-time student, you will take the language specific modules Professional Translation Practice I and Consecutive and Dialogue Interpreting I and the lecture Principles and Challenges of Translation and Interpreting in Semester 1, and Professional Translation Practice II and Consecutive and Dialogue Interpreting II in Semester 2. You will normally take one of your optional modules in Semester 1, and two in Semester 2.
If you choose to study part-time, you will take the language-specific compulsory modules Professional Translation Practice I and II and Consecutive and Dialogue Interpreting I and II in the first year, and the Principles and Challenges of Translation compulsory module in the second year. You can distribute your optional modules flexibly over two years.
You will complete your degree with a Translation and Interpreting Studies Dissertation (60 credits), to be submitted at the beginning of September.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff.
Course options
Year 1
Semester 1
Compulsory
This module provides students with little or no previous experience of interpreting with a hands-on introduction to interpreting and with the practical skills and knowledge required to perform consecutive interpreting tasks (with and without note-taking) into the student's A language effectively in a wide range of communicative scenarios (e.g. conference/business/media settings, international institutions).
View full module detailsThis module provides students with a systematic framework for understanding key concepts in Translation and Interpreting Studies and how they relate and apply to the rest of the programme and to everyday professional practice. The module enables students to confront a wide range of translation and interpreting challenges, from the lack of equivalence between languages and cultures to contemporary technological, ethical and societal issues affecting translation and interpreting practice, including the rapidly evolving use of machine translation and artificial intelligence (AI). The module equips students with both a solid grounding in the guiding principles of translation and interpreting, derived from scholarly engagement with the discipline, and the strategies required to engage in best practices in the profession and future career development. Taking a holistic approach to translator and interpreter education, the module consists of lectures and seminars that discuss the main principles and challenges of translation and interpreting, and explore solutions in close alignment with other modules in the programme. Students complement lectures and seminars with practical exercises and independent reading.
View full module detailsThis module introduces students to professional translation practice. Taking a holistic approach to translator education, students engage in regular, practical translation workshops in which they are encouraged to translate different types of texts and reflect critically on the principles and challenges of contemporary translation. Covering different types of professional assignments, including specialized terminology research, translation for different purposes and audiences, and proofreading and editing, the workshops enable students to engage critically with the quality of professional human translation; this will prepare students for professional translation practice, including post-editing and evaluation of machine-translation and artificial -intelligence (AI) solutions. The workshops are led by practising translators and include translation practice in language-specific and multilingual groups. The languages we regularly offer include: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Korean, Polish, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish, all paired with English. Other languages are available upon request (please ask). All languages are subject to demand and tutor availability. Close alignment with the module ‘Principles and Challenges of Translation and Interpreting’ enables students to confront a wide range of issues, equipping them with both a solid grounding in the guiding principles that underpin the discipline and the strategic competences required to engage in best practices in the profession. As part of the module, students begin to compile a Professional Engagement Portfolio based on additional profession-oriented activities undertaken independently with guidance; these activities are gradually documented during the academic year and then formally assessed and, for instance, typically include participation in workshops, talks and seminars organised by professional associations as well as additional training or work related to the programme.
View full module detailsOptional
This module provides students with little or no previous experience of interpreting with a hands-on introduction to interpreting and with the practical skills and knowledge required to perform consecutive interpreting tasks (with and without note-taking) into the student’s A language effectively in a wide range of communicative scenarios (e.g. conference/business/media settings, international institutions).
View full module detailsThis module is an introduction to the practice of translation with the support of the most advanced technologies available, focusing on the demand for translators to possess expert skills to be in command of their performance and in control of the outputs of their work. The module is informed by the evolution of requirements of professional translation, namely under the influence of advanced technologies like machine translation. The focus of the module is on the interaction between translators and the computer tools that they use.
View full module detailsThis module focuses on the intricate relationship between writing and translation through the practicalities of text production within a broad writing context (i.e. from fiction prose to technical text production), with a view to making translators aware of the basic elements required to create an effective text. It will combine weekly theoretical lectures with workshops to read and discuss students' work as well as rewriting and revising techniques.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
This module builds on the skills learned and settings covered in Consecutive and Dialogue Interpreting I (TRAM482) and focuses on the advanced practice of spoken-language interpreting between English and the chosen language not only monologically (i.e. in one direction) but also dialogically (i.e. both-ways). The module provides students with advanced skills, strategies and practical knowledge to perform consecutive and dialogue interpreting tasks professionally and confidently in a variety of relevant communicative situations which require interpreting both-ways.
View full module detailsThis module builds on the work of the Professional Translation Practice I module, by extending the approach of a connection between theory and practice to a connection between technology and practice. The module presents a sequence of themes related to the role of technology in translation, including the role of AI-powered tools such as neural machine translation and generative AI, recognising their different applications in translation and providing students with a growing perspective of the uses of technological tools to solve different professional translation challenges. The module focuses on several dimensions of tasks and roles translators need to perform in professional contexts. These are explored in a combination of language-specific and multilingual translation workshops and technology workshops, so that students have regular opportunities for hands-on practice and guidance from professional translators and experienced members of staff. As in semester 1, the languages we usually offer include: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Korean, Polish, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish andor Turkish, all paired with English. Other languages are available upon request (please ask). All languages are subject to demand and tutor availability. As part of the module, students also continue to work on their Professional Engagement Portfolio from semester one (see Professional Translation Practice I).
View full module detailsOptional
This module introduces students to the professional dimension of the different fields of Public Service Interpreting (PSI). It covers current issues such as the specific ethical requirements, codes of conduct, working conditions and legislation associated with PSI, as well as new trends in a constantly evolving industry and their repercussions on the PSI landscape.
View full module detailsThis module introduces students to the principles and practical implications of using different technologies in the interpreting profession. It addresses the impact of technology on the interpreting process and product, and on the delivery of interpreting services in the 21st century. The module explores the use of technological tools and resources such as electronic corpora and databases for background research and preparation, the role of communication technologies such as videoconferencing to support different modalities of remote interpreting (distance interpreting), the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools and techniques such as natural language processing (NLP), automatic speech recognition (ASR) and machine translation (MT) to support interpreters before and during assignments. The module also discusses the implications of machine interpreting (speech-to-speech translation).
View full module detailsThis module builds on the skills learned and settings covered in Consecutive and Dialogue Interpreting I (TRAM484) and focuses on the advanced practice of spoken-language interpreting between English and the chosen language not only monologically (i.e. in one direction) but also dialogically (i.e. both-ways). The module provides students with advanced skills, strategies and practical knowledge to perform consecutive and dialogue interpreting tasks professionally and confidently in a variety of relevant communicative situations which require interpreting both-ways.
View full module detailsStudents taking this module explore the main theoretical and practical aspects of smart technologies for translation, with emphasis on how the latest developments in Natural Language Processing, Large Language Models (e.g. ChatGPT) and Corpus Linguistics can to help translators. The purpose of this module is to enable students to understand the challenges faced when using computers artificial intelligence to process text automatically or when they need to process speech as an input. The focus is on enhancing students’ digital capabilities, especially those linked to the translation industry. The module will provide students with knowledge about the fields of Machine Translation (MT), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLMs) and Corpus Linguistics (CL). The module will start with an introduction to NLP and machine translation and will present different paradigms to produce automatic translations. Students will be provided with hands-on experience on how to train translation engines, and how it is possible to evaluate MT, as well as how to use LLMs for translation related tasks. . Other topics such as terminology extraction, speech recognition and translation will also be covered. The students will learn how to harvest relevant corpora from the web, clean them and use them for translation-related tasks.The practical tasks addressed in the module will improve students’ problem-solving skills and contribute to their future career development. Knowledge of programming will not be necessary, but students who have a programming background will be given the opportunity to use this knowledge in the module. Links will be established with other modules such as TRAM500 and TRAM496.
View full module detailsThis module introduces students to the key critical considerations and creative and technical decisions faced by translators of works in the cultural/creative industries, such as the film, theatre, creative or publishing industries. By focusing on the repertoires and creative decisions that such translation entails, the definition of ‘translation’ will be examined rather broadly, namely, both as a form of interlingual transfer and as a creative platform for (re)writing texts. Examples are offered from the areas of advertising, cultural heritage, tourism, performance (drama translation) and entertainment/art (children’s literature, comic books, films). The module is suitable for students with different language backgrounds and it offers a creative practical component as well as insights into how the creative industries work.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Compulsory
This module is designed to enable students to consolidate and further advance the knowledge and skills acquired during the taught components of the programme, and gain experience working independently on an extended project through one of the following options: Research on a Translation or Interpreting Studies topic and a written dissertation An extended translation with an analytical commentary or an interpreting simulation with an analytical commentary A work placement of at least 150 hours accompanied by a critical report. If taking this option, it is the responsibility of students to find a professional placement approved by CTS (this includes volunteer translation and a range of ad hoc language-industry activities carried out during the academic year). CTS will support students in finding a placement through professional engagement portfolios, invited seminar talks and a dedicated language industries careers fair. A practical skills-enhancement programme of 60 hours or equivalent and a written report. If taking this option, the skills-enhancement programme can be either run by CTS (subject to availability and demand) or external. If external (e.g. a summer school run by another organization), the programme must be approved by CTS in advance
View full module detailsYear 1
Semester 1
Compulsory
This module provides students with little or no previous experience of interpreting with a hands-on introduction to interpreting and with the practical skills and knowledge required to perform consecutive interpreting tasks (with and without note-taking) into the student's A language effectively in a wide range of communicative scenarios (e.g. conference/business/media settings, international institutions).
View full module detailsThis module provides students with a systematic framework for understanding key concepts in Translation and Interpreting Studies and how they relate and apply to the rest of the programme and to everyday professional practice. The module enables students to confront a wide range of translation and interpreting challenges, from the lack of equivalence between languages and cultures to contemporary technological, ethical and societal issues affecting translation and interpreting practice, including the rapidly evolving use of machine translation and artificial intelligence (AI). The module equips students with both a solid grounding in the guiding principles of translation and interpreting, derived from scholarly engagement with the discipline, and the strategies required to engage in best practices in the profession and future career development. Taking a holistic approach to translator and interpreter education, the module consists of lectures and seminars that discuss the main principles and challenges of translation and interpreting, and explore solutions in close alignment with other modules in the programme. Students complement lectures and seminars with practical exercises and independent reading.
View full module detailsThis module introduces students to professional translation practice. Taking a holistic approach to translator education, students engage in regular, practical translation workshops in which they are encouraged to translate different types of texts and reflect critically on the principles and challenges of contemporary translation. Covering different types of professional assignments, including specialized terminology research, translation for different purposes and audiences, and proofreading and editing, the workshops enable students to engage critically with the quality of professional human translation; this will prepare students for professional translation practice, including post-editing and evaluation of machine-translation and artificial -intelligence (AI) solutions. The workshops are led by practising translators and include translation practice in language-specific and multilingual groups. The languages we regularly offer include: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Korean, Polish, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish, all paired with English. Other languages are available upon request (please ask). All languages are subject to demand and tutor availability. Close alignment with the module ‘Principles and Challenges of Translation and Interpreting’ enables students to confront a wide range of issues, equipping them with both a solid grounding in the guiding principles that underpin the discipline and the strategic competences required to engage in best practices in the profession. As part of the module, students begin to compile a Professional Engagement Portfolio based on additional profession-oriented activities undertaken independently with guidance; these activities are gradually documented during the academic year and then formally assessed and, for instance, typically include participation in workshops, talks and seminars organised by professional associations as well as additional training or work related to the programme.
View full module detailsOptional
This module provides students with little or no previous experience of interpreting with a hands-on introduction to interpreting and with the practical skills and knowledge required to perform consecutive interpreting tasks (with and without note-taking) into the student’s A language effectively in a wide range of communicative scenarios (e.g. conference/business/media settings, international institutions).
View full module detailsThis module is an introduction to the practice of translation with the support of the most advanced technologies available, focusing on the demand for translators to possess expert skills to be in command of their performance and in control of the outputs of their work. The module is informed by the evolution of requirements of professional translation, namely under the influence of advanced technologies like machine translation. The focus of the module is on the interaction between translators and the computer tools that they use.
View full module detailsThis module focuses on the intricate relationship between writing and translation through the practicalities of text production within a broad writing context (i.e. from fiction prose to technical text production), with a view to making translators aware of the basic elements required to create an effective text. It will combine weekly theoretical lectures with workshops to read and discuss students' work as well as rewriting and revising techniques.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
This module builds on the skills learned and settings covered in Consecutive and Dialogue Interpreting I (TRAM482) and focuses on the advanced practice of spoken-language interpreting between English and the chosen language not only monologically (i.e. in one direction) but also dialogically (i.e. both-ways). The module provides students with advanced skills, strategies and practical knowledge to perform consecutive and dialogue interpreting tasks professionally and confidently in a variety of relevant communicative situations which require interpreting both-ways.
View full module detailsThis module builds on the work of the Professional Translation Practice I module, by extending the approach of a connection between theory and practice to a connection between technology and practice. The module presents a sequence of themes related to the role of technology in translation, including the role of AI-powered tools such as neural machine translation and generative AI, recognising their different applications in translation and providing students with a growing perspective of the uses of technological tools to solve different professional translation challenges. The module focuses on several dimensions of tasks and roles translators need to perform in professional contexts. These are explored in a combination of language-specific and multilingual translation workshops and technology workshops, so that students have regular opportunities for hands-on practice and guidance from professional translators and experienced members of staff. As in semester 1, the languages we usually offer include: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Korean, Polish, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish andor Turkish, all paired with English. Other languages are available upon request (please ask). All languages are subject to demand and tutor availability. As part of the module, students also continue to work on their Professional Engagement Portfolio from semester one (see Professional Translation Practice I).
View full module detailsOptional
This module introduces students to the professional dimension of the different fields of Public Service Interpreting (PSI). It covers current issues such as the specific ethical requirements, codes of conduct, working conditions and legislation associated with PSI, as well as new trends in a constantly evolving industry and their repercussions on the PSI landscape.
View full module detailsThis module introduces students to the principles and practical implications of using different technologies in the interpreting profession. It addresses the impact of technology on the interpreting process and product, and on the delivery of interpreting services in the 21st century. The module explores the use of technological tools and resources such as electronic corpora and databases for background research and preparation, the role of communication technologies such as videoconferencing to support different modalities of remote interpreting (distance interpreting), the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools and techniques such as natural language processing (NLP), automatic speech recognition (ASR) and machine translation (MT) to support interpreters before and during assignments. The module also discusses the implications of machine interpreting (speech-to-speech translation).
View full module detailsThis module builds on the skills learned and settings covered in Consecutive and Dialogue Interpreting I (TRAM484) and focuses on the advanced practice of spoken-language interpreting between English and the chosen language not only monologically (i.e. in one direction) but also dialogically (i.e. both-ways). The module provides students with advanced skills, strategies and practical knowledge to perform consecutive and dialogue interpreting tasks professionally and confidently in a variety of relevant communicative situations which require interpreting both-ways.
View full module detailsStudents taking this module explore the main theoretical and practical aspects of smart technologies for translation, with emphasis on how the latest developments in Natural Language Processing, Large Language Models (e.g. ChatGPT) and Corpus Linguistics can to help translators. The purpose of this module is to enable students to understand the challenges faced when using computers artificial intelligence to process text automatically or when they need to process speech as an input. The focus is on enhancing students’ digital capabilities, especially those linked to the translation industry. The module will provide students with knowledge about the fields of Machine Translation (MT), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLMs) and Corpus Linguistics (CL). The module will start with an introduction to NLP and machine translation and will present different paradigms to produce automatic translations. Students will be provided with hands-on experience on how to train translation engines, and how it is possible to evaluate MT, as well as how to use LLMs for translation related tasks. . Other topics such as terminology extraction, speech recognition and translation will also be covered. The students will learn how to harvest relevant corpora from the web, clean them and use them for translation-related tasks.The practical tasks addressed in the module will improve students’ problem-solving skills and contribute to their future career development. Knowledge of programming will not be necessary, but students who have a programming background will be given the opportunity to use this knowledge in the module. Links will be established with other modules such as TRAM500 and TRAM496.
View full module detailsThis module introduces students to the key critical considerations and creative and technical decisions faced by translators of works in the cultural/creative industries, such as the film, theatre, creative or publishing industries. By focusing on the repertoires and creative decisions that such translation entails, the definition of ‘translation’ will be examined rather broadly, namely, both as a form of interlingual transfer and as a creative platform for (re)writing texts. Examples are offered from the areas of advertising, cultural heritage, tourism, performance (drama translation) and entertainment/art (children’s literature, comic books, films). The module is suitable for students with different language backgrounds and it offers a creative practical component as well as insights into how the creative industries work.
View full module detailsYear 2
Semester 1
Compulsory
This module provides students with little or no previous experience of interpreting with a hands-on introduction to interpreting and with the practical skills and knowledge required to perform consecutive interpreting tasks (with and without note-taking) into the student's A language effectively in a wide range of communicative scenarios (e.g. conference/business/media settings, international institutions).
View full module detailsThis module provides students with a systematic framework for understanding key concepts in Translation and Interpreting Studies and how they relate and apply to the rest of the programme and to everyday professional practice. The module enables students to confront a wide range of translation and interpreting challenges, from the lack of equivalence between languages and cultures to contemporary technological, ethical and societal issues affecting translation and interpreting practice, including the rapidly evolving use of machine translation and artificial intelligence (AI). The module equips students with both a solid grounding in the guiding principles of translation and interpreting, derived from scholarly engagement with the discipline, and the strategies required to engage in best practices in the profession and future career development. Taking a holistic approach to translator and interpreter education, the module consists of lectures and seminars that discuss the main principles and challenges of translation and interpreting, and explore solutions in close alignment with other modules in the programme. Students complement lectures and seminars with practical exercises and independent reading.
View full module detailsThis module introduces students to professional translation practice. Taking a holistic approach to translator education, students engage in regular, practical translation workshops in which they are encouraged to translate different types of texts and reflect critically on the principles and challenges of contemporary translation. Covering different types of professional assignments, including specialized terminology research, translation for different purposes and audiences, and proofreading and editing, the workshops enable students to engage critically with the quality of professional human translation; this will prepare students for professional translation practice, including post-editing and evaluation of machine-translation and artificial -intelligence (AI) solutions. The workshops are led by practising translators and include translation practice in language-specific and multilingual groups. The languages we regularly offer include: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Korean, Polish, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish, all paired with English. Other languages are available upon request (please ask). All languages are subject to demand and tutor availability. Close alignment with the module ‘Principles and Challenges of Translation and Interpreting’ enables students to confront a wide range of issues, equipping them with both a solid grounding in the guiding principles that underpin the discipline and the strategic competences required to engage in best practices in the profession. As part of the module, students begin to compile a Professional Engagement Portfolio based on additional profession-oriented activities undertaken independently with guidance; these activities are gradually documented during the academic year and then formally assessed and, for instance, typically include participation in workshops, talks and seminars organised by professional associations as well as additional training or work related to the programme.
View full module detailsOptional
This module provides students with little or no previous experience of interpreting with a hands-on introduction to interpreting and with the practical skills and knowledge required to perform consecutive interpreting tasks (with and without note-taking) into the student’s A language effectively in a wide range of communicative scenarios (e.g. conference/business/media settings, international institutions).
View full module detailsThis module is an introduction to the practice of translation with the support of the most advanced technologies available, focusing on the demand for translators to possess expert skills to be in command of their performance and in control of the outputs of their work. The module is informed by the evolution of requirements of professional translation, namely under the influence of advanced technologies like machine translation. The focus of the module is on the interaction between translators and the computer tools that they use.
View full module detailsThis module focuses on the intricate relationship between writing and translation through the practicalities of text production within a broad writing context (i.e. from fiction prose to technical text production), with a view to making translators aware of the basic elements required to create an effective text. It will combine weekly theoretical lectures with workshops to read and discuss students' work as well as rewriting and revising techniques.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
This module builds on the skills learned and settings covered in Consecutive and Dialogue Interpreting I (TRAM482) and focuses on the advanced practice of spoken-language interpreting between English and the chosen language not only monologically (i.e. in one direction) but also dialogically (i.e. both-ways). The module provides students with advanced skills, strategies and practical knowledge to perform consecutive and dialogue interpreting tasks professionally and confidently in a variety of relevant communicative situations which require interpreting both-ways.
View full module detailsThis module builds on the work of the Professional Translation Practice I module, by extending the approach of a connection between theory and practice to a connection between technology and practice. The module presents a sequence of themes related to the role of technology in translation, including the role of AI-powered tools such as neural machine translation and generative AI, recognising their different applications in translation and providing students with a growing perspective of the uses of technological tools to solve different professional translation challenges. The module focuses on several dimensions of tasks and roles translators need to perform in professional contexts. These are explored in a combination of language-specific and multilingual translation workshops and technology workshops, so that students have regular opportunities for hands-on practice and guidance from professional translators and experienced members of staff. As in semester 1, the languages we usually offer include: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Korean, Polish, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish andor Turkish, all paired with English. Other languages are available upon request (please ask). All languages are subject to demand and tutor availability. As part of the module, students also continue to work on their Professional Engagement Portfolio from semester one (see Professional Translation Practice I).
View full module detailsOptional
This module introduces students to the professional dimension of the different fields of Public Service Interpreting (PSI). It covers current issues such as the specific ethical requirements, codes of conduct, working conditions and legislation associated with PSI, as well as new trends in a constantly evolving industry and their repercussions on the PSI landscape.
View full module detailsThis module introduces students to the principles and practical implications of using different technologies in the interpreting profession. It addresses the impact of technology on the interpreting process and product, and on the delivery of interpreting services in the 21st century. The module explores the use of technological tools and resources such as electronic corpora and databases for background research and preparation, the role of communication technologies such as videoconferencing to support different modalities of remote interpreting (distance interpreting), the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools and techniques such as natural language processing (NLP), automatic speech recognition (ASR) and machine translation (MT) to support interpreters before and during assignments. The module also discusses the implications of machine interpreting (speech-to-speech translation).
View full module detailsThis module builds on the skills learned and settings covered in Consecutive and Dialogue Interpreting I (TRAM484) and focuses on the advanced practice of spoken-language interpreting between English and the chosen language not only monologically (i.e. in one direction) but also dialogically (i.e. both-ways). The module provides students with advanced skills, strategies and practical knowledge to perform consecutive and dialogue interpreting tasks professionally and confidently in a variety of relevant communicative situations which require interpreting both-ways.
View full module detailsStudents taking this module explore the main theoretical and practical aspects of smart technologies for translation, with emphasis on how the latest developments in Natural Language Processing, Large Language Models (e.g. ChatGPT) and Corpus Linguistics can to help translators. The purpose of this module is to enable students to understand the challenges faced when using computers artificial intelligence to process text automatically or when they need to process speech as an input. The focus is on enhancing students’ digital capabilities, especially those linked to the translation industry. The module will provide students with knowledge about the fields of Machine Translation (MT), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLMs) and Corpus Linguistics (CL). The module will start with an introduction to NLP and machine translation and will present different paradigms to produce automatic translations. Students will be provided with hands-on experience on how to train translation engines, and how it is possible to evaluate MT, as well as how to use LLMs for translation related tasks. . Other topics such as terminology extraction, speech recognition and translation will also be covered. The students will learn how to harvest relevant corpora from the web, clean them and use them for translation-related tasks.The practical tasks addressed in the module will improve students’ problem-solving skills and contribute to their future career development. Knowledge of programming will not be necessary, but students who have a programming background will be given the opportunity to use this knowledge in the module. Links will be established with other modules such as TRAM500 and TRAM496.
View full module detailsThis module introduces students to the key critical considerations and creative and technical decisions faced by translators of works in the cultural/creative industries, such as the film, theatre, creative or publishing industries. By focusing on the repertoires and creative decisions that such translation entails, the definition of ‘translation’ will be examined rather broadly, namely, both as a form of interlingual transfer and as a creative platform for (re)writing texts. Examples are offered from the areas of advertising, cultural heritage, tourism, performance (drama translation) and entertainment/art (children’s literature, comic books, films). The module is suitable for students with different language backgrounds and it offers a creative practical component as well as insights into how the creative industries work.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Compulsory
This module is designed to enable students to consolidate and further advance the knowledge and skills acquired during the taught components of the programme, and gain experience working independently on an extended project through one of the following options: Research on a Translation or Interpreting Studies topic and a written dissertation An extended translation with an analytical commentary or an interpreting simulation with an analytical commentary A work placement of at least 150 hours accompanied by a critical report. If taking this option, it is the responsibility of students to find a professional placement approved by CTS (this includes volunteer translation and a range of ad hoc language-industry activities carried out during the academic year). CTS will support students in finding a placement through professional engagement portfolios, invited seminar talks and a dedicated language industries careers fair. A practical skills-enhancement programme of 60 hours or equivalent and a written report. If taking this option, the skills-enhancement programme can be either run by CTS (subject to availability and demand) or external. If external (e.g. a summer school run by another organization), the programme must be approved by CTS in advance
View full module detailsGeneral course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester.
Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. The part-time timetable is based on the full-time one, so classes will run on any teaching day.
Translation Studies seminars take place on Wednesday afternoons – attendance is optional, but strongly encouraged.
Please note that as our practice-based classes are normally provided by professional interpreters and we may sometimes have to reschedule classes to accommodate professional commitments.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).
Location
Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
91 per cent of our School of Literature and Languages postgraduate students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2023, HESA).
The language services industry continues to grow despite a challenging international economic climate. Globalisation and technological innovation open up new markets and create novel demands for multilingual translation and interpreting services to exchange knowledge and communicate with clients. As an MA Translation and Interpreting graduate and qualified language professional, you’ll be able to take advantage of global employment opportunities.
To help our students further with work opportunities in the language services industry, we host an annual careers fair where local and international companies with an active interest in Surrey graduates come to the Centre for Translation Studies to meet our students. They explain their current and future job opportunities, providing a chance for you to engage with them directly and kick-start your career in an informal, friendly atmosphere.
Our emphasis on professional development means that you will be well-equipped to begin work as a freelance or in-house translator or interpreter in a variety of settings (private marker, governmental bodies, public services), as a project manager for business, international organisations and public bodies, multilingual content writers, language-service managers, localisation, terminology, transcreation specialists, language and translation tutors.
Technological innovation is also rapidly reshaping the interpreting industry, opening up new research opportunities. The Translation and Interpreting Studies dissertation enables you to consolidate the knowledge and skills acquired during the taught components of the programme and guides you along the identification and selection of an appropriate research topic or project. It is also one of the many ways of getting involved in ongoing research in the Centre for Translation Studies. We regularly have students who decide to stay on and study for a PhD to pursue an academic career in this exciting field. For further information, see our PhD course.
If you have any questions about the MA Translation and Interpreting, contact the programme leader.
As a student, you will have classes in our dedicated language-software computer lab and state-of-the-art interpreting labs. You will practise hands-on with cutting-edge software for computer-assisted translation, subtitling, terminology extraction, speech recognition and corpus linguistic tools, such as:
You’ll also have access to a cutting-edge, two-way, multipoint video-conferencing system that simulates remote or distance interpreting, with delegates and interpreters interacting over video link.
Shane White
Student - Translation and Interpreting MA
"I was pleasantly surprised by how close-knit the CTS department is and how approachable the lecturers are. Within a few weeks, I really felt like I knew almost everybody in the department, both fellow students and the teaching staff."
Anna Pakes
Student - Translation MA
"The course is a chance for me to upskill in terms of translation technologies, develop my understanding of the languages industries and expand my existing translation practice."
If you are a native English speaker, we require a minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in one of the languages listed below or in a related subject taught in one of these languages.
Native speakers of a relevant language (from the list below) require a degree in English or a related subject. Alternative subjects will be considered by the Faculty on a case-by-case basis. Relevant work experience to be considered by the Faculty on a case-by-case basis.
The languages available in the programme (subject to demand) are:
- Arabic
- Chinese (Mandarin)
- French
- German
- Greek
- Italian
- Korean
- Norwegian
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Romanian
- Russian
- Spanish
- Swedish
- Turkish.
Other languages may be available upon request.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and speaking and 6.0 in each other element.
Alternatively, if you have successfully been awarded the Certificate of Excellence offered by our partner, KL Communications, and had an IELTS of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category before you took the course for the Certificate of Excellence, and the IELTS will still be valid for the start of the MA, then you will not need to take another IELTS.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
Suitable applicants will be invited to participate in an interview via Skype or Zoom. Alternatively, if you are interested in joining the Chinese group and have successfully been awarded the Certificate of Excellence offered by our partner, KL Communications, you will not be required to undertake an interview.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of ways.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning process may mean you can join a course without the formal entry requirements, or at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please contact the Admissions team with any queries.
Fees per year
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate courses.
September 2024 - Full-time - 1 year
- UK
- £10,400 per year
- Overseas
- £21,500 per year
September 2024 - Part-time - 2 years
- UK
- £5,200 per year
- Overseas
- £10,750 per year
- If you are on the two-year part-time masters programme, the annual fee is payable in Year 1 and Year 2 of the programme
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2024-25 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually
- Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule (students on an unstructured self-paced part-time course are not eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan).
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
- Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis: cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices.
Funding
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
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Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
ApplyPlease note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
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Once you apply, you can expect to hear back from us within 14 days. This might be with a decision on your application or with a request for further information.
Our code of practice for postgraduate admissions policy explains how the Admissions team considers applications and admits students. Read our postgraduate applicant guidance for more information on applying.
About the University of Surrey
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Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.