MA
Translation Studies (DL)
Set your languages to work in translation
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This is the distance learning version of a practical, accredited course designed for language graduates and practicing translators, which offers a formal qualification in translating between English and any of a range of languages. It has a strong practical orientation, embracing technology and research skills that are highly relevant to translation as a career.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Specialise in translation between English and your choice of language from Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Russian, Spanish and Portuguese
- Progress at your own pace with study units delivered at three points in the year
- Follow a programme accredited by the European Masters in Translation network
What opportunities might it lead to?
The MA Translation Studies at the University of Portsmouth is an accredited member of the European Masters in Translation Network, and the University is also a member of the OPTIMALE translator training network funded by the Erasmus lifelong learning scheme of the European Commission.
The course includes a strong practical element, as well as a careers element, which enables those who wish to become professionals to understand the basics of staff, agency and freelance translation work. Translation graduates are in demand for translation project management as well as editing, copywriting and related posts.
Deadline for submission of applications
1 August 2013 for September 2013 intake
tbc for January 2014 intake
Working together with people from across the globe - Japan, Canada and the Middle East - helps you to hone what I call ‘world skills’ and an appreciation of the cultural context of translation.
Katrine Bodicoat, MA Translation Studies (DL) student
Key Facts
- Duration
- 3 years part time
- Entry
A good honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. Applicants whose main language is English require advanced knowledge of at least one other language (Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish).
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 or equivalent with no component less than 6.5.- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man distance learning students: £1,500 p/a* (3 years)
International distance learning students: £1,500 p/a* (3 years)
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 8299 - Department
- School of Languages and Area Studies
Structure & Teaching
The MA Translation Studies has a strong practical element and features units that have a high degree of professional relevance and training, enabling you to learn the basics of in-house and freelance translation work.
You will study two 30-credit core units and two optional units as well as the Dissertation. The aim of the core units is to achieve a balance between the tools and analytical concepts of theory on the one hand and translation practice on the other. The core units are complemented by optional units which cater for the needs of students wishing to offer two foreign languages at an advanced level and which cover recent developments in IT relating to the translation industry. The Independent Learning unit offers an opportunity to gain credit for a work placement. The Translation Project affords an opportunity for specialisation, as does the Dissertation. For an overview of all course units please access the Course Structure.
- Theory & Practice of Translation
- Specialised Translation
- Dissertation/Major Project
Two options from:
- Second Specialised Translation
- Translation Project
- Translation Technologies
- Independent Learning
Please note that our optional units are available subject to a number of constraints such as student demand (options cannot run with very small numbers) and staff availability (some options may only be available in certain languages). If you have a strong need to follow a specific option, seek clarification from the course leader regarding its availability.
Exit levels
The credit system creates a flexible framework in which you can graduate with one of the following awards, depending on the number of credits gained:
- MA in Translation Studies (four core units plus the research management and dissertation units): 180 credits
- Postgraduate Diploma in Translation Studies: 120 credits
- Postgraduate Certificate in Translation Studies: 60 credits
Teaching and Assessment
The distance learning programme will provide you with online learning materials for a number of the units. These will be supported by asynchronous online discussion with the tutors responsible for the various course units and with other students on the course. You will also be able to communicate with your tutors on a one-to-one basis (e.g. by email or telephone). In summary, the course has a delivery framework which is both disciplined and flexible.
How are you assessed?
Assessments include translations, essays and projects. All translation-related assessments provide the opportunity to practise your translation skills and simultaneously to reflect on this practice. Other assignments will evaluate your technical expertise, research skills, ability to read critically and grasp of the principal theoretical concepts relating to translation.
Facilities & Features
CEISR
Centre for European and International Studies Research
Language Laboratories
Language labs offering a rich and effective multimedia language environment
Distance Learning in SLAS
Access your MA from anywhere
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information including thousands of online ejournals
CEISR
On your Master's, you will be studying with members of CEISR, one of the UK's largest research centres of its kind. These active researchers in the field of linguistics and the teaching of English as a foreign language will ensure that your study is connected to the latest developments in the area.
Language Laboratories
We have four state-of-the-art Sony Virtuoso Language Laboratories, where you can manipulate video, sound, text and Internet sources in a rich, multimedia language-learning environment. Our staff are at the forefront in exploiting the potential afforded by this technology to create their own packages of materials.
Distance Learning
Distance learning in SLAS brings a cohort of students together with their tutors through our virtual learning environment, Moodle, supported by email and telephone contact for a disciplined, flexible student experience.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
If you already have a specialist interest when you embark upon the course you will be in a good position to further your career with a higher qualification. If you do not have a specialism then the course will provide you with a platform on which to develop the relevant knowledge and skills. The programme facilitates contact with professional associations and opportunities for finding internships and jobs with regional, national and international employers.
Work Experience
Relevant work placements may be accredited on this course through the Independent Learning option. Where possible, we facilitate students in obtaining placements with translation companies, which may be in the UK or abroad. Students with eligible language combinations are encouraged to try for internships and competitions with the European institutions.
Career planning
One of the benefits of studying at Portsmouth is the support that we provide to our Master's and Research Degrees students in career planning. Our careers and recruitment service – Purple Door – can assist you in career research and finding employment opportunities. Help is also available if you wish to find a part-time job while studying your degree. We offer our postgraduate students and alumni one-to-one appointments with a careers adviser, or an online service for those not able to travel back to the University. Our alumni can call on our career services for five years after graduation.
In addition, regular employability events offer you the chance to meet employers, find out about different career sectors and improve your applications or CV. The Graduate Summer Programme provides a range of guidance and employability seminars and workshops.