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School of Modern Languages & Cultures
Boat trip in the rainforest

Master of Arts in Translation Studies

Durham’s MA in Translation Studies is recognised globally for its academic quality and innovative approach to translation.

  • we aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills and expertise needed for a successful professional career, whether in translation and interpreting, academic research, diplomacy, business, journalism, or cultural entrepreneurship
  • we specialise in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish
  • students can opt for an academic pathway (leading to a PhD) or a professional pathway, with the latter specialising either in translation or interpreting (Chinese)
  • our programme integrates generative artificial intelligence (AI) whilst rigorously developing students' core translation competencies
  • we train students to use state-of-the-art AI tools in modules relating to specialised translation, Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools and subtitling
  • for course structure, entry requirements and fees see here
University student
I had a purely practical background in language and translation and so I chose options such as the work placement module and intercultural project management with ethics. However, I quickly realised that I was enjoying translation theory and transcultural modules so much. I was full of ideas. My lecturers were so generous with their time, energy and criticality.
Cerise
Former MA in Translation Studies student
University student
I received rigorous practical and theoretical training, which enhanced my skill as a translator and broadened my understanding of translation in general. With the help of my lecturers, I completed a successful dissertation on film and translation studies on my MA. And I’ve recently completed a PhD in which I analysed the films of Ang Lee from the perspective of intersemiotic translation. The MA helped sew a seed in me and I am still rejoicing
Haoxuan
Former MA in Translation Studies student

Comprehensive Skills Development

  • we offer in-depth study of languages, linguistics, and professional translation techniques, while fostering critical thinking and research skills
  • students will develop advanced language proficiency, learn to apply diverse translation theories and gain expertise in specialised areas
  • students will enhance their teamwork and interpersonal skills, intercultural competence, ethical decision-making and project management skills
  • students enrolled on the translation work placement module will gain hands-on experience through internships in the UK or internationally, allowing them to acquire skills directly from industry professionals in real-world settings

Integrating Technology and Tradition

  • our cooperative learning environments extend beyond the classroom, offering hands-on experience with CAT tools and generative AI technologies
  • students receive training in post-editing translations produced by Neural Machine Translation (NMT) systems and Large Language Models (LLMs), emphasising human-AI interaction and collaboration
  • we teach students to harness AI as a tool that complements, rather than replaces, human expertise

Industry-Aligned Curriculum

  • our curriculum evolves continuously to meet the demands of the dynamic translation and interpreting market
  • we have recently introduced new modules such as Subtitling and Translation Practica, the latter covering website, software and video game localisation, transcreation, audio description, and plain and gist translation
  • for Chinese-English language pairs, we have enhanced our interpreting offerings. These include an extended Consecutive Interpreting module and a new intensive Simultaneous Interpreting course

Cultural and Historical Focus

  • located in a World Heritage Site city, our MA is serious about translation relating to culture, heritage and the creative industries
  • specially designed modules in languages, linguistics and professional translation, combined with transcultural and transhistorical courses, enhance sensitivity towards translation across media, cultures and time 

Diverse Career Prospects and Strong Alumni Network

  • our programme opens doors to an extensive range of career paths, to creative or literary translation and institutes of culture and heritage to university departments, government organisations and the worlds of technology, finance, law, sport and medicine
  • we have a strong network of graduates from our programme working in professional translation agencies across the globe

 

University student
Doing the MA was academically and professionally transformative for me. The modules allowed me to combine my passion for languages, literature and visual arts. As an international student, I found the community very welcoming and enjoyed living in a city as friendly and rich in heritage as Durham.
Tamara
Former MA in Translation Studies student

Applying

Applications are made through the online centralised Durham University system, but you are very welcome to contact us with any queries or clarifications, or to arrange an in-person or online visit outside the formal open days.

Contacts:

MLAC Postgraduate Studies Coordinator: Mrs Lucia Luck lucia.luck@durham.ac.uk

MATS Co-Directors: Dr Penny Johnson (Spanish) penelope.johnson@durham.ac.uk and Don Starr (Chinese) d.f.starr@durham.ac.uk