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MA in Translation and Cultures (P-Q910)

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Modules | Entry Requirements | Teaching | Assessment styles | Extracurricular activities

In our globalised world today, societies interact through translation. Our MA in Translation and Cultures provides you with the knowledge and critical skills to become a successful intercultural mediator. This exciting Master's degree will enhance your theoretical awareness and your practical skills to help you grow professionally, opening up opportunities for a career in the language industries or further research.

You will be taught by leading scholars in Translation and Transcultural Studies and benefit from regular visits by translation professionals and industry representatives.

On this MA translation degree you will undertake research skills training and a final Dissertation, in which you can choose to specialise in a research topic or to produce an original translation and an analytical commentary.

Watch our video to find out more:

Languages

English AND one or more of the following languages: French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.

You can study an additional language at the Language CentreLink opens in a new window (subject to availability).

As a department we are:

  • a founding member of APTISLink opens in a new window, the Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting Studies in the UK and Ireland.
  • a corporate member of ITILink opens in a new window, the Institute of Translation & Interpreting in the UK, so you will have access to professional advice and support, including events, workshops, journals and career bulletins.
  • Higher Education Language Partners of CIOLLink opens in a new window, the Chartered Institute of Linguists in the UK.

Modules

Core modules

Optional modules

Optional modules change each academic year, below modules are examples of modules that have been available in previous years.


    Entry Requirements

    Minimum requirements:

    • 2.1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject, e.g. a single or combined Honours Undergraduate degree in Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Translation Studies, or another Humanities or relevant subject.
    • Applicants will need to provide proof of high-level competence in spoken and written English and in at least one of the following languages: Chinese, French, German, Italian or Spanish.
    • Knowledge of a third language amongst the ones mentioned above is valued, but not required.
    • All applicants require one academic reference confirming their Undergraduate performance and their suitability for this course. Ideally, referees would know the applicant personally. We may request additional information.
    • All applicants are encouraged to write a personal statement explaining their interest in and expectations from the programme.

    Language competence:

    • Applicants will need to indicate their level of competence in the language(s) other than English (UG degree level or equivalent to C1 in the CEFR). If formal evidence cannot be provided, applicants will be assessed individually by the School.
    • Applicants whose first language is not English or whose first degree was not taught entirely in English (equivalent to a UK qualification) will need to provide formal evidence of the following English language requirements.

    English language requirements

    • Band B
    • IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above

    International Students

    We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.

    Deadline for 2024 entry:

    The general departmental deadline for applications is the 15 July immediately preceding commencement of study for all applicants, irrespective of whether they require a visa to study in the UK or not.


    Teaching

    This is a taught MA with a significant research component in the form of a compulsory Dissertation, which you will be supported in writing by an expert Dissertation Supervisor.

    The course will involve 35 hours of work per week, including contact hours (face-to-face teaching), independent and group work (including class preparation), as well as attending mandatory guest lectures and other activities geared towards your professional development.

    The core Translation Portfolio (in Term 1) includes provision for group tutorials and peer-to-peer feedback alongside scheduled teaching in a mixed workshop/seminar format. While doing your Dissertation (in Term 3), you will work closely with your supervisor through one-to-one supervision meetings.


    Assessment styles

    The different core and optional modules are assessed in a variety of written assignments, such as essays, translations and/or analytical commentaries on translations, professional development plans, subtitling translation projects, comparative analyses as well as literature reviews.

    From the Spring term students will start to work on their Dissertation, following one of the three possible models:

    1. translation with commentary;
    2. a comparative commentary on existing translations; or
    3. a research dissertation on a topic related to translation and/or transcultural studies.

    Extracurricular activities

    You will benefit from:

    • regular guest lectures and seminars by specialists
    • research seminars by internationally renowned scholars
    • career events and talks by translators and industry representatives

    Other extra curricular activities include a reading group in Translation Studies, where staff and students meet to informally discuss and share their views about a piece of academic writing.

    Students doing the MA in Translation and Cultures are also encouraged to attend other research events happening at Warwick, particularly those related to the Migration, Identity, and Translation NetworkLink opens in a new window and the Warwick ThursdaysLink opens in a new window, a literary salon featuring visiting translators, publishers, editors and other cultural agents.

    For other events and engagement activities please check our dedicated websiteLink opens in a new window.

    Check also the "Study at Warwick" websiteLink opens in a new window.

    APTIS LogoInstitute of Translation and Interpreting Logozoo logo

    CIOL Warwick Partner LogoATC logoGALA logo

    How to apply

    Open Days

    Our research

    Funding your studies

    The Language Centre

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    Key Facts

    Qualification

    Master of Arts (MA)

    Duration

    1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

    Course code

    P-Q910 full-time, P-Q910P part-time

    Deadline

    15 July

    Course convenor

    Dr David Orrego-Carmona

    Contact

    SMLCOffice at warwick dot ac dot uk

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    Life after graduating

    Our alumni go on to do incredible things across many sectors. Find out where some are now and see where this degree can take you.