MA in Translation and Cultures (P-Q910)
MA in Translation and Cultures
MA in Translation and Cultures
Modules | Entry Requirements | Teaching | Assessment styles | Extracurricular activities
In our globalised world today, societies interact through translation across diverse contexts, from literary publishing to the Internet and technological platforms. Our MA in Translation and Cultures provides you with the knowledge and critical skills to become a successful intercultural mediator in this complex landscape. This exciting Master's degree offers three distinct pathways that will enhance your theoretical awareness, develop your technology skills and sharpen your practical skills to help you grow professionally, opening up opportunities for a successful career in the language industries or further research.
Whether you're interested in understanding the nuances of literary translation for the publishing market, mastering cutting-edge translation technologies and automation processes, or gaining a comprehensive grounding in translation across multiple domains, our programme has a pathway designed for your aspirations.
You will be taught by leading scholars in Translation and Transcultural Studies and benefit from regular visits by translation professionals and industry representatives. Our combination of core and optional modules creates a rich learning environment where literary creativity meets technological innovation.
Our graduates pursue diverse careers as translators, localisation specialists, subtitlers, technology consultants, literary agents, and publishing professionals, or continue to doctoral study in Translation and Transcultural Studies. Whichever pathway you choose, you'll graduate with the versatile skills needed to navigate the evolving world of intercultural communication.
Three Integrated Pathways
Our three distinct pathways allow you to specialise according to your interests and career goals. You can choose a pathway upon registration or choose a pathway when you join us and select your modules
Translation and Cultures
This comprehensive pathway offers a versatile and comprehensive foundation in translation studies that allows you to tailor your journey through a wide range of optional modules. You'll engage with cutting-edge theoretical frameworks while simultaneously developing practical skills that span diverse translation contexts, giving you the flexibility to explore areas that align with your personal interests and career aspirations.
Translation and Technologies
Focusing on the technological revolution transforming the translation industry, this pathway equips you with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art translation tools, machine translation systems, and audiovisual translation. You’ll learn to navigate the challenges and opportunities of automation while developing the critical skills to thrive in technology-driven translation environments.
Literary Translation Studies
Cultivating the art of literary translation, this pathway combines creative practice with theoretical understanding of the publishing landscape. Learn about how translated literature shapes cultural exchanges. You’ll develop your voice as a literary translator through workshops examining translated texts across languages and genres, supported by insights into the international market for translated literature.
Across all pathways, you will undertake research skills training and a final Dissertation, in which you can specialise in a research topic aligned with your pathway or produce an original translation with 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.
- an academic member of GALA, the Globalization and Localization Association.
Pathways
Core modules
- LN914 Translation across Cultures: Concepts and Theories (30 credits).
- LN902 Translation Portfolio (15 credits)
- LN906 Research Skills in Modern Languages (15 credits)
- LN911 Critical Skills for the Translation ProfessionLink opens in a new window (15 credits)
- LN919 Specialised Translation Skills (15 credits)
- LN904 Dissertation in Translation Studies (60 credits)
Optional modules
Optional modules change each academic year, below modules are examples of modules that have been available in previous years.
- LN903 Trans/national Cultures (15 credits)
- LN905 Multilingualism and Global Cultures (15 credits)
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LN910 Translation and Transcultural Encounters between China and the West (15 credits)
- LN912 Audiovisual Translation: Subtitling and Global MediaLink opens in a new window (15 credits)
- LN913 Translation, Technology and AutomationLink opens in a new window (15 credits)
- CW915 The Practice of Literary Translation (15 credits)
- LN919 Specialised Translation Skills(15 credits)
- Other options:
- See a full list of MA modules offered in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures.
- Outside of the department - you may be able to take modules offered by other departments in the Faculty of Arts and wider University, subject to availability. These include English and Comparative LiteratureLink opens in a new window, Film and TelevisionLink opens in a new window, HistoryLink opens in a new window, the Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning (IATL)Link opens in a new window, PhilosophyLink opens in a new window and Centre for the Study of the RenaissanceLink opens in a new window.
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 2025 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 30-35 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:
- translation with commentary;
- a comparative commentary on existing translations; or
- 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.
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
Contact
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.
