Translation and Cultures (MA) (2023 Entry)
Explore our Translation and Cultures taught Master's degree.
Are you looking for a MA in Translation and Cultures offering a rigorous academic grounding in the theoretical and practical study of translation? Warwick will provide you with the skills you need to enhance your effectiveness as intercultural mediator and will help you develop professional skills to work as a translator in the language industry. We are corporate members of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting in the UK.
Course overview
Are you interested in becoming a successful communicator between different languages, nations or cultures? This exciting course draws on cutting-edge academic research by a team of experts in translation, transnational and transcultural studies.
You will develop a rigorous theoretical understanding of translation and intercultural communication, with the opportunity to produce your own translations and analyse existing translations and to reflect about the critical skills required for the language industry and the translation profession.
The interdisciplinary programme examines translation between English and Chinese (standard Mandarin), French, German, Italian and Spanish in a cultural context. On this 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 from a variety of genres and an analytical commentary.
After graduating, you will be well qualified to seek out work within linguistic and intercultural mediation, in the growing sector of language industry and the translation profession, or to apply for further study or applied research, including our Warwick’s own PhD programme in Translation and Transcultural Studies.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2.i 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 subject.
You 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.
Language competence
You will need to indicate your 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, you will be assessed individually by the School.
If your first language is not English, or if you have not been taught entirely in English (equivalent to a UK qualification), you will need to provide formal evidence of the following English language requirements.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- 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 qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Additional requirements
In all cases, we require one academic reference confirming your Undergraduate performance and your suitability for this course.
Deadline
The deadline for applications for our taught postgraduate courses is the 15 July immediately preceding commencement of study.
Deposit
Please also note that offer holders for the MA in Translation and Cultures may be asked to pay a fees depositLink opens in a new window to secure their place.
Core modules
Translation Studies in Theory and Practice
This module offers an overview of the development of Translation Studies as a discipline since the 1970s but also of “pre-scientific” thought on translation dating from the classical era. It specifically explores how translation theory relates to translation practice and to the study of translated texts.
Translation Portfolio
This module introduces the principles of translation, with a particular focus on the challenges that translators encounter in their practice. It offers you the opportunity to translate texts in different genres, and to analyse your own translation strategies.
In the general lectures, you will explore the theoretical challenges that different literary and media genres (such as poetry, short stories, children's literature, news, audiovisual and advertising) typically pose to the practice of translation. Crucially, in the language-specific seminars and through independent study, you will engage in the practice of translation and write a commentary analysing your own approach and translation strategies.
Please note, this module is currently being reviewed and will be undergoing changes. Please check the page for future updates or contact the MA Convenor.
Critical Skills for the Translation Profession
This module introduces you to current professional practices in the language industry from a critical perspective. As well as becoming familiar with language industry demands, emerging job profiles, translation competence models, the role of technology, market requirements and the need to specialise, you will develop a reflexive stance towards translators’ position within the current job market. Crucially, you will acquire the necessary analytical skills to assess ethical dilemmas and the challenges and opportunities of translation as a sustainable profession.
Research Skills in Modern Languages
This module helps you develop key research skills that will assist you in your work on your other MA modules, including the use of electronic resources, writing a literature review, creating a bibliography, choosing and writing a dissertation and giving an oral presentation.
These research techniques and the ability to apply a chosen stylesheet consistently and accurately in order to present a piece of work to high standards are also transferable professionalising skills that are valued in a variety of jobs. These skills will also stand you in good stead if you wish to continue to doctoral research after your MA.
Dissertation
Through a combination of independent research and targeted support and feedback sessions, the final dissertation (15,000 words) will help you produce a coherent and logically argued piece of writing that demonstrates knowledge of and critical ability in a chosen area, commensurate with the accomplishment of an MA degree. You will choose one of three models: (a) extended translation with commentary, (b) comparative analysis of existing translations, or (c) research dissertation on a chosen topic related to your own interests.
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
- Trans/national Cultures
- Multilingualism and Global Cultures
- Translation and Transcultural Encounters between China and the West
- The Practice of Literary Translation (Offered by SCAPVC)
You can also choose other optional modules offered in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures and even in the Faculty of Arts and wider University, subject to availability.
Teaching
This is a taught MA with a significant research component in the form of a compulsory Dissertation. A Supervisor who is an expert in the field will support you in writing the Dissertation.
The core Translation Portfolio includes provision for group tutorials and peer-to-peer feedback alongside scheduled teaching in a mixed workshop/seminar format.
Class sizes
From 1 to 20 for seminar teaching; individual supervision for the dissertation component.
Typical contact hours
The course will involve 35 hours of work per week, typically comprising 3 hours of seminar teaching, 1 hour of lectures, up to 1 hour of tutoring and 30 hours of independent study over Terms One and Two.
In Term Three, which is focused on the Dissertation, you will work closely with your supervisor through one-to-one supervision meetings.
All our PG students can do an additional language for free at the Language Centre, subject to availability.
Assessment
Modules are assessed by written assignments, consisting of essays, translations and/or analytical commentaries on translations, comparative analysis, professional development plans as well as by portfolio in the case of some core and option modules. Students will also submit an approximately 15,000-word final Dissertation.
Since 2020, the School offers the Susan Bassnett prize for the best dissertation in Translation Studies.
Reading lists
Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web pageLink opens in a new window.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.
Your career
Graduates from these courses have pursued roles such as: translators (both freelance and in-house), intercultural communicators, subtitlers, writers, content designers, jobs in the corporate industry, project managers in translation agencies, language teachers and marketing associate professionals.
We are a founding member of the Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting StudiesLink opens in a new window of the UK and Ireland. We are also a corporate member of the Institute of Translation and InterpretingLink opens in a new window in the UK, so you will have access to professional advice and support, including events, workshops, journals and career bulletins. We are official language partners of the Chartered Institute of LinguisticsLink opens in a new window.
Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- Careers in the Public Sector
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
- Completing effective CVs and Application Forms for students from the School of Modern Languages
- Languages Alumni Evening
Modern Languages and Cultures at Warwick
The School of Modern Languages and Cultures is a close-knit community with an excellent reputation for innovative teaching and world-leading research. The School comprises five major sections – French, German, Italian, Hispanic Studies (all broadly conceived) and Translation and Transcultural Studies – and a Language Centre offering linguistic training in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
Get to know us a bit better by exploring our department websiteLink opens in a new window
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Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
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