24 March 2025

Updated introduction, course overview, modules, teaching and learning and careers sections.

Updated introduction:
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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 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. We are corporate members of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting in the UK, the Chartered Institute of Linguists, the Globalization and Localization Association, GALA, and the Association of Translation Companies.

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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 knowledge and critical skills to become a successful intercultural mediator.

This exciting Master's degree 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.

We are corporate members of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting in the UK, the Chartered Institute of Linguists, the Globalization and Localization Association (GALA), and the Association of Translation Companies.

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Updated Course Overview:
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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 and technological 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. 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 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.

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Are you interested in becoming a successful communicator between different languages, nations or cultures, equipped to meet the evolving demands of today's translation and languagemarkets? This exciting course draws on cutting-edge academic research by a team of experts in translation, transnational and transcultural studies, with a strong emphasis on professional preparation for both technological innovation and literary markets.

Our carefully developed suite of core and optional modules will grant you the opportunity to hone your skills and explore a variety of translation fields:

• literary translation and publishing markets,

• translation technologies,

• audiovisual translation,

• specialised and practical translation,

• language industries and professions,and
• intercultural mediation.

Through our three distinct pathways, you will develop a rigorous theoretical understanding of translation and intercultural communication, while alsostrengthening your practical skills in your chosen specialisation. Whether you aim to become a literary translator navigating the publishing industry, a technology-savvy language professional working with the latest translation tools, or a versatile cultural mediator, our modules will prepare you for the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary translation landscape.The interdisciplinary programme examines translation between English and Chinese (standard Mandarin), French, German, Italian and Spanish in a cultural context. You will be taught by leading scholars in Translation and Transcultural Studies and benefit from regular visits by translation professionals and industry representatives.

Programme Pathways

This MA offers three distinct pathways allowing 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

1. Translation and Cultures

This general 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

On all pathways, 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.

Updated Modules:
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Core modules

Translation across Cultures: Concepts and Theories

The moduleseeksto familiarise students with key theoretical concepts in contemporary Translation and Transcultural Studies, explored through case studies across a range of text types in translation; it alsoprovidesan overview of the development of Translation Studies as a discipline. Students will be given the opportunity to explore how translation theory relates to translation practice and to the study of translation across a range of text types, as well as reflecting on their own positionality as researchers and practitioners in TranslationStudies.

Critical Skills for the Translation Profession

This module introduces students 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, students will develop a reflexive stance towards translators’ position within the current job market. Crucially, students will acquire the necessary analytical skills to assess ethical dilemmas and the challenges and opportunities of translation as a sustainable profession.

Additionally, students will be offered the opportunity to complete an optional company visit to a national translation service provider.

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.

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.

Specialised Translation Skills

This module supports students in the development of practical specialised translation skills that are essential for language professionals. Departing from functionalist and text-based methods applied to translation, the module fosters a reflective and critical approach to the analysis of source texts and translation situations that will allow an approach to the analysis of source texts and translation situations that will allow students to design, develop and evaluate specialised translation decisions.

Within a multilingual setting with English as a common language and the framework of the translation profession, the students will become familiar with text and genre conventions, features of specialised language, documentation and terminology, as well as translation challenges, strategies and solutions. The multilingual translation workshops will focus on specific specialised translation genres that will provide students with hands-on translation experience as well as critical awareness, analytical writing proficiency, and key transferable skills.

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.

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Optional modules

Optional modules can vary from year to year. You will have to do 30 credits of optional modules. Example optional modules may include:

• Audiovisual Translation: Subtitling and Global Media
• Translation, Technology and Automation
• Trans/national Cultures
• Multilingualism and Global Cultures
• Translation and Transcultural Encounters between China and the West
• The Practice of Literary Translation (Offered by SCAPVC)

Read more about the optional modules offered on the School of Modern Languages website.Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

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.

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Core modules

Translation and Cultures Pathway 

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 Profession (15 credits)

• LN919 Specialised Translation Skills (15 credits)

• LN904 Dissertation in Translation Studies (60 credits)

 

Translation and Technologies Pathway 

Core modules:

• LN914 Translation across Cultures: Concepts and Theories (30 credits)

• LN913 Translation, Technology and Automation (15 credits)

• LN912 Audiovisual Translation: Subtitling and Global Media (15 credits)

• LN919 Specialised Translation Skills (15 credits)

• LN906 Research Skills in Modern Languages (15 credits)

• LN911 Critical Skills for the Translation Profession (15 credits)

• LN904 Dissertation in Translation Studies (60 credits)

 

Literary Translation Studies Pathway

Core modules:

• LN914 Translation across Cultures: Concepts and Theories (30 credits)

• CW915 The Practice of Literary Translation (15 credits)

• LN902 Translation Portfolio (15 credits)

• LN906 Research Skills in Modern Languages (15 credits)

• LN911 Critical Skills for the Translation Profession (15 credits)

• LN904 Dissertation in Translation Studies (60 credits)

 

Module overview 

Translation across Cultures: Concepts and Theories

The module seeks to familiarise students with key theoretical concepts in contemporary Translation and Transcultural Studies, explored through case studies across a range of text types in translation; it also provides an overview of the development of Translation Studies as a discipline. Students will be given the opportunity to explore how translation theory relates to translation practice and to the study of translation across a range of text types, as well as reflecting on their own positionality as researchers and practitioners in Translation Studies.

Critical Skills for the Translation Profession

This module introduces students 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, students will develop a reflexive stance towards translators’ position within the current job market. Crucially, students will acquire the necessary analytical skills to assess ethical dilemmas and the challenges and opportunities of translation as a sustainable profession.

Additionally, students will be offered the opportunity to complete an optional company visit to a national translation service provider.

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.

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.

Specialised Translation Skills

This module supports students in the development of practical specialised translation skills that are essential for language professionals. Departing from functionalist and text-based methods applied to translation, the module fosters a reflective and critical approach to the analysis of source texts and translation situations that will allow an approach to the analysis of source texts and translation situations that will allow students to design, develop and evaluate specialised translation decisions.

Within a multilingual setting with English as a common language and the framework of the translation profession, the students will become familiar with text and genre conventions, features of specialised language, documentation and terminology, as well as translation challenges, strategies and solutions. The multilingual translation workshops will focus on specific specialised translation genres that will provide students with hands-on translation experience as well as critical awareness, analytical writing proficiency, and key transferable skills.

Translation, Technology and Automation 

Core for the Technologies pathway, this module introduces key concepts related to computer-assisted translation and machine translation, explores how these technological advancements are changing the professional landscape and provides students with the knowledge, tools, and practical skills to make proficient use of technologies to develop their professional careers in the dynamic translation and localisation market.

The module also explores the impact of automation on the work of translators and the future of work. Following a strong hands-on and applied approach, students will engage with state-of-the-art translation tools (such as translation memories, machine translation systems, and terminology management applications) through practical exercises mirroring real-life scenarios. As a result, the module equips students with transferrable skills that will allow them to navigate new and evolving technological tools in their professional careers.

Audiovisual Translation: Subtitling and Global Media 

Core for the Technologies pathway. The rapid globalisation of media and entertainment relies heavily on the efficiency of audiovisual translation and, in particular, the versatility of subtitling. This module provides students with an understanding of audiovisual translation in the context of global media flows and creates a space for them to critically reflect on the evolving role of professional audiovisual translators.

The course combines theoretical, practical, and industry-related aspects of subtitling to help students navigate the challenges, ethical questions, and possibilities in this field. Students will develop essential translation, technical and technological skills while contextualising audiovisual translation practices within the broader globalisation and professional realities of the language industry, with insights from industry experts and professional associations.

The Practice of Literary Translation 

Core on our Literary Translation pathway, here you will explore literary translation from their choice of ancient and modern texts, which they bring to class. You will be assessed by a portfolio of creative work (50%) and essay (50%) examining translation. . Students are invited to translate into English texts from whatever language – ancient or modern – they choose, with the translated text being examined in workshop sessions where participants collaboratively explore challenges, alternatives, and general principles.

Through this workshop approach, students come to understand the particular challenges of the languages from which they are translating and appreciate the complex processes by which translators deploy literary techniques to do justice to original works while enriching their own use of English. Students will attempt translations across a range of modes and forms, supported by readings from translated literature and Translation Studies that allow them to reflect critically on their practice.

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. Students taking all pathways have access to optional modules outside their specialism, with all core modules offered to other pathways as options. Example optional modules may include:

• Audiovisual Translation: Subtitling and Global Media

• Translation, Technology and Automation

• Trans/national Cultures 

• Multilingualism and Global Cultures 

• Translation and Transcultural Encounters between China and the West 

• The Practice of Literary Translation (offered by SCAPVC)

Read more about the optional modules offered on the School of Modern Languages website. 

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.  

Updated Teaching and Learning:
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Teaching

The course includes a series of seminars, workshops and lectures, supported by a range of guided independent activities, organised extracurricular activities and additional learning opportunities. 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.

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Class sizes

From 1 to 30 for seminar teaching; individual supervision for the dissertation component.

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Typical contact hours

The course will involve, on average, 35 hours of work per week, typically comprising 4 hours of seminar teaching, 1 hour of lectures, up to 1 hour of tutoring and 29 hours of independent study over Terms One and Two.

All our PG students can do an additional language for free at the Language Centre, subject to availability.

In Term Three, which is focused on the Dissertation, you will work closely with your supervisor through one-to-one supervision meetings.

A complete suite ofextracurricular activitiesLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new windowincluding research seminars, masterclasses and industry-relevant workshops with guest professionals are also organised throughout the academic year. See our 2023/24 schedule as an example of the activities that take place.

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Assessment

Modules are assessed by written assignments, consisting of essays, translations and/or analytical commentaries on translations, translation projects, 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.

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Teaching

The course includes a series of seminars, workshops and lectures, supported by a range of guided independent activities, organised extracurricular activities (workshops, lectured, professional talks, etc.) and additional learning opportunities. 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. Part-time students join full time students and, depending on their pathway, and will register 30 credits per teaching term, on average.

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, on average, 35 hours of work per week, typically comprising 4 hours of seminar teaching, 1 hour of lectures, up to 1 hour of tutoring and 29 hours of independent study over Terms One and Two.

All our PG students can do an additional language for free at the Language Centre, subject to availability.

In Term Three, which is focused on the Dissertation, you will work closely with your supervisor through one-to-one supervision meetings.

 A complete suite of extracurricular activities including research seminars, masterclasses and industry-relevant workshops with guest professionals are also organised throughout the academic year. See our 2023/24 schedule as an example of the activities that take place.

 

Assessment

Modules are assessed by written assignments, consisting of essays, translations and/or analytical commentaries on translations, translation projects, 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 awards the Susan Bassnett Prize for the Best Dissertation in Translation Studies.

Updated Careers:
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Your career

Graduates from these courses have pursued roles such as: translators (both freelance and in-house), intercultural communicators, subtitlers, writers, content designers, civil servants, corporate industry professionals, project managers in translation agencies, language teachers, editors in the publishing industry, official in international organisations and marketing associate professionals.

Find out more about the skills you will learn from this degree and what our Translation and Cultures Alumni have done since their time at Warwick.

We are a founding member of the Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting Studies of the UK and Ireland. We are also a corporate member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting in the UK and the Globalization and Localization Association, GALA, 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 Linguistics.

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

New:

Your career

Graduates from these courses have pursued roles such as: translators (both freelance and in-house), intercultural communicators, subtitlers, writers, content designers, civil servants, corporate industry professionals, project managers in translation agencies, language teachers, editors in the publishing industry, official in international organisations and marketing associate professionals.

Find out more about the skills you will learn from this degree and what our Translation and Cultures Alumni have done since their time at Warwick.

We are a founding member of the Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting Studies of the UK and Ireland. We are also a corporate member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting in the UK and the Globalization and Localization Association, GALA, 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 Linguistics and a university partner of the Association of Translation Companies.

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