Translation and Cultures (MA)
Find out more about our Translation and Cultures taught Master's degree at Warwick
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, expertise 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.
Choose your specialisation through one of three distinctive pathways:
- Translation and Cultures
- Translation and Technologies
- Literary Translation Studies
Whichever path you choose, you'll graduate as a confident intercultural mediator ready to make your mark in the rapidly evolving language industries.
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.
Course overview
In our interconnected world, translation shapes everything from global literature and digital media to international business and cultural exchange. Our MA in Translation and Cultures prepares you to thrive at the forefront of this dynamic field, where linguistic expertise meets cutting-edge technology and creative practice.
This innovative 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,
- Intercultural mediation
Through our three distinct pathways, you will develop a rigorous theoretical understanding of translation and intercultural communication, while also strengthening 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, including freelance translators, project managers, company directors, copyeditors, technology experts and other language professionals.
Programme Pathways
This MA offers three distinct pathways allowing you to specialise according to your interests and career goals. You can select a pathway upon registration or when you join us and select your modules.
Translation and Cultures
This foundational pathway offers a versatile and comprehensive education 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.
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.
General 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 subject.
Candidates with a UK 2:2 (or equivalent) may be accepted upon individual assessment or demonstration of relevant experience.
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.
Academic References
We typically ask for one academic reference for taught courses.
You will be asked to include an email address for your referee(s) when submitting your application and we will contact them for you.
View our guide to academic references.Link 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.
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 and Cultures Pathway
Translation and Technologies Pathway
Literary Translation Studies Pathway
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Depending on your pathway, you will need to do 15 or 30 credits of optional modules. Example optional modules may include:
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:
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.
Teaching
The course includes a series of seminars, workshops and lectures, supported by a range of guided independent activities, organised extracurricular activities (workshops, lectures, professional talks, masterclasses, 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 2024/25 programme as an example of the activities that take place.
Assessment
Modules are assessed by written assignments, consisting of essays, translations, analytical commentaries on translations, translation projects, comparative analysis, professional development plans and portfolios of tasks. 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.
Reading Lists
If you would like to view reading lists for current or previous cohorts of students, most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library on the Talis Aspire platform.
You can search for reading lists by module title, code or convenor. Please see the modules tab of this page or the module catalogue.
Please note that some reading lists may have restricted access or be unavailable at certain times of year due to not yet being published. If you cannot access the reading list for a particular module, please check again later or contact the module’s host department.
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
Our degrees equip you with the skills and experiences needed to excel in your career. With access to exceptional career services, industry connections, and global opportunities, we’ll inspire and help you to aim high and achieve your goals. Our guidance ensures you graduate as a well-rounded professional ready for lifelong success.
The median salary for University of Warwick 2021/22 postgraduates whose main employment was full-time work in the UK was £38,000 (based on 971 respondents - 17% of the total postgraduate population)*.
Previous graduates from the School of Modern Languages and Cultures have pursued occupations such as the following*:
- Intercultural communicators
- Project managers
- In-house translators
- Freelance translators
- Editors in the publishing industry
- Subtitlers
- Corporate industry professionals
- Marketing associates
- Language teaching professionals
- Writers and copywriters
- Officials in international organisations and/or NGO
- Civil servants
*Derived from the Graduate Outcomes survey, 2021/22, carried out approximately 15 months after completion of studies.
Conducted annually, Graduate Outcomes Link opens in a new window collects information on the activities and perspectives of graduates. Contains HESA data: Copyright Jisc 2024. Jisc cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.
Helping you find the right career
Your career path is unique to you. Our university careers team offer personalised support to help you develop your skills, plan your career path, and get experience at any point during your time at Warwick, and after graduation.
Find out moreLink opens in a new window 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 IrelandLink opens in a new window. We are also a corporate member of the Institute of Translation and InterpretingLink opens in a new window in the UK and the Globalization and Localization Association (GALA)Link opens in a new window, 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 LinguistsLink opens in a new window and a university partner of the Association of Translation CompaniesLink opens in a new window.
Our department also has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant. They offer 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
Discover more about postgraduate careers support at WarwickLink opens in a new window.
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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Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
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We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
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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 2025/26 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
Scholarships and funding
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
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Application deadlines
Applications for courses starting in September and October 2026 are now open.
Applications close on 2 August 2026 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.
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