Translation and Cultures (MA) (2024 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 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 InterpretingLink opens in a new window in the UK, the Chartered Institute of Linguists,Link opens in a new window the Globalization and Localization AssociationLink opens in a new window and the Association of Translation CompaniesLink opens in a new window.
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 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 fro 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
What are the skills needed to be a researcher in your particular branch of Modern Languages? What are the standards and expectations for presenting your research in the field and beyond? How do these research skills reach beyond academic work to equip you for other professional contexts?
This module addresses the basic principles and procedures at the heart of advanced research in all areas of Modern Languages. You will become familiar with key research resources in your field and will learn how to evaluate and apply the materials available to you. You will also learn how to position your own research and writing within a broader scholarly landscape.
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 students to design, develop and evaluate specialised translation decisions.
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. 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)
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 30 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.
A complete suite of extracurricular activitiesLink opens in a new window 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.
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 CentreLink opens in a new window, 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.
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, 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 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
Our Postgraduate Taught courses
Our Postgraduate Research courses
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.
Fee Status Guidance
The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.
If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.
Additional course costs
Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
How to apply
The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.
Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.
How to apply for a postgraduate taught course
After you’ve applied
Find out how we process your application.
Applicant Portal
Track your application and update your details.
Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
Join a live chat
Ask questions and engage with Warwick.
Warwick Hosted EventsLink opens in a new window
Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.Postgraduate Fairs
Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.
Live chats
Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.
Warwick Talk and Tours
A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.