Translation and Interpreting (Extended), MA, Swansea University

the United Kingdom

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Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
MA	Full-time, Part-time	2 - 4 years	September	GBP 6300 per year	GBP 13750 per year

About Translation and Interpreting (Extended), MA - at Swansea University

The Extended MA in Translation and Interpreting (MATI) is a uniquely specialised variant of our Professional Translation course, with an emphasis on interpreting skills. It develops you from an excellent foreign language speaker into a successful professional linguist.

Your advanced translation studies will focus on general, administrative and technical text types, interpreting in one or two of local government, health, police and court, and training in industry-standard computer-assisted translation tools.

The first part of the degree includes the chance to specialise in interpreting, audiovisual translation, machine translation and software localisation, terminology management, video making or digital publishing.

In the translation work experience module you simulate translation companies by working with local translation businesses and delivering on real commissions to professional standards.

In the second part of the degree you are presented with a choice of two extended translations, or an academic dissertation, or a 13-week internship at a translation company in the UK or overseas.

Language pairs (subject to demand):

German > English
English > German
French > English
English > French
English > Italian
Spanish > English
English > Spanish
English > Welsh
English > Arabic
English > Mandarin

This extended course involves 60 further credits of part one modules, or a second project. A unique second stage option is the METS year abroad, in which you take 50 credits at two partner translation schools, with a 20 credit report for Swansea leading to a double award: Swansea MA plus METS Diploma.

Why Translation and Interpreting (Extended) at Swansea?

As a former member of the European Master’s in Translation Network, Swansea University has an established profile in professional translation. We have industry standard, state-of-the-art facilities and a robust global network of external organisations to help shape your studies.

The Modern Languages, Translation and Interpreting section is based on our inspirational Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula.

Designed to promote individual and collaborative research activity of international standard, the Graduate Centre provides a supportive environment for postgraduate research and taught masters study.

It offers postgraduate training to enhance academic and professional development, and facilitates seminar programmes, workshops and international conferences.

Your Translation and Interpreting (Extended) Experience

You will study a set number of compulsory and optional 20-credit modules on advanced translating and interpreting, before undertaking a 60-credit module on two extended translations, or an academic dissertation, or a 13-week internship at a translation company.

This extended course involves 60 further credits of part one modules, or a second project.

Modules cover advanced translating and interpreting of numerous different languages in different contexts and industries. There are specialist modules for interpreting.

In the second part, the extended translations option offers you the chance to develop an area of specialisation. One translation must be technical and performed using a major CAT tool.

The dissertation option can concentrate on a translation studies topic, such as a comparison of two or more published translations, or terminology research in a specialist area, or an investigation into translation technology.

The internship option can be undertaken either in the UK or abroad. Our extensive list of professional contacts is available to you but you must make your own applications and pass admissions tests.

A unique second stage option is the METS year abroad scheme. In this option you take 50 credits at two overseas partner translation schools, with a 20 credit report for Swansea that leads to a double award: Swansea MA plus METS Diploma.

Translation and Interpreting (Extended) Employment Opportunities

The vocational MA in Extended Translation and Interpreting significantly improves your career prospects. Over the course of your studies, or your internship, you may make connections which directly impact on your future work.

Graduates from this course enter a range of different translation and interpreting roles. Many also undertake research degrees and pursue a career in academia.

Learn more about Translation and Interpreting (Extended), MA - at Swansea University

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Entry requirements

A first degree, normally in Translation, a Language or a related subject, normally an upper second or above (or equivalent). As an alternative, we can accept a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience. Overseas students must be able to demonstrate English language competence at IELTS 6.5. level (or equivalent).

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at Swansea University

Swansea University offers a wide range of different scholarship schemes and in recognition of the high calibre of the international students choosing to study at Swansea, the International Development Office is awarding up to £6000 Excellence Scholarships for Undergraduate study and up to £4000 Excellence Scholarships for Postgraduate study. Visit our website to find what you could be eligible for and read our tips to write a successful scholarship application.

Student reviews of Swansea University

Find out what students say about Swansea University

Chido Ranganayi, (Zimbabwe) BSc Accounting and Finance

Why did you choose Swansea University?
Swansea University was at the top of my list as it ticked so many of my boxes. On a personal, lifestyle level, there were so many things that attracted me. The campus’ close proximity to a beautiful beach, the personable and supportive communications I had received during my application process and also the great things I had heard from a friend that had also studied there.

On an academic level, I was so impressed by its rankings. Over the past few years, the University has grown from strength to strength.I was also so pleased to have received the Excellence Scholarship to study at the University too.

What do you love about the University?
The amount of opportunities it has provided me with, in addition to my studies. I am proud to be a senior student ambassador, where I support prospective students with any questions they may have during University visits and Open Days. I’m also part of the Investment and Finance society and Christian Union; there are lots of opportunities to meet like-minded people.

I’m also an official Swansea University Vlogger which is great fun. Documenting my time at University isn’t just a great experience but also a great way of capturing all the memories I’m making during my time here.

What do you love about your course?
Staff are so supportive and are always available to help. The variety of modules is also great and allows me to focus on what I’m interested in. I particularly enjoy the Entrepreneurship module which helps with the management of Eve Zimbabwe.

The course is great at mixing theory with real-world examples, which makes me feel confident ahead of entering the world of work.

Being able to do a year in industry as part of my degree is also an incredible opportunity. Working for a business for a year, as part of my studies is priceless and experience that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve without doing this degree pathway.

Maya Dotson, (US) MA International Relations

Why did you choose to study at Swansea University? 
There are many reasons why I chose Swansea University. It seemed like it had an active, tight-knit community which was important to me. I also looked at several different masters’ programs and Swansea seemed to have the program that would best fit my interests. Additionally, there are some amazing lecturers that have experience in some of the academic areas of study I am interested in specializing in.

Can you tell us about your course and what do you enjoy the most? 
I am studying international relations. As an international student it has been an amazing opportunity to study with fellow students and lecturers from around the world. A lot of people are coming from different academic backgrounds, as well, which often augments and enriches class discussions.

What are your three favourite things about Swansea?
My three favourite things about Swansea would be the wonderful people I have met so far, the beautiful area and the beach.

Would you recommend Swansea University to other international students?
I would absolutely recommend Swansea University to other international students. I have found an amazing community both on and off the campus. I am taking courses which are challenging, intriguing, and enlightening. It is one of the most welcoming and humble places I have lived and studied.

Nouran Aly, (Qatar) BSc Computer Science

Why did you choose to study at Swansea University? 
I chose Swansea University because when I went to a UK universities’ fair that was helpful in Qatar, I’ve spoken to many universities but felt like Swansea's representatives were the most comforting, reassuring, and friendliest ones in the fair, they made me want to keep on researching the university after the fair and were able to leave a good impression.

Can you tell us about your course and what do you enjoy the most? 
I am impressed by how the lecturers have office hours where you can go and talk to them about anything, not necessarily lectures related but any student is able to explore their ambitions through these office hours as the staff at the computational foundry have a wide range of expertise and knowledge.

The fact that there are mentors always looking after you is quite comforting as well and they do made sure to make you come to talk to them if you are ever facing a problem.

Lastly, this based on my personal experience but the fact that there is a whole building just for computer science, software and maths students is quite amazing because whenever I enter that building, I feel a sense of belonging and confidence and also being surrounded by people who share the same passion and ambition is motivating and definitely helps you give your best to what you do.

What are your three favourite things about Swansea?
The beach is my favourite part about Swansea which definitely is Swansea’s strength and the fact that we are studying minutes away from it.

The friendly community, and the fact that racism is almost inexistent. People in Swansea are quite accepting and makes the fact that an international student who definitely looks like a foreigner in the UK much less intimidating.

The city centre is a great area, it is very vivid, full of things to do and when it comes to you grocery trips, not having a car, which is quite common especially for international students, not a problem at all as there is everything you need and more in one area and you definitely don’t need to be going around and taking multiple buses etc… for your weekly needs.