MA Translation

Course OverviewThe MA in Translation has been designed to provide a gateway into the translating profession or into doctoral (PhD) studies in the field of translation studies. It offers a combination of specialist modules in translation studies alongside the opportunity to gain the linguistic and technological skills necessary to enter the profession. The programme is suitable for practising translators who do not have, but wish to gain, formal qualifications.The MA covers the necessary linguistic and technical skills for a career in specialist industries such as legal, technical, or medical translation. It also provides a unique chance to focus on literary translation and translation’s relationship with the arts and culture, one of the research strengths of the department. Building on your existing language skills, you will have the opportunity to learn how to research specialised subjects to produce professional translations in different contexts. You will be encouraged to apply insights drawn from linguistics and translation theory and to use your technical skills in Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools.The MA in Translation is also suitable for those aiming for a career in literary translation, editing or copy-writing. Optional modules such as Translation as Creative Critical Practice and the literary translators-in-residence scheme provide the possibility of exploring the more creative aspects of the profession.As a preparation for entry into the translation profession, our optional placement module (Translating in a Professional Context) provides valuable professional experience, while the translation project and Independent Study Unit provide opportunities for you to pursue your own particular interests.We combine language-specific practice in either one or two languages in addition to English. You may specialise in translation as follows: German into English; French into English; Spanish into English and English into Mandarin Chinese. You also have the possibility of studying more than one language combination during your MA.The department is a vibrant language research community with its own resource centre, language lunch clubs and research talks available for students to attend throughout the year. Students are also able to learn a new language (currently Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, German, French, Italian, and Spanish) through our extracurricular language evening classes. You can find out more about these on our departmental website.Professional DevelopmentThe Department of Languages and Cultures at Lancaster University is a Higher Education partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), The Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting Studies, and is part of the SDL Academic Partner Programme. SDL is one of the industry leaders in translation technology and services.Literary Translators in ResidenceEvery year the Department is home to a translator or literary editor of translated literature in residence. This means that our students can develop their translation skills in literary translation alongside a professional in the field. Past translators and editors in residence include award- winning translators such as Frank Wynne and Sophie Lewis, as well as translated literature editor Bill Swainson.Translation Research and Professional Talk SeriesThroughout your MA you will be taught by professional researchers who either work in the field of translation studies or have experience as professional translators and interpreters.