MA Interpreting and Translation, Mandarin and English

Key information

Degree

Types of study

Full time

Duration

12 months full-time

Start date

September 2024

Faculty

Education and English / Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Entry requirements

Course Requirements: Open to graduates who have a first degree (BA) in any subject and very strong English and Chinese language skills. Applicants with English as a second language should have a good undergraduate degree. Applicants with Chinese as a second language should have a degree at 2:1 level (or international equivalent) and a level of competence in written and spoken Chinese equivalent to advanced level HSK.

English Language Requirements:

Applicants whose first language is not English, and who do not have a degree from a UK institution, are required to have the following English language qualifications before they can register on an academic programme:

IELTS: 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element) or
PTE Academic: 71 (minimum 65) or
TOEFL (IBT): 90 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking)

Applicants with Chinese as a second language should have a high level of competence in written and spoken Chinese, with an HSK score of 6.

Further Requirements: Applicants may be required to attend interview and aptitude tests before admission to the programme if their linguistic and intellectual suitability for the programme is not apparent from their qualifications.

Course overview

The MA is designed for native speakers of Chinese who have a high level of competence in English and wish to develop this further. It is also open to speakers of other languages than English and Chinese who have a high level of competence in both English and Chinese. The MA combines the theoretical, technological and practical training necessary for effective translation between English and Chinese. It also offers training and practice in bi-lateral interpreting between the two languages. The programme is structured around a range of compulsory and elective modules. The compulsory modules provide the core skills and knowledge needed for translation and interpreting across a wide range of subjects, including the basic concepts of translation and interpreting theory.

The degree aims to train students who already possess high-level English and Mandarin language skills to professional levels of competence in interpreting and translation. Graduates from the course will be capable of interpreting across a wide range of subjects involving dialogues at specialist consultations and presentations by consecutive mode. Subject to performance in Semester 1, students will have the practice in simultaneous interpreting. Graduates will be capable of translating across a wide range of subjects and have a sound conceptual understanding of the material being translated.

The course will raise students' language skills to a higher level, introduce students to interpreting and translation theory, new technologies for translating and interpreting, key concepts of economics and business, technology, the media and culture. Students will also have the opportunity to continue a second foreign language from the intermediate level. Teaching will be enhanced with input from professional and experienced interpreters and translators.

Course structure

The programme is made up of core modules in the theory and practice of translation and interpreting. In addition, students may take optional modules in translation and interpreting in different subject areas, and continue their study of a second foreign language. In the second semester, students will continue with both translation and interpreting but they will have the opportunity to specialise in one or the other through the Advanced Translation or the Advanced Interpreting modules. Admission to the modules will be subject to performance in the Professional Translation or Professional Interpreting modules in semester 1. Students will write a dissertation or complete an interpreting or translation project for submission in late August. While opportunities of on-campus internship in translation and interpreting are abundant at this international campus, students will also be recommended to undertake internships in public service sectors or private companies.

Careers and further study

Our Careers Development Service will work with you to explore your options. They will invite you to attend recruitment events featuring potential employers, and will suggest further opportunities, such as relevant work experience placements and skills workshops.