Conference Interpreting - MA

Program Overview

The Conference Interpreting MA prepares students for professional conference interpreting careers in international organizations and the private market. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum with practical interpreting experience, site visits, and a state-of-the-art interpreting suite. Students can choose from a wide range of language combinations and benefit from a hybrid teaching mode that combines synchronous online and in-person classes. Graduates are equipped for careers in conference interpreting, translation, editing, or teaching.

Program Outline

Conference Interpreting - MA

Degree Overview:

The Conference Interpreting MA prepares students for work as professional conference interpreters for international organizations and the private market. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes practical interpreting experience, site visits, and dummy booth practice at international institutions like the European Commission, the Court of Justice of the European Union, and the United Nations. Students benefit from access to a state-of-the-art interpreting suite equipped with digital facilities for practicing interpreting, attending virtual classes, and streaming recordings.

This MA program offers a Distance Learning option for both full-time (one year) and part-time (two years) students.

Students from both options are taught together in a synchronous hybrid mode, forming a cohesive learning community.

Outline:

• Language Combinations: The program offers a wide range of language combinations paired with English, including French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
Further combinations with English, such as Arabic, may be available depending on demand, staff expertise, and resource availability.
• Interpreting Practice: All simultaneous interpreting activities take place in a fully digital interpreting suite equipped with the latest multimedia facilities for virtual classes, student performance recordings, and original speeches for practice.
• Professional Practice: Students gain practical interpreting experience in professional settings, including guided walks around London using the mobile interpreting system.
They visit locations like the Bank of England, Lloyd's of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Barbican Centre.
• Modules: The modules are designed to prepare students for professional conference interpreting in the private market, commercial organizations, and large international institutions.
The program emphasizes reflection on interpreting skills during interpreting performances, mock conferences, and language-specific tutorials. The dissertation allows students to explore their individual interpreting performance or research the interpreting field.
• Guest Speakers: Students benefit from interactions with guest speakers and practicing conference interpreters who provide additional opportunities for practice and individual and group feedback.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through various methods, including essays, presentations, practical interpreting performances, self and peer evaluations, case studies, a reflective portfolio, and a research project or dissertation.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual tutorials. Students are taught by a team of experienced conference interpreters and academics who are experts in their respective fields.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as professional conference interpreters in the private market, international organizations, and government agencies. They may also pursue careers in translation, editing, or teaching.

Other:

• The program offers a Distance Learning option for both full-time (one year) and part-time (two years) students.
• Students benefit from access to a state-of-the-art interpreting suite equipped with digital facilities for practicing interpreting, attending virtual classes, and streaming recordings.
• The program places a strong emphasis on reflection and critical thinking, encouraging students to develop their own interpreting style and approach.
• Entry Requirements
• Modular Structure
• Accreditation