MA Translation Studies (Distance Learning)

Program Overview

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The MA Translation Studies (Distance Learning) program at the University of Birmingham equips students with practical translation skills, training in state-of-the-art technology, and a comprehensive understanding of translation theory and practice. Delivered online, the program emphasizes professional development and prepares students for careers as translators, project managers, and other roles in the translation industry. With a focus on specialized translation and current theoretical thinking, graduates are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the field.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The MA Translation Studies (Distance Learning) program at the University of Birmingham is designed for individuals seeking to embark on or develop careers as professional translators. It covers most of the competences required by professional translators as published by the European Master’s in Translation network.

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Objectives:

• To equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as professional translators.
• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of translation theory and practice.
• To develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills.

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Program Description:

• The program is available to students proficient in English and one of the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
• The industry standard is for translators to work into their mother tongue.
• The program offers an "open" route for students who wish to work in a different language pairing.
• The program is delivered through a virtual learning environment, with support from experienced tutors.
• Students have the opportunity to meet other students and academic staff through online chats and discussion forums.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

• Students complete 6 modules followed by a final project.
• The program can be completed in 18 months (Accelerated Route) or 30 months (Standard Route).
• Students can also choose to complete a Postgraduate Certificate (3 modules) or a Postgraduate Diploma (6 modules).

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Course Schedule:

• Accelerated Route: October start only, with one module completed every 2 months and the final project over 6 months.
• Standard Route: October, February, or April starts available, with one module completed every 4 months and the final project over 6 months.
Students learn key concepts and skills, including client interaction, information mining, translating using appropriate strategies, and using corpora and parallel texts. Assessment: translation from or into English and a reflective commentary.
• Translation Technology: This module provides hands-on experience with technologies applied to translation study and practice.
Assessment: critical report.
• Theoretical and Analytical Skills: This module introduces significant translation theories and their application to translation practice.
It focuses on translating texts for specialized audiences in areas like business, law, and science, as well as creative texts in areas like literature, advertising, and tourism. Assessment: two translations from or into English and a reflective commentary.

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Optional Modules:

• Multimodal Translation: This module highlights the roles translators play in promoting access to audio-visual content through services like audio description, captioning, and fan subtitling.
Assessment: reflective or practical portfolio. Assessment: reflective portfolio.
• Professional Development (Translation/Interpreting): This module emphasizes professional development, focusing on understanding the translation industry, marketing oneself, setting rates, and interacting with clients.
Assessment: professional portfolio.
• Contemporary Translation Theory: This module examines current theoretical thinking in Translation Studies, including cultural theories, sociological theories, and political approaches.
Assessment: 4,000-word essay.

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Final Project:

• Students can choose from three options:
• Traditional written dissertation: a 15,000-word piece of independent research.
• Extended translation project: a 7,500-word translation of a text of choice, accompanied by a 7,500-word commentary.
• Translation project relevant to current professional challenges in the translation industry, with support from the Association of Translation Companies.

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Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Translations from or into English
• Reflective commentaries
• Critical reports
• Papers analyzing source texts
• Portfolios
• Essays
• Dissertations
• Assessment Criteria:
• Accuracy and fluency of translation
• Understanding of translation theory and practice
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Research skills
• Communication skills

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Online lectures
• Online discussions
• Online tutorials
• Self-directed learning
• Faculty:
• Experienced tutors and dissertation supervisors
• Unique Approaches:
• Emphasis on practical translation skills
• Training in state-of-the-art translation technology
• Collaboration with industry partners

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• In-house translators
• Project managers
• Freelance translators
• Translation company owners
• Researchers
• Opportunities:
• Internships at organizations like the United Nations, the European Union, and SDL Trados.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the translation industry.

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Other:

• The University of Birmingham is ranked as one of the world's top 100 institutions to study Modern Languages in the 2024 QS World University Rankings.
• The program offers access to specialist software, including translation memory tools, corpus and text analysis tools, and post-editing tools.
• The program is a member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), the Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting Studies, UK and Ireland, and the SDL University Partner Program.
• The program offers talks from professionals, mentoring, and internship opportunities.
• The program is also available as a campus-based program, full-time over one year or part-time over two years.