MA Theory and Practice of Translation

Overview & facilities

This is a well-established and internationally recognised masters degree. Over the years it has attracted increasing numbers of international students thanks to the opportunity for combining it with a great range of languages. While at the beginning the emphasis was placed on literary translation, one of the very few courses in the UK of its type, since the course became part of the Languages and Translation Directorate, it has gained a more vocational appeal, which takes into account the need for translation in the globalised world as translators are required in every sector from law to tourism, business, education, medicine and technology itself.Open Languages Scheme

Open Languages Scheme

Our Open Languages Scheme gives you the opportunity to acquire or develop your foreign language skills, from beginners to advanced level. These extra classes are ideal if you wish to enhance your employability, further your career, prepare for study or research abroad, visit a country where your target language is spoken, or simply keep your foreign language/s going and enjoy the pleasurable and satisfying experience of language learning.

Languages offered

Arabic (Beginners)
French (all levels)
German (all levels)
Italian (all levels)
Mandarin Chinese (Beginners)
Russian (Beginners/Intermediate)
Spanish (all levels)

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  History, Theory and Culture of Translation (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  - To enhance your understanding of the historical development of issues and knowledge which have been and often still remain at the forefront of the discipline of translation studies. - To enhance your understanding of current knowledge at the forefront of the discipline of translation studies and to explore recent developments schools of and approaches to translation studies in it.

  Literary Texts and Their Translation (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The aim of this module is to enhance students understanding of the theoretical notions and descriptive vocabulary relevant to literary studies, literary theory and identification of literary genres and to enable them to apply this understanding when translating and editing literary texts.

  Research in Translation Studies (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  i to ensure that all students are up to date with: - research facilities available on campus, in other libraries and on the internet and with how to access them. - techniques applicable to research and advanced scholarship in translation studies. - the conventions governing the presentation of the outcome of such research in British universities. ii : - To prepare you for your research project and your dissertation by introducing a number of techniques of research and enquiry which are and have been used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline of translation studies. - To enable you to evaluate critically current research, advanced scholarship and methodologies used in translation studies and, where appropriate, propose new hypotheses. - To encourage you to apply your knowledge and understanding with originality and to act autonomously, originally and professionally when tackling and solving research and/or translation problems and implementing research and/or translation tasks. - To encourage you to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations, and to engage in independent learning.

  Translating Non-Literature (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  To enhance your understanding of how theoretical notions and descriptive vocabulary relevant to linguistic and stylistic studies, linguistic theory and the identification of textual genres are and have been used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline of translation studies, in translating and in editing translations. To give you the confidence and linguistic and textual awareness necessary to take responsibility for planning and creating a translation of a text of your own choice selected after consultation with your tutor s . To enable you to tackle the complexities of translation systematically, creatively, originally and with self-direction, making sound, autonomous translational judgements, and explaining these to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

One year full-time, 2 years part-time. The programme consists of four year-long modules, each carrying 30 credits, as well as a dissertation which carries 60 credits. Each module is taught and examined, by coursework only, over 24 weeks (48 for part time students). The dissertation is written between week 24 (48 for part time students) and the end of the following August.

Assessment

Each module is structured into two 12-week halves of which 6-8 weeks are taught and 4-6 weeks are for individual research and the production of an essay. The second essay may follow on from the first. The dissertation may develop aspects first researched in the essays, though material may not be repeated as part of the assessment of the dissertation. Rather, it will be placed for reference in appendices.

Attendance

Attendance at all taught sesions is compulsory.

Entry & applying

Standard entry requirements

To be accepted to study on the MA Theory and Practice of Translation, we normally require a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas university, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

How to Apply

Apply now

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. The quickest way to apply is by making an online application, once you have created your account and completed your application, you will be able to track the progress of your application online. Alternatively, you can fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for MA Theory and Practice of Translation for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £6,000
Part-time students: £50 per taught credit

International Students

Full-time students: £10,600
Part-time students: £93 per taught credit

Careers & placements