MA

Professional Translation Studies

Key Facts

Course Code Q596

  • Qualification

    MA

  • Course duration

    1 year

Available for September start 2025

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MA Professional Translation Studies is a unique and innovative course which will prepare you thoroughly for a career in the world of translation.

  • There are several possible pathways: MCert, MDip, MA or module by module.
  • It offers invaluable workplace experience by simulation of real workplace conditions as experienced by the professional translator.
  • Specialists in translation provide practical workshops.
  • You will have the opportunity to experience all aspects of translation, such as written translation, simultaneous translation, and subtitling.
  • Editorial and post-editorial training is provided.
  • You will have the opportunity to specialise, eg in general translation, legislative translation, literary translation or simultaneous translation.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2:1 Bachelors (Honours) degree, or equivalent. Non-graduates will be considered individually based on relevant experience.

English Language Requirements IELTS 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent

Other Requirements Applicants are encouraged to submit an up-to-date CV as part of their application.

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About this course

Funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, this national postgraduate degree is led by Aberystwyth University and involves collaboration with the University of Wales Trinity St David (UWTSD), who provide and teach the optional interpretation and subtitling modules.

Taught through the medium of Welsh, the Professional Translation Studies degree is suitable for anyone seeking to develop a career in professional translation. The scheme is flexible and students can choose to follow one of three pathways: MCert (60 credits), MDip (120 credits) or MA (180 credits).

The programme combines modules that are taught by specialists, with opportunities for work placements alongside professionals in Wales’s translation sector. You will have the opportunity to study translation techniques and theory, translation technology and resources, as well as the role of the translator in the workplace. It is very much a skills-based course with a strong focus on practical sessions and workshops. You will be introduced to all aspects of translation, including general, legislative and specialist translation; translation technology; and international creative translation. Interpretation and simultaneous translation are delivered by UWTSD. You can also opt to complete a research project.

Careers

The Professional Translation Studies MA will give you an opportunity to develop the skills that are necessary to forge a successful career in written translation and simultaneous translation. As a language expert, this qualification will provide you with a solid foundation to confidently enter the translation industry in Wales, by supporting you to engage fully with the wider aspects of translation as well, such as subtitling.

You will also be a strong candidate for any job that requires editing and proofreading skills and, due to your solid language skills, you will be a great asset to the bilingual workforce in Wales.

Student Testimonials

"The best thing about the course is that I'm able to learn the skills and craft of translation by completing the task that are set for us, and having the opportunity to go on extended work experience. Essay writing is also part of it, of course, but through undertaking constant translation I feel that I have the chance to learn and improve every week.

The course has given me the opportunity to re-train and to change careers after working in one area for twenty years, and to gain a qualification that will be advantageous to me when looking for work." Nia Jones, Student