About the course

The MA in Translation Studies is a specialist course that will provide you with the professional skills to translate between a wide range of languages and English and equip you with an understanding of translation as an academic discipline with its own cultural and historical heritage. The course prepares graduates to become professional translators and intercultural communicators or to go on to academic research in the subject.

　　The languages you will be able to choose from include Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.

　　The course has been developed around modern theories and strategies and is enriched by the input of professional translators and research-active staff. There are modules in language, the use of translation technology, linguistics, professional skills, subtitling, professional ethics, project management, and intercultural awareness. For Chinese there is also interpreting.

　　The course can be taken full-time over one year or part-time over two years and is based in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures in the centre of Durham.

　　In support of your studies, you will have access to a wide range of technical facilities, technical expertise and software, including an interpreting suite for Chinese interpreting, and specialist eye-tracking and key-stroke logging equipment for process research projects. You can gain practical experience from the work placement scheme and will also benefit from the programme of master classes with professional translators and visiting speakers.

　　We are a partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists which acts as an assessor and moderator for the course’s specialised translation exams, and offers the opportunity to gain a CIoL qualification as part of the course.

　　The focus of the course is effective intercultural communication and we are proud of the vital work our graduates do in fostering international understanding. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 1 Year(s)Fees: GB£22,750

Intake	Location
Term 1 (September), 2024	Durham
Term 1 (September), 2025	Durham

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for Durham University

Applicants must have an upper-second class bachelor degree or equivalent in a relevant area.

　　Students with a different academic background but significant professional experience in translation are also invited to apply. In such cases, we reserve the right to assess students’ preparation for our course through a test.

　　Students should possess at least level C1, and preferably C2, of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (or equivalent for non-European languages) – in their chosen language(s) – Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish– and in English. In some circumstances, we may require students to provide proof of language competency.

　　IELTS 7.0 (no component under 6.5)

　　TOEFL iBT 102 (no component under 25)

　　

English language requirements

　　7.0

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 102.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at Durham University. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　174th / 1250

　　THE World ranking8th / 130

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