MA/PgDip Arabic/English Translation
MA/PgDip Arabic/English Translation with Interpreting

What's it about?

MA/PgDip Arabic/English Translation (with/without Interpreting) is designed to develop in Arabic speakers the skills in English/Arabic/Arabic-English translation and interpreting most needed in international, governmental and non-governmental organisations, academic institutions and the media.

The course aims to develop the techniques required for translation and interpreting in an increasingly competitive and computer-oriented professional environment, and to help students to reflect on their own practice. Students on this programme work into and out of both Arabic and English.

 

Who is it for?

This programme is for students who wish to become professional translators or interpreters, or to go on to PhD research and an academic career in these areas. Students are expected to be native speakers or near-native speakers of Arabic with a high level of competence in English, or native speakers or near-native speakers of English with a high level of competence in Arabic.

 

Key benefits

• Join one of the largest Arabic departments in the UK.
• Intensive translation training, including specialist options.
• Dedicated Arabic/English interpreter training.
• Benefit from staff with both professional expertise and top rated research.
• Gain training in professional skills, use of terminology-management and machine-assisted translation software.
• Gain training in lexicography and terminology.
• Benefit from the state-of-the-art Language Resource Centre including Conference Interpreting booths, satellite television and Multimedia equipment.
• Salford has an excellent graduate employment record, and close links with professional organisations.
• Salford is a member of PLUG (Professional Languages at Universities Group) and recognised as a provider of interpreters and translators by the European Commission Interpreting Service (SCIC) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
• Benefit from the School of Languages’ Centre for Translation, Interpreting and Intercultural Studies which brings together expertise in teaching, research and consultancy in Translation and Interpreting within the School.

 

How will I learn?

The taught part of the course involves theoretical and practical training in methods and techniques of translation and interpreting.

Theoretical components based on translation studies are vital not only for the working translator but also as a basis for the dissertation. The emphasis of the course is on practical translation into and out of Arabic.

The interpreting module includes professional note-taking for interpreting and consecutive and simultaneous interpreting.

You will study English to improve writing skills and to prepare for the dissertation and take a course in information technology developing vital skills for the professional translator.

The taught programme extends over one academic year and covers the following:

• English/Arabic Translation
• Arabic/English Translation
• Translation Studies
• Interpreting or Extended Translation
• English as a Foreign Language (EFL)

Translation and interpreting are taught through workshops involving small groups of students. Translation Studies is based on lectures and seminars. EFL takes the form of active language classes.

You will also attend Keynote lectures, Business Practice Seminars and Specialised Translation Seminars held by invited professionals in the field. Topics and documents relate to fields covered in professional translation, such as economics, transport, telecommunications, medicine and international organisations. Find out more about the contributions to postgraduate programmes from professionals in the field of translation and interpreting.

 

How will I be assessed?

Most modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and exams. Others are assessed by projects which simulate real-world translation tasks.

Students are registered at first for the Diploma, which is awarded on successful completion of the taught part of the course.

Students on the MA course are expected to write a dissertation of 12,000 - 15,000 words and to submit this by the end of September following completion of the taught part of the programme. Each student is assigned a supervisor during preparation of the dissertation.

Diploma students are not required to write a dissertation.

 

Career progression

Graduates from the programmes are employed in embassies or the British Council. Others work in the private sector, e.g. for translation agencies and petroleum development companies. Many go on to PhD research and a career as university lecturers.

Programme Structure: MA Arabic/English Translating

Number in brackets = credits

Semester 1	Semester 2
Arabic/English/Arabic Translation with Translation Technology (30)
Principles and Strategies of Translation (15)	Translation Project Management and Professional Skills (15)
Plus TWO options from:	Research Methodologies and Approaches in Translation and Interpreting Studies* (compulsory for all students wishing to take the MA) (15)
Lexicography and Terminology (15)	Plus one option (*or two if only taking PG Dip)  from:
English for Academic Purposes (for non-native speakers of English) (15)	Extended Translation (15)
Translation Studies (15)	Literary Translation (15)
English-Arabic Specialised Translation (humanities) (15)	Arabic/English Medical Translation (15)
	Audiovisual Translation (15)
MA Dissertation (60 credits)
Select One from: 12-15000 Dissertation 12-15000 Project

 

 

Programme Structure: MA Arabic/English Translating with Interpreting

Semester 1	Semester 2
Arabic/English/Arabic Translation with Translation Technology (30)
Principles and Strategies of Translation (15)	Translation Project Management and Professional Skills (15)
Plus TWO options from:	Research Methodologies and Approaches in Translation and Interpreting Studies* (compulsory for all students wishing to take the MA) (15)
	Simultaneous Interpreting (15)
Lexicography and Terminology (15)	Plus one option (*or two if only taking PG Dip)  from:
English for Academic Purposes (for non-native speakers of English) (15)	Extended Translation (15)
Translation Studies (15)	Literary Translation (15)
English-Arabic Specialised Translation (humanities) (15)	Arabic/English Medical Translation (15)
	Audiovisual Translation (15)
MA Dissertation (60 credits)
Select One from: 12-15000 Dissertation 12-15000 Project

Who will teach me?

Our staff have extensive experience in their chosen fields and many of them are researchers in areas directly relevant to the modules which they deliver.

Currently the modules are delivered by the following members of staff:

• Dr Domenyk Eades

• Dr. Sameh F Hanna

• Mr. Hassane Lounis

• Professor Janet C. E. Watson

When does the term start?

There is one entry point each year. All our programmes start in September.

How is part-time study structured?

This involves taking 50% of modules in the first year with the remaining 50% in the second year. The period allowed for writing up the dissertation is doubled. We encourage applications from part-time students but this is not usually available to international students because of visa restrictions.

 

What are the English language requirements for international students?

International applicants must provide evidence of proficiency in English unless they have a BA from an English speaking country. This normally takes the form of an IELTS 6.5 (with a writing band no lower than 6). Equivalent qualifications will also be considered. These include a TOEFL score of 575 or above (232 computer-based) with a TWE of 4 or above and\or a pass at upper-intermediate level in Salford’s pre-sessional (Summer) English Study Programme. This programme is available at discount rates to students who go on to study their masters in the School of Languages.

Do I have to pay in full at the beginning?

No! It is usually possible to spread the costs. Arrangements for payment vary depending on your circumstances, for further details click here and follow the link which is relevant to you.

Are there any scholarships?

Yes! The School of Languages we offer what we believe to be an unparalleled range of scholarships and fee exemptions to students beginning their studies in September 2008. These complement the University's own generous financial support package and scholarship schemes. Find out more about School of Languages funding.

 

How do I apply?

Apply Online or download and fully complete the postgraduate taught application form and send it to the address specified on the form.

Please note, our Arabic programmes are listed under the subject area ‘Modern Middle Eastern Studies’

What happens after I have applied?

On receipt of your application the University we will write to let you know whether we are able to offer you a place on the programme. Such an offer will be either unconditional or conditional. We will then ask you to complete an acceptance form and return it to us. If you meet any of the specified conditions before you come to us then send the University a copy of the supporting documentation so it can change your offer letter to an unconditional one.

Is there a deadline?

We receive applications up to and including induction week in September, but you are strongly advised to apply at your earliest convenience in order to secure your place and begin making arrangements.

Can I visit the School?

You are welcome to visit either on one of our postgraduate open days or by prior appointment with the admissions tutor.

 

Can you suggest some useful links?

Visit our Accommodation Office Once you have received an offer from us you will be able to book your accommodation (if required) on-line.  We recommend Matthias Court and Cosmopolitan Student Homes to our postgraduate students.

We are members of the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL) and students are encouraged to attend and\or deliver papers at its annual conference.

We are members of the British Association for Applied Linguistics  and students are encouraged to attend and\or deliver papers at its annual conference.  

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