MA Interpreting and Translating

We have excellent links with the Directorate General Interpreting at the European Commission (SCIC), and you may be eligible for an EU bursary

What’s it about?

MA Interpreting and Translating aims to develop the techniques required for translation and interpreting in an increasingly competitive and computer-oriented professional environment, and to help you to reflect on your own practice. It would also be ideal for students who envisage undertaking a PhD in this field.
You will work into and out of English and one or two of the following languages:

Arabic
Mandarin Chinese
French
German
Spanish

During the summer vacation following the completion of the taught courses you will prepare a dissertation to be submitted in September.

Specific language strands are offered subject to viable cohorts being recruited.

Who is it for?

Speakers of English and Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German or Spanish, who want to become highly trained translators, interpreters and linguists at international level.

Key benefits

Excellent graduate employment opportunities.
Emphasis on practical interpreting skills.
Opportunities for short work placements during the programme.
You will be taught by staff with professional and research expertise in interpreting and translating. Many staff are practising interpreters as well as leading researchers.
Our state-of-the-art Language Resource Centre includes Conference Interpreting booths and excellent self-access interpreting resources.
The School has excellent links with the Directorate General Interpreting at the European Commission (SCIC) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
You will benefit from the 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 programme offers a combination of core modules and electives designed to develop high-level practical translating and interpreting skills for careers in international, national and regional organisations, or in the freelance sector.

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.

The School helps to organise training placements for its students in an interpreting environment in the UK or other EU countries.

How will I be assessed?

Most of the modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and exams. Others are assessed by projects.

Career progression

Graduates can expect to pursue careers as professional linguists, either as freelance translators and interpreters, or in a translation department or company. Some graduates have developed careers in publishing and as translation managers and terminologists. A number of graduates of our Masters in Interpreting and Translating are working with international organisations in the EU including the European Commission (SCIC) as well as for a range of international companies such as SAP, Volkswagen, Alcatel, KPMG and Siemens.

Some may take up academic posts teaching translation at university level or go on to PhD study.

Programme Structure: MA Interpreting and Translating

Number in brackets = credits

Semester 1	Semester 2
Specialised Translation with Translation Technology. Two languages into English or one language into and from English (30)
Conference Interpreting (30)
Principles of Translation Practice and Research (30)
Business and Community Interpreting (30)
Dissertation (60 credits) (for the full masters)
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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

The city of Manchester is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and student-friendly place to study. Discover more about life in Manchester.

Kristine

MA Translation and Interpreting

Kristine graduation with a 2:1 in BA Modern Languages with Translation and Interpreting Studies (German and Spanish) from Salford in 2006. After 3 successful years on the Graduate Programme at Aldi, to become an Area Manager she decided it was time to return to Salford on the MA Translating and Interpreting and pursue her desired career in languages.

What do you like about the programme you are studying?
"The practical interpreting lectures are by far my favourite aspects of the course, and I do want to pursue a career as an interpreter rather than a translator. The classes were well structured and tips and advice were provided by the lecturers. In addition, we had mock conference events every couple of months to get a feel for what a real conference would be like. I found the interpreting challenging, mentally stimulating and interesting. I also enjoyed the module on Translation Project Management."
What would you recommend to others about the School of Languages?
The facilities at the School of Languages are excellent, and have been recently upgraded. There are plenty of resources and the interpreting booth is first class and really valuable to anyone training to become an interpreter. There is also plenty of software for further practice. The staff are supportive and the whole environment is very friendly and welcoming.
Do you have any comments about the School’s staff (lectures and supervisors)?
As above....there is always someone available to help with queries and the supervision as I write my dissertation is valuable and beneficial. I also knew I had the support of staff for personal crisis’ and at times when things just got too much. Some staff even offered additional 1-to-1 lecturers to go over difficulties/practice interpreting further.
What is your opinion of the School’s facilities (e.g. the Language Resource Centre)?
As above – the best I have seen, and I’d be excited to see what upgrades have taken place over the summer.
Do you have any future plans relating to your career and/or further study?
I ultimately want to be an interpreter for the EU, although this is a long term plan and I will certainly have to spend more time in Germany and Spain before I am up to scratch! I am now enjoying working as a translation project manager at Lloyd International Translation to gather some experience in the industry and be able to combine some of my skills gained at Aldi with my language skills.
Do you have any further comments about the student experience at the School of Languages?
When I decided to return for my MA I didn’t consider any other university – maybe that proves how much I enjoyed my BA and how I knew Salford was the place for me.

Andrew

MA in Translation and Interpreting (Spanish and French)

Andrew

Andrew is a visually-impaired student who joined the School of Languages in September 2002. He completed his undergraduate degree in 2004 and began a Masters in Translation and Interpreting (Spanish and French) in October 2004.

The following account of Andrew's experience has been composed from an interview with Andrew and his own written report on his time in the School of Languages.

"In my time within Salford, I have felt very much part of the international community within the School of Languages. The support I have received from staff and students within the School has enabled me to feel at home here and complete my studies successfully.

There have been many challenges in getting used to the environment and finding my way around, but the addition of Braille signage to School classrooms and offices has been helpful. My accommodation is situated on the central part of the campus, allowing me easier access to academic and social facilities. I can get to the library, the students' union and the sports hall without too many problems. Living in the halls of residence has provided me with a new range of experiences within the University.

Academic staff have shown great patience and flexibility in their support. There is no difficulty in providing me with materials in more accessible formats and they have also allowed me more time in exams. The staff in the Language Resource Centre have been wonderful, assisting me in finding videos, DVDs and tapes and helping with the use of the computers. Student volunteers have also played a vital role in supporting me in dealing with research, using dictionaries and reading books for my dissertation.

'The patience shown by the staff has not only allowed me to finish the course but it has also been a pleasant time the one I have enjoyed here. I must also thank you for giving me a chance to prove that I can achieve things. Other institutions denied me access to their facilities as soon as they found out I was not 'normal' and the fact that I was given a chance on the basis of the interview rather than my slight visual problem has encouraged me to 'go for it'. It is, in turn, what I have valued most and I assure you that showing some support as well as confidence in the blind person will be what the fellow blind person will treasure most."

Key Information

Duration

MA
Full-time: One year
Part-time: Three years

Start Date

All our programmes start in September

Programme Structure

All our full-time programmes initially involve two semesters' tuition (generating 120 credits). This is then followed by a 60 credit dissertation (of approximately 15,000 words) written in English and prepared over the summer.

Teaching hours

During the taught section of the programme full-time students will typically receive 12-14 contact hours per week and are expected to undertake additional hours of independent study. Students also attend skills seminars during semester two.

Entry requirements

A good, relevant honours degree or equivalent

Applicants must be native speakers (or equivalent standard) of English, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German or Spanish, and be able to demonstate a high level of competency in their chosen foreign language

Native speakers of a language other than English must provide evidence of proficiency in English

We welcome applications from students with alternative qualifications and/or significant relevant experience, subject to approval through a process of Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

Early application is advised

Two references are required with applications

Fees

Information coming soon for 2012/13 entry

Further information

UK/EU
T +44 (0) 161 295 4545
F +44 (0) 161 295 4646
course-enquiries@salford.ac.uk

International/Non EU
T +44 (0) 161 295 4545
international-enquiries@salford.ac.uk