MA Translating

This programme is a member of the European Masters in Translation (EMT) Network

What's it about?

MA Translating aims to develop the techniques required for translation in an increasingly competitive and computer-oriented professional environment, and to help students to reflect on their own practice. It is designed to serve the needs of those planning careers as translators or seeking to gain high-level translation skills in a coherent academic setting. Applicants must be native speakers of English, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish.

On this programme your core modules include specialised translation into and out of English with one or two of the following languages:

Arabic
Mandarin Chinese
French
German
Italian
Polish
Spanish

This programme is a member of the European Masters in Translation (EMT) Network (http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/translation/programmes/emt/index_en.htm).

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

Who is it for?

This programme is suitable for speakers of English and either Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Italian, Polish or Spanish. It provides high-level translation skills required for careers in translation companies and departments in the UK, abroad, in international organisations or in the freelance sector.
Specific language combinations are subject to availability.

Key benefits

Excellent graduate employment opportunities and close links with professional organisations.
Emphasis on practical translating skills and advanced ITC training, including use of terminology-management and machine-assisted translation software.
A range of specialist option choices including audiovisual translation and business interpreting.
Opportunities for short work placements during the programme.
State-of-the-art Language Resource Centre, including Conference Interpreting booths, satellite television and Multimedia equipment.
Students will benefit from the School’s Centre for Translation, Interpreting and Intercultural Studies which brings together expertise in teaching, research and consultancy in Translation and Interpreting within the School.
Salford is a member of Professional Languages at Universities Group (PLUG) and is recognised as a trainer of interpreters and translators by the European Commission (SCIC) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
The opportunity to continue on from MA study to doctoral study at Salford, where students receive dedicated support from the School to ensure a smooth transition from masters level to doctoral level.

How will I learn?

The programme is designed to meet the needs for highly trained translators in today's international marketplace. In addition to core and elective modules (please see Programme Structure tab above), you will also attend keynote lectures and seminars on specialised translation and business practice, delivered by invited professionals in the field, and participate in mock conferences. 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 also helps to organise training placements in the UK or other EU countries in a translation environment.

How will I be assessed?

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

Career progression

Our graduates have found employment in publishing and as translation managers and terminologists. Some may take up academic posts teaching translation at university level or go on to PhD study. A number of graduates are working with International organisations in the EU including the European Commission (SCIC) as well as a range of international companies.

Programme Structure: MA 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)
Principles of Translation Practice and Research (30)
Terminology and Translation Project Management (30)
Plus one from:
Business and Community Interpreting (30)
Translation Studies (30)
Dissertation (60 credits) (for 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.

Kim Causier

Kim Causier was a student on the MA in Translating, she graduated in July 2010.

What were the best aspects of studying this course?
Gaining some knowledge of important aspects about the field in general. First hand experiences from real translators the stimulated translation project allows students to experience what a ‘real life’ task is like.

What would you recommend to others about the School of Languages?
The SoL is a very ‘Human’ department, as the staff and lectures are very friendly. Most lectures have had professional experience in trans/ interpreting so really understand the difficulties.

I decided to stay on at Salford University to complete the Masters in Translation as I knew what I was getting, small classes and closeness with the lecturers that made you feel that they were really interested in you doing well. Another aspect that I have always loved about Salford is that theory is always applied: it is not just a list of pointless dates and theorists. You learn to think about the strategies that theorists have suggested and how to apply them.

The Project Management simulation project is also an important part of the course as it gives you the opportunity to learn about the translation chain, contacting the client, producing estimates and organising the translation process with terminologists, translators and editors. As well as the two aspects that I have mentioned, I felt that there were many items on the course that would enhance my career opportunities, the most important being the chance to gain real, hands-on experience through the internship portal.

My work experience has taken me to Seville in a small translation company, and where after 9 months internship, I have been contracted full time. I translate a range of texts using TRADOS memory software: marketing material, art exhibition descriptions, and websites but my main area is loss adjusting reports which include aspects of architecture and engineering. I have also started to edit medical articles that are published in important Spanish medical journals meaning that my specialist knowledge is branching out vastly.

I really believe that my education at Salford has helped me gain this position. The colleagues that edit my work have commented that my translation technique is a lot better than some other trainee translators that they have worked with, and I think that is thanks to my experience in Salford. I think there is a good support system as the uni uses student representatives to ensure that staff is aware of any issues. I was the student rep for my course and also each student has a personal tutor who assists you both academically and personal issues.

Christine Kirkham

Christine Kirkham was a UK mature student on the MA in Translating, she graduated in July 2005.

I was a secondary school teacher for 26 years, teaching French, beginners' German and Latin. I also taught adult evening classes. I needed a change and new focus; I have always loved translation and had known about the MA course for 10 years or so. It was a big decision to leave my former profession but I have not regretted it.

Christine Kirkham

What I liked about the programme

i. the challenge - high academic standard and sense of achievement.

ii. The breadth of options - not just translation work but theory, terminology and translation studies.

iii The chance to begin a new language ab initio.

iv. The offer of a work placement as part of the course to get a foothold in the actual profession.

I would you particularly recommend to others the excellent facilities, particularly the language resource centre and friendly, committed and very helpful staff.

I am now a freelance translator. My professional name is Savoir Faire French Language Consultancy and I offer language training as well as translation from French to English. I specialise in creative media, tourism and marketing texts but do a lot of commercial work too.

The academic training provided by Salford is of the highest possible standard. A wide variety of fields are studied so that you gain the confidence to tackle translations in a number of areas. The work placement is also an essential part of the course; it provides practical information about the day to day workings of the profession. These are covered in the lecture programme but somehow you don't take in properly until you are actually doing the job.

For me, the course was an excellent opportunity to get to know people from a wide mix of nationalities. You can create a network of friends you might never have found elsewhere. Salford offers facilities for enhancing your language skills which you should use to the full.

When you look to do a course of this kind, you must, however, be pragmatic about prospects for the future. It is not easy to get a staff post in the translation world and many of my fellow colleagues have opted for freelance work as a way in.

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

Native speakers of a language other than English much 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