Durham’s MA in Translation Studies is recognised all over the world for its academic quality, its innovative approach to translation, and its relevance. Based in one of the oldest and most successful Schools of Modern Languages and Cultures in the UK, students benefit from a long tradition of world-class teaching and learning while being part of a postgraduate programme that evolves and develops all the time. Recognising the evolving landscape of translation and the wider demand for career adaptability we aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills and expertise needed for a successful professional career in the contemporary world, whether in translation and interpreting, academic research, diplomacy, business, journalism, or cultural entrepreneurship. The languages we specialise in are Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish. Depending on their choice of modules, students can opt for an academic pathway (leading to a PhD) or a professional pathway, with the latter specialising either in translation or interpreting (Chinese).
Standing at the forefront of the rapidly evolving translation industry, our programme integrates generative artificial intelligence (AI) across the curriculum whilst rigorously developing students' core translation competencies. We train students to utilise state-of-the-art AI tools in modules relating to specialised translation, Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools and subtitling, alongside honing fundamental translation techniques and linguistic expertise.
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Our programme offers in-depth study of languages, linguistics, and professional translation techniques, while fostering critical thinking and research skills. Students will develop advanced language proficiency, learn to apply diverse translation theories, and gain expertise in specialised areas. Through collaborative learning, students will enhance their teamwork and interpersonal skills, intercultural competence, ethical decision-making, and project management skills. Students enrolled on the translation work placement module will gain hands-on experience through internships in the UK or internationally. This practical exposure allows students to acquire skills directly from industry professionals in real-world settings.
We strike a balance between time-honoured translation methods and cutting-edge digital approaches. Our cooperative learning environments extend beyond the classroom, offering hands-on experience with CAT tools and generative AI technologies. Students receive training in best practice for post-editing translations produced by Neural Machine Translation (NMT) systems and Large Language Models (LLMs), emphasising human-AI interaction and collaboration. We teach students to harness AI as a tool that complements, rather than replaces, human expertise, enabling students to guide and refine AI outputs whilst honing critical translation skills.
Our curriculum evolves continuously to meet the demands of the dynamic translation and interpreting market. We have recently introduced new modules such as Subtitling and Translation Practica, the latter covering website, software and video game localisation, transcreation, audio description and plain and gist translation. These additions equip our graduates with key skills for emerging roles in translation. For Chinese-English language pairs, we have enhanced our interpreting offerings. These include an extended Consecutive Interpreting module and a new intensive Simultaneous Interpreting course. These updates ensure our students are at the forefront of industry developments, and prepared for successful careers in an ever-changing field.
As befits a course located in a World Heritage Site city, our MA is serious about translation relating to culture, heritage and the creative industries. Our specially designed modules in languages, linguistics and professional translation, combined with transcultural and transhistorical courses, enhance sensitivity towards translation across media, cultures and time as well as between and within languages.
Whilst rooted in cultural studies, our programme opens doors to an extensive range of career paths. Our students go on to work in a wide array of professional settings from creative or literary translation and institutes of culture and heritage to university departments, government organisations and the worlds of technology, finance, law, sport and medicine. We also have a strong network of graduates from our programme working in professional translation agencies across the globe. A main goal of the programme is to help students orientate themselves towards the right career path for them.
By blending traditional translation skills with advanced technological proficiency, we prepare graduates to be highly competitive and adaptable in the evolving field of global communication. Our mission is to guide students toward their ideal career trajectory, be it in industry, academia, or starting their own ventures.
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These are some of the comments students have made on the course:
‘The development you end up feeling in such a short period time is truly amazing!’
‘I joined the MA Translation Studies programme at Durham three years after completing my BA in French and Italian. Despite working in an unrelated field during this period, I was able to quickly reconnect with my passion for languages and translation thanks to the excellent teaching, flexible modules, and supportive environment at MLAC. I was able to tailor my programme of study to focus on specific areas of specialisation, developing my professional profile and learning practical skills that benefit my work to this day. I had the opportunity to attend relevant workshops and career events, which led to my current traineeship in translation and editing at the European Central Bank.’
‘On reflection, choosing to study at Durham has been one of the most significant decisions I have made and has led to extremely positive outcomes for me both personally and professionally. My year at MLAC has set me back on a path that, at one point, I thought had become too unrealistic to pursue. I am very grateful to my tutors and supervisors for their guidance and encouragement - it was a genuine pleasure to be taught by such positive and inspiring people.’
The languages you are currently able to choose from include Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. You can opt to take one or two specialised translation modules, i.e. one or two languages.
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, 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.
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All the MA programmes offered by the Faculty of Arts & Humanities consist of three components:
Students studying the MA in Translation Studies can choose from one of three 60-credit Major Research Project options as follows:
You will also be required to take the following 30-credit core module:
Translation Theory, Research and Practice will examine various theories and issues of translation such as text types, target audiences and translation strategies, matching theoretical points with practical translation examples to give you a sound understanding and insight into key aspects of modern theories in translation. The module will also improve your understanding of the processes involved in translation and the main assessment criteria for good translation practice. It will also teach the research skills needed to complete the course and for future research at a higher level. You will also be given instruction and hands-on experience with Computer-assisted Translation (CAT) tools that are essential for a professional translator.
Additionally, you will take either one or two Specialised Translation modules (30 credits each), choosing from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian or Spanish. These, which include different text-types and subject areas, aim to provide you with the necessary grounding and training to translate in both directions between your chosen language(s) and English. They give you the experience, ability and confidence to translate independently between languages and to utilise translation tools, including AI, to improve productivity and efficiency.
Depending on the combination of core modules chosen, students may have up to 60 credits of elective modules available from across the Faculty of Arts & Humanities. Your total number of credits must add up to 180.
Recommended Electives aimed specifically at Translation Studies students include:
Additional Language Option:
MA students can choose to take, in addition to their main course, a 20-credit language module at MLAC’s Centre for Foreign Language Study. This offers a wide range (19 different languages in total, 10 credit bearing) of European, Middle Eastern and East Asian languages at levels from complete beginner to advanced. Students who choose this option will gain an additional 20 credits, i.e. 200 credits in total. Details can be found here.
Applications are made through the online centralised Durham University system, but you are very welcome to contact the relevant School of Modern Languages and Cultures (MLAC) staff for any queries or clarifications, or to arrange an in-person or online visit outside the formal open days.
MLAC Postgraduate Studies Coordinator: Mrs Lucia Luck lucia.luck@durham.ac.uk
MATS Co-Directors: Dr Penny Johnson (Spanish) penelope.johnson@durham.ac.uk and Don Starr (Chinese) d.f.starr@durham.ac.uk
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