Professional Translation (Extended), MA

Become a Professional Linguist

Student in Language Lab

Course Overview

The Extended MA in Professional Translation (MAPT) will develop you from an excellent foreign language speaker into a successful professional linguist.

In 2009 the MAPT became one of only five UK-based founding members of the European Master’s in Translation Network, set up by the Directorate General for Translation (DGT) of the European Commission to raise standards of translator training. 

This 240 credit, Bologna-compliant programme can be studied full-time over 15 to 21 months, or part-time over four years. The second part of the course can be studied abroad.

You will undertake advanced translation work in one or two language pairs on general, administrative and technical text, and training in industry-standard Computer-Assisted Translation tools.

Part one includes opportunities to develop specialised skills in interpreting, audiovisual translation, machine translation and software localisation, terminology management, etc.

In the simulated translation bureau module you will simulate translation companies by working with local translation businesses and delivering on real commissions to professional standards.

In part two you are presented with a choice of two extended translations, or an academic dissertation, or a 13-week internship at a translation company in the UK or overseas.

Language pairs (subject to demand):

From English into: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Spanish, Welsh

Into English from: French, German, Spanish

This extended course involves 60 further credits of part one modules, or a second project. A unique second stage option is the METS year abroad, in which you take 50 credits at two partner translation schools, with a 20 credit report for Swansea leading to a double award: Swansea MA plus METS Diploma.

Why Professional Translation (Extended) at Swansea?

As a former member of the European Master’s in Translation Network, Swansea University has an established profile in professional translation. We have industry standard, state-of-the-art facilities and a robust global network of external organisations to help shape your studies.

The Modern Languages, Translation and Interpreting section is based on our inspirational Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay.

Designed to promote individual and collaborative research activity of international standard, the Graduate Centre provides a supportive environment for those pursuing postgraduate research and taught masters study.

It offers postgraduate training to enhance academic and professional development, and facilitates seminar programmes, workshops and international conferences.

Your Professional Translation (Extended) Experience

You will study a set number of compulsory and optional 20-credit modules on advanced translating and interpreting, before undertaking a 60-credit module on two extended translations, or an academic dissertation, or a 13-week internship at a translation company.

This extended course involves 60 further credits of part one modules, or a second project.

Modules cover advanced translating and interpreting of numerous different languages in different contexts and industries. There are specialist modules for interpreting.

Additional specialisation options include interpreting, further technologies, terminology, audiovisual adaptation and new/intermediate language.

In the second part, the extended translations option offers you the chance to develop an area of specialisation. One translation must be technical and performed using a major CAT tool.

The dissertation option can concentrate on a translation studies topic, such as a comparison of two or more published translations, or terminology research in a specialist area, or an investigation into translation technology.

The internship option can be undertaken either in the UK or abroad. Our extensive list of professional contacts is available to you but you must make your own applications and pass admissions tests.

A unique second stage option is the METS year abroad scheme. In this option you take 50 credits at two overseas partner translation schools, with a 20 credit report for Swansea that leads to a double award: Swansea MA plus METS Diploma.

Professional Translation (Extended) Employment Opportunities

The vocational MA in Professional Translation will significantly enhance your prospects for a career in translation. Over the course of your studies, or your internship, you may make important connections for your future work.

Graduates from this course enter a range of different translation and interpreting roles. Many also undertake research degrees and pursue a career in academia.

Modules

You will study a set number of compulsory and optional 20-credit modules on advanced translating and interpreting, before undertaking a 60-credit module on two extended translations, or an academic dissertation, or a 13-week internship at a translation company.

Modules cover advanced translating and interpreting of numerous different languages in different contexts and industries. There are specialist modules for interpreting.

This extended course involves 60 further credits of part one modules, or a second project. A unique second stage option is the METS year abroad, where you take 50 credits at two partner translation schools, leading to a double award: Swansea MA plus METS Diploma.