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MA in Translation Studies

Key information

Duration of programme: Full-time: 12 months, part-time: 2-3 years

Start date(s): October
Distance learning available: Not available

Intake: Approximately 10-15 per year

Fees:
UK/EU students: £3,630 (2010 fee)          
International students: £10,700 (2010 fee)

Part-time students pay a pro-rata version of full-time fees. Scholarships available for this programme.

Application & contact:
Apply for this course online

LSS Postgraduate Admissions
Tel: +44 (0) 121 204 3762
Fax: +44 (0) 121 204 3766
Email: lss_pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Programme outline and modules

Social space for studying
This Masters in Translation Studies programme will allow you to aquire knowledge about the social role and function of translation for intercultural communication, cultural representation and perception. You will also gain knowledge of theoretical frameworks that underpin the process of translation and related forms of intercultural communication and cultural exchange.

Translation Masters students will have the opportunity to work towards Chartered Institute of Linguists' accreditation - highly recognised in the translation sector. Holders of the Chartered Institute of Linguists' Diploma in Translation and Members of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) may be awarded credits for prior experience. Masters students will also have the opportunity to work towards Chartered Institute of Linguists' accreditation - highly recognised in the translation sector.

Core Modules
  • Theoretical Concepts of Translation Studies
  • Text Analysis for Translation
  • The Translation Profession
  • Translation and the Representation of Cultures
  • Specialised (LSP) Translation Project
  • Analysing Written and Spoken Discourse
  • Research Methods
  • Dissertation.

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Entry requirements
Learning, teaching & assessment
Professional accreditation
Career opportunities

Personal development
Facilities & equipment

Course director

Entry requirements

  • Normally a good UK Honours Degree (minimum of an upper second class) in Translation Studies or in English and/or another foreign language, or an overseas degree recognised by Aston University, plus two references.
International students whose native language is not English and have not completed a full degree programme taught in English, will also need to obtain:
  • An overall IELTS score of 7 with a minimum of Band 7 in Speaking and Writing and Band 6.5 in Reading and Listening, or
  • TOEFL score of 620 paper-based test (with TWE of 5.0), 260 computer-based test (with TWE of 5.0) or 105 internet-based test with a minimum of 25 in Writing and Speaking and 23 in Reading and Writing.
Holders of the Chartered Institute of Linguists' Diploma in Translation and Members of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) may be awarded credits for prior experience.
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Learning, teaching & assessment

Modules are delivered via a variety of innovative and engaging teaching methods.   You will take part in interactive seminars, presentations and group work as well as attending lectures and tutorials.  There are also opportunities for individual research.

Assessment is on a credit accumulation basis and by written examination (practical translation modules), oral examination (text analysis module) or extended essay (remaining modules). Successful completion of the taught modules is a precondition for proceeding to a 15,000 word dissertation leading to the MA.
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Professional accreditation

As the result of an excitng partnership between Aston University and the Chartered Institute of Linguists Educational Trust (IoLET) all translation students at Aston will now receive a vocational accredication from the Institute. This accreditation is highly recognised by the translation sector and will assist Aston graduates when entering a sometimes competitive job market.

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Career opportunities

Our graduates have gone on to work as translators, technical editors and translation project managers for translation companies and software developers, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.

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Personal development

This course helps you to develop team working skills, presentation and communication skills, as well as research and report writing skills. Your IT skills will also benefit from use of our newly refurbished IT Facilities.

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Facilities & equipment

You will have access to:
  • Our Virtual Learning Environment – Blackboard – to support your studies, including Blackboard discussion groups
  • The University Library, including over 25,000 books and a wide range of electronic journals.  The library has special provision in place to help part time and distance learning students access their resources: www.aston.ac.uk/lis/studentinfo/parttime
  • University wide facilities such as the Careers Service, Students’ Advice Centre, Students’ Jobshop, Counselling Service, Sports Facilities, and Chaplaincy.
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Course director

Professor Christina Schaeffner, Professor of Translation Studies. Research interests include translation of political texts, metaphors and translation, translation training.

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