Overview
Our Translation and Localisation MA will enable you to gain industry-relevant skills and critical academic knowledge in linguistic practices and project management of localisation, as well as translation and audio-visual translation (AVT).
We offer the following language pairs:
- English and Chinese
- English and French
- English and German
- English and Spanish
You will learn from experienced researchers and translation and localisation professionals. You will have access to the latest industry insights and Translation Studies research. You will be able to adapt to emerging trends of IT applications in the localisation and translation industry.
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
You will develop the expertise enabling you to enter the translation and localisation industry as a fully-fledged professional. Our teaching is informed by cutting-edge research in professional practice, and you will benefit from our industry experience and established connections. Our team of lecturers have a wealth of professional experience, both in-house and freelance.
Under our guidance, you will gain the knowledge and hone the skills you need to excel in your chosen localisation, translation, and AVT field. Specifically, you will learn how to:
- localise a wide range of materials, including digital interactive products such as apps, video games, and websites, in the role of both translator and linguistic quality assurance (LQA) specialist
- apply project management skills to a range of localisation projects
- understand the implications of different localisation models, with different levels of resources, as both localisation linguists and project managers
- use a range of computer-assisted-translation (CAT) tools, both desktop-based, such as memoQ and Trados, and cloud-based, such as Smartcat and MateCat, to create and manage full translation projects
- strategically approach a range of client briefs in the fields of localisation, translation, and AVT
- learn to use a range of professional working strategies including text-analysis skills, post-editing machine translation (PEMT) skills, research strategies to improve translation output, and self-monitoring strategies for translation quality
- develop professional-level translating skills in a range of genres including technology, commerce, law, and literature
- apply AVT skills to a range of materials such as documentaries, and movies which involve both subtitling and dubbing
- develop translation approaches specific to a range of video game genres for consoles, PCs, and smart devices (English and Chinese only)
- leverage theoretical knowledge to craft work that meets industry standards in localisation, translation, and AVT
- develop an analytic and reflective understanding of your own translation practice, which will serve as a basis for further professional development.
You will develop the career-management skills needed for entry into the translation and localisation profession. You will gain a critical understanding of the norms and debates relating to professional practice, ethics, and interpersonal relationships. Our successful Translation & Interpreting Guest Speakers Programme will offer you further insight into professional practice.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Translation and Localisation MA modules
Compulsory modules
All students will take the following compulsory modules:
- The Language Industry: Professions, Processes and Society (20 credits)
- Localisation 1 (10 credits)
- Localisation 2 (10 credits)
- Research Methods in Translating and Interpreting (10 credits)
Students focusing on translating with one or more European languages will take the following compulsory modules:
- Translation Workshop (20 credits)
- Translation Principles and Practice (20 credits)
Students focusing on translating with Chinese (Chinese native speakers) will take the following compulsory modules:
- Translation Practice and Analysis: English to Chinese (10 credits)
- Specialised Translation: Chinese to English (10 credits)
- Translation and Interpreting Studies (10 credits)
Students focusing on translating with Chinese (English native speakers) will take the following compulsory modules:
- Fundamentals of Translation (Chinese to English) (20 credits)
- Specialised Translation: Chinese to English (10 credits)
- Translation and Interpreting Studies (10 credits)
Students will take one of the following modules:
- Dissertation (60 credits)
- Translating/Interpreting Project (60 credits)
* Available as an optional module only to candidates focusing on translating with European Languages
How you’ll learn
Our teaching is based on experiential learning. You will carry out simulated professional tasks in small-group seminars and hands-on workshops. You will receive regular lecturer feedback on skills development. Lectures will provide a grounding in the key practical and theoretical issues involved in professional translation and localisation.
Taught classes run Monday to Friday in semesters one and two (September to May). From June to August, you will work with a research supervisor on an extended project or dissertation.
Our teaching is supplemented by the Translation & Interpreting Guest Speakers programme. This features a wide range of industry talks throughout the year. We’ve had speakers from the European Central Bank, RWS Group, Keywords Studios, Surrey Translation Bureau, and AppLingua Ltd.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral examination
- Performance
- Portfolio
- Research proposal
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Additional assessment information
Assessment is typically by:
- written examination (translation modules)
- practical assessments
- class/seminar presentations
- essays or assignments
In the final summer, you will complete either a dissertation or a translation project. The project consists of a long translation and an academic commentary.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your development
Professional opportunities and development
We organise industry talks and study visits for our students. You will also have the opportunity to apply for internships.
We’ll help you take translation, audio-visual translation (AVT), video game translation, and other digital localisation assignments. We have a global reputation for knowledge and expertise in these fields. A growing number of organisations offer our students opportunities to gain professional experience.
Past examples include:
- Keywords Studios trainee programmes and other video game translation and localisation opportunities
- translating and subtitling opportunities with our industry contacts
- study visits to the EU’s Directorate General for Translation and European Commission in Brussels
- study visits to international organisations in The Hague
We’ll keep you up to date with the latest developments in localisation. We have full academic membership with the Globalization and Localization Association (GALA).
We are also a corporate education member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.
You’ll also get academic membership to established translation societies. This includes the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL).
Your future
What can you do with a Translation and Interpreting MA degree?
Our graduates use their linguistic, IT, and interpersonal skills, and cultural knowledge in a range of sectors.
Audio Visual Translation (AVT) careers
- in-house subtitle translator (translation and dubbing of audio-visual content)
- in-house project manager in a translation agency, working on a range of AVT projects
- freelance subtitle translator, working as a self-employed translator and dubber of audio-visual content
Localisation careers
- in-house localisation in an agency, working on digital and non-digital products (from brochures to apps, websites and video games)
- in-house project manager working for a localisation agency
- freelance localisation – running your own business as a self-employed independent localisation specialist
- cultural liaison – working for developers or companies in one locale liasing with clients and publishers in another locale to promote products
Translation careers
- in-house linguists working for a translation agency
- in-house project manager working for a translation agency
- freelance self-employed translator
- translating documents for EU Institutions and members of the European Parliament
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
Language Resource Centre
Our Language Resource Centre is dedicated to the study of languages. It contains a vast collection of books, journals, and audio-visual tools. It also has computing facilities linked to a digital speech bank.
Computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools
Our online memoQ translation server is unique in UK Translation and Interpreting programmes. You will have access to professional CAT tools like Trados and memoQ.
You will receive a free 1-year license for memoQ and have the option of using this software on personal computers. You will also be instructed how to use cloud-based CAT tools, such as Smartcat and Mate Cat.
Other facilities
The Phillip Robinson Library has an excellent collection of books and articles. There are resources on translation and interpreting studies, audio-visual translation and localisation. Many of the materials can be read online via the library’s digital service.
You can practice in one of two dedicated interpreting suites. You will also have access to a senior common room where you can relax, eat or study.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
Normally a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent.
Native-level writers of English must have Chinese, French, German, Italian or Spanish language as a major component. Native-level writers of Chinese, French, German, Italian or Spanish must have English language as a major component.
We will also consider your application on an individual basis if you have:
- a 2:2 honours degree, or international equivalent
- a degree in a non-languages subject
- and/or professional translating experience
