Overview
Our Translation Studies MA combines practical training and theory in the fields of translation, interpreting and localisation. You’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to build an academic career in the field of translation studies.
This Master’s programme that uses the following language pairs:
- French and English
- German and English
- Spanish and English
- Chinese and English
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 take compulsory and optional modules that typically include:
- Research Methods
- Translation and Interpreting Studies
- Practical Translating
- Public Service Interpreting
- Localisation
- Subtitle and Video Game Translation
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 Studies MA modules
Compulsory modules
You will take the following compulsory modules:
- Translation and Interpreting Studies (10 credits)
- The Language Industry: Professions, Processes and Society (20 credits)
- Research Methods in Translating and Interpreting (10 credits)
If you are focusing on translating with Chinese you will take one of the following modules:
- Translation Practice and Analysis: English to Chinese (10 credits)
- Specialised Translation: Chinese to English (10 credits)
If you are focusing on translating with one or more other languages than Chinese you will take the following compulsory modules:
- Translation Workshop (20 credits)
- Translation Principles and Practice (20 credits)
You will also take one of the following modules:
- Dissertation (60 credits)
- Translating/Interpreting Project (60 credits)
The range of modules may be different if you’re studying part-time.
How you’ll learn
If you join at Stage 1, you take compulsory modules that typically include:
- translating
- simultaneous interpreting
- consecutive interpreting
- sight translation exercise
- information technology for translators and interpreters
- translation studies
In Stage 2 you take compulsory modules and optional modules. You also complete either a dissertation or a translating/interpreting project.
Depending on your focus, you take further optional modules that cover:
- a sight translation exercise
- bi-lateral interpreting
- literary translation
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral examination
- Performance
- Portfolio
- Research paper
- Written examination
- Written exercise
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 future
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.
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 these materials are accessible 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.
