University of Westminster

Specialised Translation with Professional Experience MA

The Specialised Translation with Professional Experience MA is a unique two-year course that offers you the opportunity to complete an extended work placement and gain professional experience. Partnered with the Specialised Translation MA, you’ll complete the same taught modules as the one-year course with the addition of completing a minimum of 550 hours in a work placement or internship.

At the heart of the MA are our practical translation classes between English and one of these languages, which are complemented by our Translation Skills Lab module. You'll learn how to research specialised subjects to produce commercially viable translations of a broad range of specialised texts, applying insights drawn from translation theory and professional practice, and, in the Translation Skills Lab, learn about Project Management and Quality Assurance while honing your skills in a simulated translation bureau.

You’ll also study skills-based modules to prepare you for industry and develop your technical skills. In the Audiovisual Translation and Localisation module, you’ll become familiar with the principles and processes of audiovisual translation and the localisation of video games, gaining experience in industry-standard software.

You’ll engage with computer-assisted translation (CAT) and the post-editing of machine translation output in our Computer-Assisted Translation, Machine Translation, and Post-editing module. Students combining English with two languages will choose either Audiovisual Translation and Localisation or Computer-Assisted Translation, Machine Translation, and Post-editing, while students studying English and one other language will take both.

The core Professional Development module will prepare you for your career through CV workshops, career and CPD plans, and visits from guest speakers. Your skills and knowledge acquired in your core modules will be complemented by your choice of option module. At the end of the course, you'll submit an MA Translation Project or Dissertation.

Top reasons to study with us

• Prepare for working life – in our Skills Lab module you’ll work on simulated work-based scenarios to put your skills and theoretical knowledge into practice
• Master the essential software – You’ll learn how to work with a range of industry-standard CAT tools, including Trados and MemoQ, and master the art of subtitling in WinCAPS
• Boost your CV – hone your career-building and professional development skills with our Professional Development module and benefit from the University of Westminster Mentoring scheme
• Benefit from our wide range of resources, from an extensive collection of volumes and electronic materials in our library to our state-of-the-art computer labs equipped with a range of specialised software applications
• Our teaching staff includes full and part-time lecturers, all with expertise in professional translation and other specialist fields
• Gain practical experience – this course includes an extended work placement module, giving you the opportunity to complete a work placement or internship in industry as part of your studies

Why study this course?

• Extended Work Placement - You’ll gain professional experience by completing 550 hours in a work placement or internship.
• Fantastic central London location - You'll be based at our Regent Street Campus in the heart of central London, with easy access to London's huge range of libraries, cultural resources, and international businesses and organisations.
• Learn industry software - You'll have the opportunity to learn how to work with a range of industry-standard software for translation and subtitling.