About this course
- Entry year: 2010/11
- Course code: Q14062
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- School: Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: This course is studied by distance learning
- Delivery: Distance/open learning
- Abroad option: No
- Programme leader: Dr. Mechthild Matheja-Theaker
Introduction
This very successful distance learning course allows you to take a more professional or a more academic approach to translation at a postgraduate level. We focus on translation between English and Arabic, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Russian.
You must make up 120 credits in taught modules (September to June), before going on to take the 60 credit Dissertation (September to April).
The course seeks to develop advanced and highly sophisticated communication in the language(s) of your choice, and in particular to develop a reflective approach to translation. It includes both theoretically-orientated modules and training in computer-assisted translation techniques with a bias towards specialised translation.
Student's view
"I graduated from the MA Translation course in 2008 and switched to full-time freelance translating. I'm now signed up with a few different agencies doing all sorts of work, and looking to develop a direct client base." Vikki Aris.
Structure
Content
You will be introduced to current theoretical debates underlying the translation process. These approaches offer an integrated, interdisciplinary, multi-method and multi-level explanation of the phenomenon of translation, and go beyond the traditional reliance on personal experience and anecdotalism.
In addition you may, if you wish, take modules which give training in computer-assisted translation and undertake a corpus-based specialised translation project. This will be of particular interest to those working, or wishing to work, in professional translation in a technical field.
The following modules are available:
- Introduction to the Critique of Translation
- Critique of Translation Arabic/French/German/Italian/Spanish/Russian
- Arabic/French/German/Italian/Spanish/Russian Core Translation
- German - English Translation in a social context
- Theories of Translation
- Text Linguistics
- Humour and its Translation
- Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)
- Corpus-Based Translation (CBT) project
- Dissertation
You can:
- combine two languages;
- follow a more professional route by taking the Practising as a Translator, Virtual Placement, CAT or CBT Project modules;
- take a more academic and theoretical approach by taking the Theories, Text Linguistics or Humour modules;
- combine professional with theoretical modules.
MA students submit a 15,000 word dissertation, the aim of which is to analyse problems objectively, applying theories, methodology and strategies in rational and valid ways. Dissertations may be of two sorts: the execution of a translation with a full commentary showing the relation between the theoretical underpinning and final product; or the investigation of an aspect of translation which enables theory and practice to be explored.
Please see here for further information on course content and modules.
Teaching and learning
All modules are taught via the Blackboard (UWEonline) computer conferencing system. Materials can be accessed and submitted to the system using standard browser software like Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
Assessment
All modules are assessed through coursework or project work. Progression to the MA is only possible when the 120 credits for the Postgraduate Diploma have been gained. Assessment of the MA is by dissertation alone.
To gain the Postgraduate Diploma, you need successfully to have completed 120 credits. For the MA, you need an additional 60 credits, in the form of the dissertation.
Institute of Linguists
Students wishing to prepare for the Diploma in Translation from the Institute of Linguists may find it helpful to enrol on the core translation modules offered by distance learning as part of the MA in Translation.
Further information about the course is available from the Graduate School, Faculty of Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences.
E-mail: HLSSPostgraduate@uwe.ac.uk.
Entry
Entry requirements
You must hold a UK or equivalent degree or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline.
Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate an appropriate level of competence in English.
Exemption
Accreditation of Learning (AL) may be granted in some cases. If you intend to claim Accreditation of Learning, please discuss this with the Programme Director before you apply.
Fees
Current information on fees and funding.
How to apply
For advice on applying for this course please email or call Admissions on +44 (0) 117 32 83333.
For further information
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 84316 or +44 (0)117 32 81363
- E-mail: Mechthild.Matheja-Theaker@uwe.ac.uk
