Department of Linguistics, School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics

MA Translation (2022 entry)

Select year of entry: 2022 2021

Overview

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Introduction to the Centre for Translation Studies (CTS)

Overview and entry requirements

The MA Translation programme combines training of practical translation skills and/or cultural mediation with teaching of translation theories and methods. It is unique in terms of the range of Asian and African language and cultural specializations. The aim of the programme is to enhance students' methodological and practical skills in translation, preparing them for the professional market as (freelance) translators, other language professionals, or cultural mediators, while providing an intellectual perspective on the discipline of translation studies, which could be the foundation for further MPhil/PhD research. Students have access to a wealth of resources for the study and practice of translation available in the SOAS Library and nearby institutions such as the University of London Library, the UCL Library, the British Library, as well as the BBC World Service and many others.

Student experience at SOAS is enriched by a range of research seminars at SOAS’ Centre for Translation Studies (CTS) as well as Student Enterprise activities such as translation work.

Drawing on the expertise of highly qualified teachers and researchers at SOAS, the MA translation programme offers a range of languages to work with, including: Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Swahili, and Turkish.

See Linguistics Department

Why study MA Translation at SOAS

UK Top 10 in the 2021 QS World University Rankings
SOAS is unique in the UK for offering a range of subject combinations that include the opportunity to study the languages, literature, and cultures of Africa, Asia and the Near and Middle East
unparalleled range of options in choosing their second subject of study
unrivalled staff expertise in the UK and worldwide in a wide range of Asian, African, Middle Eastern and Australian languages
access to SOAS’s library, one of the UK’s five dedicated national research libraries
dedicated Linguistics Resource Room, with computers, sound-proofed recording booth, video and audio editing facilities

Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings

Start of programme: September intake only

Mode of Attendance: Full-time or Part-time

Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

Please see our 'postgraduate entry requirements' page for Overseas and EU qualifications and equivalencies.

Featured events

duration:: One calendar year (full-time), two or three years (part-time, daytime only)

Fees 2022/23

Home students fees:: £11,980

Overseas students fees:: £23,400

Fees for 2022/23 entrants. This is a Band 1 fee. The fees are per academic year. Please note that fees go up each year. Further details can be found on the Postgraduate tuition fees page

Convenors

Dr Gloria Lee Convenor
Dr Satona Suzuki Convenor

Q&A

Introducing Translation Studies

Lecturer in Translation Studies and Japanese Language, Nana Sato-Rossberg, explains how the MA Translation Studies prepares students for a career as translators and language professionals.

What does the course involve?

There are compulsory modules on translation theory and methodology. Students can learn theoretical frameworks of translation and also the methodology for analysing and researching translation. As free optional modules, students can take practical translations, machine translation, critical thinking in translation, and other translation-focused modules. The programme also offers various modules from related fields.

What kind of students will the course appeal to?

Any student who can communicate in more than one language and is interested in translation, translation studies, and/or intercultural studies.

What is special about the programme at SOAS?

Our programme is well-balanced, with both theoretical and practical components. Students can learn both theory/methodology and practice at SOAS. We offer practical translation in six language pairs: Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Persian, and Swahili both from, and into, English. Students who have a good proficiency in more than one language can take modules for more than one language pair. Students can also take other language classes offered at SOAS, where aspects of translation practice are taught. This flexibility is one of our specialties.

Can you recommend a good book to read on Translation Studies?

Jeremy Munday, Introduction to Translation Studies (Routledge)
Anthony Pym, Exploring Translation Theory (Routledge)
Mona Baker, In Other Words (Routledge)
Sue-Ann Harding and Ovidi Carbonell Cortes (eds), The Routledge Handbook of Translation and Culture (Routledge)
Lawrence Venuti, The Translation Studies Reader (Routledge)

What do students do after graduating?

Students progress to a variety of careers: doing a PhD, teaching, work as freelance translators, or as translators or interpreters in businesses, government, or for TV companies.

Structure

Students take 180 credits, 60 credits from a dissertation and 120 credits from taught modules.

Dissertation

Module	Code	Credits	Term
Dissertation in Linguistics (Translation Theory)	15PLIC994	60	Full Year

Taught Component

Core Modules

All students will take the following two core modules:

Module	Code	Credits	Term
Translation Studies and Methodology	15PJKH017	15	Term 2
Translation Theory	15PLIH047	15	Term 1

Guided Options

Students take modules to the value of 60 credits from List A below PLUS modules to the value of 30 credits from List B and/or Postgraduate Open Options

List of modules (subject to availability)

List A

Module	Code	Credits	Term
Practical Translation: English into Other Languages	15PLIH071	15	Term 1
Practical Translation: Other Languages into English	15PLIH072	15	Term 2
Korean-English Translation (PG)	15PJKH057	15	Term 2
Japanese-English Translation (PG)	15PJKH003	15	Term 2
Translating Cultures 1	15PJKH019	15	Term 2
Translation Technology	15PLIH049	15	Term 1
Concepts and Practice of Subtitling	15PLIH048	15	Term 2
Critical Thinking in Translation	15PLIH057	15	Term 2

List B

Module	Code	Credits	Term
Language, Society and Communication (Masters)	15PLIH004	15	Term 1
Modern Japanese Literature (PG)	15PEAH012	15 Credits
Myths, Legends and Folkways of East Asia (PG)	15PJKH052	15	Term 1
World Literature (PG)	15PCSH002	15	Term 2
Literature, Politics and National Identity in Modern China (PG)	15PCHH042	15	Term 1
Cinemas of of the Middle East and North Africa 1	15PNMH048	15	Term 1

Important notice

The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. If you are a current student you can find structure information on the previous year link at the top of the page or through your Department. Please read the important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching & Learning

The practical translation modules are optional, students who prefer to concentrate on cultural translation, cultural mediation, or translation theory are also welcome.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Understand translation processes intellectually
Understand how theory and practice are related
Understand how translation methodology can be applied in practice
Understand how the learning outcomes can be used in industry

Intellectual (thinking) skills

Cognitive processes of understanding languages and cultures
How translation relates to cross-cultual communication and international politics
Critical analyses of translations

Subject-based practical skills

Translation skills
Cross-cultural communication skills
Language skills
Openness to understand different value systems

Transferrable skills

Communication skills
Understanding of other languages and cultures
General IT skills and translation-related IT skills

SOAS Library

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

Memsource Academic Edition

This programme has been granted free access to the Memsource Academic Edition, academic program designed for universities with translation courses.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for 2022/23 entrants, per academic year (Band 1 tuition fee)

Full-time		Part-time 2 Years		Part-time 3 Years
Home Students	Overseas Students	Home Students	Overseas Students	Home Students	Overseas Students
£11,980	£23,400	£5,990	£11,700	£3,955	£7,725

Fees go up each year, therefore, your tuition fee in your second and subsequent years of study will be higher.

Our continuing students, on the same degree programme, are protected from annual increases higher than 5%.

For full details of postgraduate tuition fees see our postgraduate tuition fees page.

Scholarships

Felix Non- Indian Scholarship

Application Deadline: 2022-01-28 15:00