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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.
- 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
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
Taught Component
Core Modules
All students will take the following two core modules:
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
List B
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 & 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.
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
Application Deadline: 2022-01-28 15:00
Application Deadline: 2022-01-28 15:00
Application Deadline: 2022-05-31 00:00
Application Deadline: 2022-05-31 00:00
Application Deadline: 2022-05-31 00:00
Application Deadline: 2022-05-31 00:00
Application Deadline: 2022-05-31 00:00
Application Deadline: 2022-05-31 00:00
Application Deadline: 2022-05-31 00:00
Application Deadline: 2022-05-31 00:00
Application Deadline: 2022-05-02 00:00
Application Deadline: 2022-04-05 00:00
Application Deadline: 2022-05-02 00:00
Application Deadline: 2022-05-02 00:00
For further details and information on external scholarships visit the Scholarships section
Employment
Graduates of the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics leave SOAS not only with linguistic and cultural expertise, but also with skills in written and oral communication, analysis and problem solving.
Recent School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics graduates have been hired by:
- Africa Matters
- Amnesty International
- Arab British Chamber of Commerce
- BBC World Service
- British High Commission
- Council for British Research in the Levant
- Department for International Development
- Edelman
- Embassy of Jordan
- Ernst & Young
- Foreign & Commonwealth Office
- Google
- Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies
- Middle East Eye
- Saïd Foundation
- TalkAbout Speech Therapy
- The Black Curriculum
- The Telegraph
- United Nations Development Programme
- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
- Wall Street Journal
Find out about our Careers Service.
A Student's Perspective
Studying at SOAS is an absolute joy as well as an enriching experience. I am being taught by two of the most inspirational teachers I have ever met and they challenge me to ‘unpack’ and think more deeply about the issues that I am enthusiastic about.
Bobby Danial