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

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 will take modules to the value of 60 credits from List A below

AND

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

List of modules (subject to availability)

List A

List B

Programme Specification

• MA Translation Programme Specification (pdf; 162kb)

Important notice

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.

Fees 2021/22 per academic year (Band 3): UK fee £11,520 - Oversees fees £22,500

Scholarships

For further details and information on external scholarships visit the Scholarships section

Employment

MA Translation graduates gain linguistic and cultural expertise enabling them to continue in the field of research or to seek professional and management careers.

Skills gained

Postgraduates leave SOAS with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek, including:

• written and oral communication skills
• attention to detail
• analytical and problem solving skills
• ability to research, amass and order information from a variety of sources.  

A postgraduate degree is a valuable experience that provides students with a body of work and a diverse range of skills that they can use to market themselves with when they graduate.

Careers

Our MA Translation graduates find employment both in the United Kingdom and around the world. Often, they will work with:

• Translation agencies
• Multinational companies
• International organizations
• Education institutions

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

They also pursue further MPhil/PhD research in translation studies at SOAS or other academic institutions.

For more information about Graduate Destinations, visit our Careers Service website.

• How to Apply
• Online Application
• Request a prospectus
• Got a question - use our enquiry form (opens a new window)
• Funding options
• English language requirements
• Tuition Fees
• Admissions Contacts