The Masters in Translation Studies: Translation & Professional Practice caters to the increasing need for highly skilled and specialist translators across a wide range of industries and settings. As well as providing an excellent platform to become a professional translator, this MSc programme will also provide you with the essential theoretical foundation to progress to Translation Studies research at doctoral level.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time

Teaching draws on a wide range of theoretical and practical translation expertise within the School of Modern Languages and Cultures. You will have the opportunity to discuss and translate a broad variety of technical and non-technical texts, including journalistic, legal and literary.

Training on terminology management and translation memory software is an integral part of the course and includes SDL Trados certification.

You can also take a range of additional options in relevant specialist areas such as Sociology, Law, or a new language such as Gaelic or Old Icelandic,

Assessment consists of essays, project work and translations with commentary. On successful completion of the core and mandatory translation courses, you will also write a dissertation or extended translation with analysis.

Core courses

• Translation studies in theory and practice
• Translator’s toolkit
• Advanced language study 1 and 2 (in relevant language)

Career prospects

As a graduate you will be prepared for a range of careers in translation or other areas requiring advanced language and communication skills such as journalism, marketing, public relations, technical writing or language teaching.

Academic entry requirements

You should normally have a 2.1 Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification in a Modern European language or in a related discipline and be able to demonstrate competence in a second language equivalent to European Common Framework C1.

If you have similar competence in a further language, you are eligible to take on additional (optional) advanced language study in semesters 1 and 2.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 8.5
• no sub-test less than 8.5
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 115; minimum Listening: 28; Reading: 29; Writing: 30; Speaking:26

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MSc