Translation and Intercultural Communication MSc/PgDip/PgCert
Our Translation and Intercultural Communication MSc prepares you to work and communicate across languages and cultures effectively and ethically using relevant technologies (such as AI and machine translation). Our team of internationally recognized experts will guide you to develop practical interlingual and intercultural skills. You will study theories that help you understand the linguistic, cultural, professional and media contexts for intercultural communication. With a range of optional courses, you can place your own interests and strengths at the heart of your masters.
- Academic contact: Dr Jonathan Evans: Jonathan.e.evans@glasgow.ac.uk
- Teaching start: September
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part‑time
- PgDip: 9 months full-time; 21 months part‑time
- PgCert: 4 months full-time; 9 months part‑time
Why this programme
- You will study a range of practical and theoretical subjects related to translation and intercultural communication more widely that will prepare you for working in intercultural positions in a wide range of industries or set you up to undertake further study.
- You can study translation, interpreting and other forms of interlingual communication between English and any other language.
- You will learn how to use technologies such as Generative AI, machine translation, translation tools, and subtitling software, and how these affect communication and accessibility, while considering the importance of human beings in any communication.
- You will be able to explore different forms of intercultural communication, such as marketing, business communications, digital and legacy media, literature, film, and live events, developing an understanding of communication as a multimodal and social activity that takes into account different audiences and contexts.
- The programme has a strong focus on accessibility and inclusive forms of communication and how they can implemented in various situations.
- You can develop your own interests and ideas through the range of assessment types, from presentations and essays to creative projects and commentaries.
- You will have access to world class libraries and museums, as well as the extraordinary diversity of cultural, literary and artistic events that make Glasgow such an enriching place for postgraduate study.
- Within our strong postgraduate community, you will work in a well-established international research environment, which supports a wide range of activities including a research seminar series on a range of topics and an annual postgraduate conference.
Programme structure
Full time
Semester 1
- Translation Studies in Theory and Practice
- 2 options
Semester 2
- Intercultural Communication
- 2 options
Summer
- MSc in Translation and Intercultural Communication dissertation
Delivery
All taught courses are 20 credits and are typically delivered in a 2 hour weekly seminar or similar.
All classes are taught as seminars or workshops, with most combining practical skills with theoretical reflection. Students are encouraged to develop their own interests and skillsets through bringing in their own examples and case studies in classes and in assessments. Small group discussion is an essential part of how the programme is taught, allowing students to develop their own ideas and arguments in relation to the material being studied.
The programme will be assessed through a mix of:
- presentations
- essays
- reflective essays
- practical elements.
Core courses
- Translation Studies in Theory and Practice (Nankai)
- Intercultural Communication
- MSc Translation and Intercultural Studies Dissertation
Optional courses
- Marketing and Media Across Cultures
- Literary Translation Studies
- [[[MODLANG5038]]]
- Subtitling and Media Accessibility
- [[[MODLANG5037]]]
- [[[MODLANG5039]]]
- Relevant undergraduate Honours course
- Relevant courses from other postgraduate taught programmes
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
Career opportunities include a wide variety of roles in communication across languages and cultures, which are relevant for industries including healthcare, business, NGOs, marketing, government, education, and the creative industries (film, TV, gaming, theatre, publishing). Roles might include:
- communications and media manager
- website manager
- management positions
- translation coordinator
- marketing officer
- press officer.
Previous students have gone on to work in:
- translation
- video game localization
- media communications
- teaching
- publishing
- higher education support and teaching
- project management
- banking.
You will also be well qualified to proceed to study for a PhD in Translation Studies, Intercultural Communication and other related subjects.
Entry requirements
2.2 Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
English language requirements
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Common equivalent English language qualifications accepted for entry to this programme:
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
- 90 overall with no subtest less than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Only tests taken before January 2026 can be accepted for entry
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 65 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 60; Speaking 65; Writing 60
- Online PTE not accepted for entry
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall with no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford English Test
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic/ Academic Online
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 65
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II
- Two subtests at 96 or higher, and two subtests at 80 or higher
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Kaplan Test of English
- Any two subtests at 480 or higher, and any two subtests at 450 or higher
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of their final year at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 and 3+1 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final year of study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS);
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University;
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
More information on our Pre-sessional courses.
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- ST Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
International students
We are proud of our diverse University community that includes students and staff from more than 140 different countries.
Application deadlines
International & EU applicants
Due to demand for degree places on this programme, the University has an application process with application rounds which recognises that different geographical areas complete and submit their applications at different times of the year. This process aims to ensure fairness and equity to applicants from all geographic regions.
Round 1 application dates: 1 October 2025 to 5th November 2025
All International and EU applications submitted within these dates will be reviewed with no priority given to any geographic region. You will receive our decision on your application by 16 January 2026.
Round 2 application dates: 6 November 2025 to 17 December 2025
All International and EU applications submitted within these dates will be reviewed with no priority given to any geographic region. You will receive our decision on your application by 25 February 2026.
Round 3 application dates: 18 December 2025 to 4 February 2026
Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 8 April 2026.
Round 4 application dates: 5 February 2026 to 25 March 2026
Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 6 May 2026.
Round 5 application dates: 26 March 2026 to 13 May 2026
Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 17 June 2026.
Round 6 application dates: 14 May 2026 to 8 July 2026
Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 29 July 2026.
All international applications submitted by 17 December 2025 will be reviewed and processed normally with no priority given to any geographic region. From 18 December 2025, priority will be given to applications from geographic areas which have been unable to submit applications before that point.
As we receive a great number of applications, prospective students are only allowed to apply once per year.
Home applicants
- 21 August 2026
Related programmes
Modern Languages & Cultures
Postgraduate events
