Translation & Intercultural Communication MSc/PgDip/PgCert
Our Translation & Intercultural Communication MSc prepares you to work and communicate across languages and cultures effectively and ethically. The programme has a strong focus on AI literacy and relevant technologies, as well as skills of discernment and critical thinking. Drawing on theories that help you understand the linguistic, cultural, professional, and media contexts of intercultural communication, our team of internationally recognised experts will guide you in developing practical interlingual and intercultural skills. With a range of optional courses, you can place your own interests and strengths at the heart of your master's.
- 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
Translation & Intercultural Communication Presentation
- 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 centrality of human beings to any communication.
- You will study a range of practical and theoretical subjects in intercultural communication, from translation to managing across cultures, preparing you for roles in diverse industries or providing a foundation for further study.
- The programme focuses on multilingual spaces and you'll have the opportunity to study translation, interpreting and other forms of interlingual communication between English and other languages. There is no restriction on which other languages you can work with.
- 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 be implemented in various situations.
- You’ll have the opportunity to explore your own interests and ideas through a variety of assessments, 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 includes the Centre for Comparative Literature and Translation.
- You will have access to a wide range of activities, including a research seminar series on a range of topics and an annual postgraduate conference.
- Who wants to develop their skills for working internationally and interculturally
- Intending to work with international teams, in communications, or areas such as education and the creative industries
- Looking to gain an understanding of how texts and media travel globally
- Who wants to combine critical analysis with practical and project-based learning
- Theories and practices of intercultural communication, including critical AI literacy
- Global circulation of texts and media and how they are adapted for different audiences
- Media accessibility and inclusive communication
- Forms of multilingual communication and cultural adaptation, including translation, localisation, adaptation and interpreting
- Advanced communication skills
- Intercultural skills
- Analytical and critical thinking skills
- Digital skills, including the use of relevant software and emerging technologies
- Employability-centred skills are a focus throughout the programme, developed through applied and experiential learning
- Discernment, judgement and decision-making
- Reflective practice and self-evaluation
- Giving and receiving feedback effictively and constructively
- The ability to work collaboratively with others
Key Facts
This degree is ideal for anyone:
Key topics include:
Skills you will develop:
Panel Discussion and Q&A
Watch a recording of our recent panel discussion and Q&A with staff from this degree.
Programme structure
Each semester, you will take one core course and choose two optional courses. This gives you the flexibility to adapt the programme to your own interests. In the summer, you will complete a dissertation that reflects your own personal research interests.
Semester 1
Core course
Optional courses
- You will choose 2 optional courses
Semester 2
Core course
Optional courses
- You will choose two optional courses
Summer
Optional courses
You will choose optional courses from those available in Modern Languages. One of your optional courses may also be from another area of the College of Arts & Humanities, subject to availability, and with the agreement of both convenors.
Typical course choices include:
- Marketing and Media Across Cultures
- Literary Translation Studies
- Practical Translation Workshop 1
- Subtitling and Media Accessibility
- Introduction to Interpreting
- Practical Translation Workshop 2
Note: not all courses may be available every year.
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.
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. More information: 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.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees for 2027-28
MSc
Home & RUK
- Full-time fee: £11,481
- Part-time fee: £1,276 per 20 credits
International & EU
- Full-time fee: £28,275
PgDip
Home & RUK
- Full-time fee: £7,654
- Part-time fee: £1,276 per 20 credits
International & EU
- Full-time fee: £18,850
PgCert
Home & RUK
- Full-time fee: £3,827
- Part-time fee: £1,276 per 20 credits
International & EU
- Full-time fee: £9,425
Fee status
Additional fees
- Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
- Registration/exam only fee: £170
Funding opportunities
The scholarships shown are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
Entry requirements
2.2 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in any subject.
You will also require evidence of advanced language skills in English and one other language. You should be able to demonstrate competence in your second language at a level equivalent to C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. (https://europass.europa.eu/en/common-european-framework-reference-language-skills).
English language requirements
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form
For applicants from non-majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
Accepted English Language Tests
We accept a wide range of English language tests for entry to this programme. Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date, and requirements must be met using a single test.
IELTS Academic/IELTS Academic for UKVI/ IELTS Academic online
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- We do not accept General Training
TOEFL iBT (including MyBest and Home Edition)
Test taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 overall with no subtest less than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 overall with no subtest less than 4.5
PTE Academic (test centre only)
- 65 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 60; Speaking 65; Writing 60
- We do not accept the online PTE Academic
Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency
- 176 overall with no subtest less than 169
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
LanguageCert Academic/Academic SELT/ Academic Online
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 65
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II
- 96 overall with no subtest less than 90
Kaplan Test of English
- Any two subtests at 480 or higher, and any two subtests at 450 or higher
PSI Skills for English
- B2 Pass with Merit
Duolingo English Test
- 120 overall with writing at 120 and no subtest less than 110
Oxford Test of English Advanced
- 140 Overall with any two subtests at 126 or higher, and any two subtests at 136 or higher
Alternatives to English Language test
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 6 years of programme start.
TNE degree from UK university taught at a campus outside of the UK
- students must be awarded the degree by the UK university and must have completed the degree within 6 years of programme start.
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 and remain valid for 2 years following date of successful completion.
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.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/mlc/eas/pre-sessionalcourses/
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.
How to apply
To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.
Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.
Documents
As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:
- A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
- A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
- Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
- Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
- Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
- A copy of the photo page of your passport
We may also request additional documents such as a personal statement, portfolio, references or a sample of academic writing to support your application.
If we request a reference, this should typically be an academic reference. However, where this is not possible, a reference from a current employer may be accepted. If you already have a copy of your reference on letterheaded paper, you can upload this with your application. Otherwise, you may provide your referee’s name and contact details on the online application, and we will contact them directly.
You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.
You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.
For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
Guidance notes for using the online application
These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form.
If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.
- Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
- Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
- Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
- Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
- Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
- English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
- Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.
Application deadlines
For entry in September 2027
International & EU applicants
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International application rounds
Applications are considered on a rolling basis within each round, and the decision date shown for each round is the latest date by which you will receive an outcome on your application.
Round 1: 1 October 2026 to 5 November 2026
You will receive our decision on your application by 18 December 2026.
Round 2: 6 November 2026 to 17 December 2026
You will receive our decision on your application by 3 March 2027.
Round 3: 18 December 2026 to 4 February 2027
You will receive our decision on your application by 8 April 2027.
Round 4: 5 February 2027 to 25 March 2027
You will receive our decision on your application by 6 May 2027.
Round 5: 26 March 2027 to 13 May 2027
You will receive our decision on your application by 10 June 2027.
Round 6: 14 May 2027 to 8 July 2027
You will receive our decision on your application by 29 July 2027.
As we receive a high volume of applications, prospective students are only allowed to apply to each programme once per year.
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UK applicants
- 24 August 2027
Related programmes
Modern Languages & Cultures
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