Translation and Cultures (MA)

at University of Warwick

Translation Studies in Theory and Practice

This module offers an overview of the development of Translation Studies as a discipline since the 1970s but also of “pre-scientific” thought on translation dating from the classical era. It specifically explores how translation theory relates to translation practice and to the study of translated texts.

Translation Portfolio

This module introduces the principles of translation, with a particular focus on the challenges that translators encounter in their practice. It offers you the opportunity to translate texts in different genres, and to analyse your own translation strategies.

In the general lectures, you will explore the theoretical challenges that different literary and media genres (such as poetry, short stories, children's literature, news, audiovisual and advertising) typically pose to the practice of translation. Crucially, in the language-specific seminars and through independent study, you will engage in the practice of translation and write a commentary analysing your own approach and translation strategies.

Research Skills in Modern Languages

This module helps you develop key research skills that will assist you in your work on your other MA modules, including the use of electronic resources, writing a literature review, creating a bibliography, choosing and writing a dissertation and giving an oral presentation.

These research techniques and the ability to apply a chosen stylesheet consistently and accurately in order to present a piece of work to high standards are also transferable professionalising skills that are valued in a variety of jobs. These skills will also stand you in good stead if you wish to continue to doctoral research after your MA.

Dissertation

Through a combination of independent research and targeted support and feedback sessions, the final dissertation (20,000 words) helps you produce a coherent and logically argued piece of writing that demonstrates knowledge of and critical ability in a chosen area, commensurate with the accomplishment of an MA degree. You will choose one of three models: (a) extended translation with commentary, (b) comparative analysis of existing translations, or (c) research dissertation on a chosen topic related to your own interests.

Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:

• Trans/national Cultures
• Multilingualism and Global Cultures
• Translation and Transcultural Encounters between China and the West
• The Practice of Literary Translation
• Literature and the Life Course
• Critical Theory, Culture, Resistance
   

Minimum requirements

2.i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject, e.g. a single or combined Honours Undergraduate degree in Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Translation Studies, or another Humanities subject.

You will need to provide proof of high-level competence in spoken and written English and in at least one of the following languages: Chinese, French, German, Italian or Spanish.

Knowledge of a third language amongst the ones mentioned above is valued, but not required.

Language competence

You will need to indicate your level of competence in the language(s) other than English (UG degree level or equivalent to C1 in the CEFR); if formal evidence cannot be provided, you will be assessed individually by the School.

If your first language is not English, or if you have not been taught entirely in English (equivalent to a UK qualification), you will need to provide formal evidence of the following English language requirements.

English language requirements

• Band B
• IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information, however we are awaiting guidance from the UK government regarding fee status for EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members living in the UK for academic year 2021/22 onwards. We are not able to confirm the fee status for these students until the relevant eligibility criteria have been confirmed. Once we have received further information from the UK government, we will provide you with an update on your fee status and let you know if any additional information is required. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.
 

Graduates from these courses have pursued roles such as: authors, writers and translators; legal professionals and marketing associate professionals.

We are a founding member of the Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting StudiesLink opens in a new window of the UK and Ireland. We are also a corporate member of the Institute of Translation and InterpretingLink opens in a new window in the UK, so you will have access to professional advice and support, including events, workshops, journals and career bulletins.

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

• Careers in the Public Sector
• Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
• Completing effective CVs and Application Forms for students from the School of Modern Languages
• Languages Alumni Evening