Translating Newcastle University

The Translating MA covers both professional and academic training. You will acquire high-quality translating skills, ie written rather than spoken transfer, so you may enter the translating profession in fields such as technology, commerce, international relations and journalism.

This course uses English and Chinese as working languages.

Stage one is common to the suite of Masters' courses in Translating and Interpreting. You will take compulsory modules that typically include:

• translating
• simultaneous interpreting
• consecutive interpreting
• sight translation exercise
• information technology for translators and interpreters
• translation studies

This is followed by another year of specialised study. In the second year you can follow one of four pathways:

• Interpreting
• Translating and Interpreting
• Translating (this pathway)
• Translation Studies

In stage two you take compulsory modules and optional modules. You also complete either a dissertation or a translating/interpreting project. You may decide, with the Degree Programme Director's recommendation, to focus on interpreting or translating.

Depending on different focuses, you take further optional modules that cover: a sight translation exercise; bi-lateral interpreting; English-Chinese subtitle translation; and literary translation. Direct entry to this stage is possible if you meet the stage two entry requirements.

Assessment is by written examination (translation modules), practical assessments, class/seminar presentations, essays or assignments or other submitted work (including a dissertation or project). During the semesters and at the end of the programme, you will take several

Entry requirements

Stage one entry

• 2:1 honours degree
  OR
• a degree with a minimum average of 75% (or GPA 2.75) on your transcript.

Native English speaking applicants need to have good degree-level knowledge of Chinese. When applying, upload any evidence you have to support your second language proficiency qualification. We will also consider your application if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and at least two years' full-time experience as a translator or an interpreter.

If your first language is not English you need IELTS 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 in speaking and writing and 6.0 in listening and reading. This qualification must be no more than two years old when you start the course. No other English language qualifications are accepted.

Pre-sessional English Language courses are not accepted as an alternative entry to this course.

If you meet the entry requirements for stage one, you will be registered on to the Translating and Interpreting MA. If you complete this stage, you will take one of the suitable stage two pathways. The choice of pathway is according to your academic results and your personal preferences.

If you leave the MA after successfully completing stage one, you will receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting.

Stage two entry (advanced)

• 2:1 honours degree
  OR
• a degree with a minimum average of 80% (or GPA 3.0) on your transcript.

You must also have expert second-language knowledge.

If your first language is not English you need IELTS 7.5 with a minimum of 7.0 in all sub-sections. This qualification must be no more than two years old when you start the course. No other English language qualifications are accepted.

Pre-sessional English Language courses are not accepted as an alternative entry to this course.

If you leave the MA after successfully completing stage two, without proceeding to a dissertation or project, you will receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Translating.

International students

The equivalent academic qualifications that we accept are listed on our country pages.

Read more about UK visas and immigration requirements.