Focusing on translation and interpreting between two of the world’s major languages, Chinese and English, this exciting master programme provides well-balanced practical training in translation and interpreting in different modes across a wide range of topics such as literature, science, business, law and medicine./p>
Introduction
Through this master’s programme, you will gain hands-on skills in practical translation and interpreting, covering different modes (written translation, sight translation, simultaneous, consecutive and public service interpreting) and across subject areas. You will explore major theoretical approaches and core methodologies in translation and interpreting as well as acquire useful transferrable skills (e.g. public speaking, intercultural communication, academic writing, active listening, critical thinking and analytical skills) for a successful career in translation and interpreting and beyond.
This master’s programme is designed for graduates and professionals from a variety of humanities and social sciences backgrounds who speak Chinese as a first or second language, who are seeking to specialise in a subject area where they can develop transferrable skills which are valuable to a wide range of industries in an increasingly global world.
What you'll learn
Theories and approaches to translation
Methodological insights into translation and interpreting
Advanced translation skills between Chinese and English
Insight into the translation practice, profession, market and industry
Advanced practical interpreting skills in sight translation, public service interpreting/dialogue interpreting.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in semester one.
Compulsory modules
THEORIES AND APPROACHES IN TRANSLATION STUDIES (MODL511)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module will introduce students to core theoretical approaches, trends, and methods in the fields of translation studies. These key areas will be introduced through lectures, and students will then further develop their theoretical and methodological insights into translation in discussion-based seminars. Students will present analysis of one chosen area of translation or interpreting studies in a conference-style presentation, and complete a critical essay as coursework.
MODL511 represents the theoretical backbone of the MA in Chinese-English Translation and Interpreting and the MA in Translation. Students will thus apply the understanding of theoretical and methodological approaches gained through this module to their own translation practice throughout their course of study on the two programmes .
PRACTICAL TRANSLATION (CHIN512)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
In this module, students will gain advanced translation skills between Chinese and English, with a focus on text genres and general topics such as social science, business, culture, advertisement and tourism. This practice-oriented module also enables students to conduct translation and discuss and reflect on translation practice, drawing on some of the insights acquired from the theoretical module. Students will also gain useful insight into the translation practice, profession, market and industry (e.g. professional etiquette, post-editing and transcreation). Both intensive training in class and students’ independent study are crucial, given the practice-oriented nature of this module. Regular feedback will be provided to students in a variety of ways (e.g. formative feedback, summative feedback and peer feedback).
This module lays the foundation for a second translation module in semester two (where more specialised and difficult texts will be used), thus representing a key backbone of the MACETI programme. The module is also offered on the new MA in Translation for students with Chinese as well as another language.
LIAISON INTERPRETING AND CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETING (CHIN513)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
In this module, students will gain advanced practical interpreting skills in sight translation, public service interpreting/liaison interpreting, and consecutive interpreting covering a range of topics (e.g. medical, educational, tourist, political, immigrant related) and settings. Authentic and realistic audio-visual materials will be used in the teaching throughout, which is reflective of actual interpreting in the industry. Throughout the module, students will learn about the main theories in interpreting studies and the etiquette, professionalism and career development relating to the interpreting industry and market. Also, students will reflect on their interpreting practice, justify their decisions, and evaluate each other’s performance, drawing on some of the concepts and theories they have learned from the theoretical module. This module features consistent formative feedback from the tutor(s) and peer feedback.
Optional modules
LITERARY TRANSLATION AND GLOBAL MARKETS (MODL508)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module is offered as an option on both the MA in Chinese-English Bilingual Translation and Interpreting and the MA in Translation, and offers an engaging exploration of the historical development and current trends of key and emerging markets in the international translated literature sector.
With case studies from key national literary markets such as UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and mainland China, the module provides a valuable international perspective on the formation of the global market for translated literature since the early twentieth century and its technology- and fan-stimulated transformation in the digital era. In the module, students will analyse key themes relating to the distribution, prizes, book fairs, copyright and markets and be in dialogue with guest speakers from the publishing industry and literary translation field.
Second Language Acquisition (ENGL661)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is fundamental to any study of language learning. This module provides an overview of SLA theories and research that are relevant to Applied Linguistics and TESOL and which will underpin students’ future teaching practice. The module will introduce students to theoretical and practical areas which they could further explore in their dissertation.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Students take 60 credits of optional modules in semester two.
Optional modules
SPECIALISED TRANSLATION (CHIN514)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
In this module, students will gain advanced translation skills between Chinese and English, with a focus on specialised text genres and topics such as scientific, technical, medical, legal, official documents and music/art texts. This practice-oriented module enables students to conduct translation and discuss and reflect on translation practice, drawing on some of the insights acquired from the theoretical module. Students will also continue to gain useful insight into the translation practice, profession, market and industry, and be equipped with knowledge and skills in terminology management and computer-aided translation (e.g. Trados). Regular feedback will be provided to students in a variety of ways (e.g. formative feedback, summative feedback and peer feedback). Both intensive training in class and students’ independent study are crucial, given the practice-oriented nature of this module.
The module is compulsory for students on the MA in Chinese-English Bilingual Translation and Interpreting, and also offered on the new MA in Translation for students with Chinese as well as another language.
CONSECUTIVE AND SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETING (CHIN515)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
Building upon the interpreting skills students will have developed in CHIN513, in this module, students will receive more in-depth practical interpreting training, with a focus on consecutive interpreting and simultaneous interpreting (on different topics). Throughout the module, students will enhance their knowledge of the interpreting market, industry, and profession. Also, students will reflect on their interpreting practice, justify their decisions, and evaluate each other’s performance, drawing on some of the concepts and theories they have learned from CHIN503. Authentic audio-visual materials will be used in the teaching throughout.
TRANSLATION WORK PLACEMENT (MODL509)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module is offered on both the MA in Chinese-English Translation and Interpreting and the MA in Translation. It offers students the opportunity to apply theoretical and practical understanding gained through the rest of their study to practice, and to enhance their personal and professional development through work-based learning in translation/interpreting-related professional environment. Students will gain hands-on knowledge of the language service industry and/or other related fields through a short period of professional activity, in forms such as an in-house intern translator / interpreter, project manager, proof-reader/copyeditor and volunteers for non-profit organizations.
The Module Convenor may suggest possible work placements, but students are equally encouraged to find their own. Ultimately, it is the student’s responsibility to organise the work placement and communicate directly with the provider (either in the UK or remotely / abroad), with preparation, support and approval provided by the University.
Introduction to Discourse Analysis (ENGL640)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module is an introduction to Discourse Analysis. It aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field of Discourse Analysis which are relevant to language teaching and research. Students will learn about the insights into language theory and use which have been offered by research so far, and will have the opportunity to first analyse spoken and written data and then to select their own data for analysis.
Corpus Linguistics for Language Research and Teaching (ENGL685)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field of Corpus Linguistics which are relevant to language teaching and research. Students will learn about the insights into language theory and use which have been offered by corpus research so far, and will have the opportunity to conduct work on their own data using different software applications.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
You will complete your final project during the summer, for which you may choose between a dissertation or a translation project (extended translation and commentary/critical analysis).
Compulsory modules
FINAL PROJECT (CHIN507)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
This module serves as the final graduation project for students at the end of their MA study, and is completed over the summer. Students have the option of writing a traditional dissertation on a chosen topic or conducting a translation project (which involves a piece of extended translation and an accompanying commentary / critical analysis). The module is supervised on an individual one-to-one basis (5 hours).
The dissertation length is 15,000 – 18,000 words. The translation project consists of a translation of approx. 9,000 words (or equivalent Chinese character count) and a commentary/critical analysis of approx. 7,500-9,000 words. The word count for the translation may be less if the student opts for more difficult and complex genres (e.g. poetry and song) or specialised texts (e.g. chemistry and engineering). Usually, students will translate into their first language.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Teaching for this course is dependent on two key areas, theory and practice, and will be varied in ways that reflect the skills that graduates following this career path will need to succeed. As well as regular lectures, seminars, workshops, practical language lab sessions and one-to-one supervision of varying class sizes, practical modules employ authentic real-world materials and use of relevant digital technology in line with industry best practice.
There is also supervised elements of the course, including the feasibility study and final project.
In addition, this course will be supported with other specialist library resources and one-off workshops which utilise tools and facilities such as language labs, enabling directed study and independent theory and practical learning.
How you're assessed
Assessment in this course will be varied, and focus on both written and oral assignments. These include essays, written translations, oral interpreting examinations, conference-style presentations, a project proposal and an annotated bibliography.
These varied assessments are designed to assess all areas of this course, from theory and practice, different modes, to knowledge of specialised themes and topics.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
The Department of Languages, Cultures and Film is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, with departments steeped in history and disciplines which have been taught for over a century. You will join a lively community with colleagues from all disciplines collaborating through institutional research groups and forums.
Introducing the Chinese-English Translation and Interpreting MA
Dr Aiquing Wang, Programme Lead and Professor Anna Saunders, Head of Department for Languages, Cultures and Film discuss the opportunities that the MA in Chinese-English Translation and Interpreting offers to students.
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
This course prepares graduates to pursue a successful career as translation and interpreting trainers or language teaching professionals in the education sector. This MA also helps prepare students wishing to conduct postgraduate research (e.g. PhD) in translation and interpreting studies.
After MA level study, students may also choose to sit professional qualification and certification examinations, for example, with the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) and the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) and join professional organisations, bodies and networks in translation and interpreting (e.g. ITI, NWTN, IATIS, ETS).
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Some common career pathways include translating and interpreting in industries such as publishing, media, film and localisation, in the commercial and business sectors, in the field of public service (e.g. schools, hospitals and police stations), or on a freelance basis.
The transferrable skills students will develop are also valuable for careers in fields such as:
Media
Journalism
Business
Education
Advertisement
Government.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£11,700
Part-time place, per year
£5,850
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£24,100
Part-time place, per year
£12,050
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
The Department of Languages, Cultures and Film is pleased to announce five scholarships for international students wishing to pursue the Chinese-English Translating and Interpreting MA, for entry in September 2024.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree can be in any subject discipline relevant to the proposed field of research. Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered.
Chinese as a first or second language is also required for this course.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MA, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
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