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>
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.
You will be able to draw on the interdisciplinary expertise of staff members from the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film and its strong links with the Liverpool Confucius Institute.
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.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in semester one.
The modules cover significant theoretical elements concerning major trends, themes and methodological approaches in translation and interpreting, as well as essential practical elements that equip you with hands-on translation and interpreting skills.
The practice-oriented modules span across a variety of modes and specialised text genres and topics.
The modules will prepare you for your individual final project.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| THEORIES AND APPROACHES IN TRANSLATION STUDIES (MODL511) | 15 |
| PRACTICAL TRANSLATION (CHIN512) | 15 |
| LIAISON INTERPRETING AND CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETING (CHIN513) | 15 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| LITERARY TRANSLATION AND GLOBAL MARKETS (MODL508) | 15 |
| SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION (ENGL661) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Students take 60 credits of optional modules in semester two.
The modules cover significant theoretical elements concerning major trends, themes and methodological approaches in translation and interpreting, as well as essential practical elements that equip you with hands-on translation and interpreting skills.
The practice-oriented modules span across a variety of modes and specialised text genres and topics.
The modules will prepare you for your individual final project.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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 | Credits |
|---|---|
| FINAL PROJECT (CHIN507) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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.
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.
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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
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.
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.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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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).
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:
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Part-time place, per year - £5,850
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.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
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 paying for your studies..
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.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | 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. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
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.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Programme Lead: Dr Ting Guo
Last updated 8 November 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions