If you are interested in languages and want to pursue a career or further study in translation this programme is ideal for you. This exciting master’s provides practical training in translation as well as interpreting in different modes across a wide range of topics and real-life scenarios. We offer language specialisms in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
This master’s will provide you with hands-on skills in practical translation and interpreting, covering different modes (written translation, sight translation, simultaneous, consecutive and public service interpreting, and subtitling) and a range of specialist areas. You will explore major theoretical approaches and core methodologies in translation 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 or interpreting and beyond.
You will be able to draw on the interdisciplinary expertise of staff members from the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film (LCF) and LCF’s strong links with different cultural institutions in Liverpool.
All of our Translation specialism options combine with English. If your language specialism is Chinese with English our MA in Chinese-English Translation and Interpreting is the best programme for you.
If you are looking to specialise in one or more of: Arabic, French, German, Italian or Spanish or one of these languages and Chinese with English then our MA in Translation is the best programme to apply for.
This master’s programme is designed for graduates and professionals from a variety of humanities and social sciences backgrounds who speak one or two of our chosen specialist languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian or Spanish) as a first or second language, who are seeking a career in translation or to develop transferrable skills which are valuable for a wide range of industries in an increasingly global world.
This programme is also ideal if you have translation work experience and would like to formalise and enhance your professional practice with a master’s qualification.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Please note, due to this being a new MA, modules and module structure is subject to final approval:
Students take 15 credits of required modules and 45 credits of optional modules in semester one, and 60 credits of optional modules in semester two.
In semester one, students must take either MODL522 (for one language) OR MODL532 (for two languages). Students who wish to study Chinese in addition to one of Arabic, French, German, Italian or Spanish should take MODL522 and CHIN512.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| THEORIES AND APPROACHES IN TRANSLATION STUDIES (MODL511) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Please note, due to this being a new MA, modules and module structure is subject to final approval:
In semester two, students must take either MODL524 (for one language) OR MODL534 (for two languages). Students who wish to study Chinese in addition to one of Arabic, French, German, Italian or Spanish should take MODL524 and CHIN514.
Students wishing to take MODL525 or MODL535 must have taken MODL523 or MODL533.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Please note, due to this being a new MA, modules and module structure is subject to final approval:
The Final Project MODL507 will be taken over the summer vacation period.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| FINAL PROJECT (MODL507) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching for this course focuses on the two key areas of theory and practice, and will be varied in ways that reflect the skills that graduates following this career path will need to succeed. Teaching will be delivered through a range of regular lectures, seminars, workshops, as well as practical language lab sessions in varying class sizes and one-to-one supervision for the feasibility study and final project.
Practical modules employ authentic real-world materials and settings, and highlight relevant digital technology in line with industry best practice.
This programme provides the opportunity for a work placement to given you further practical experience within the translation sector.
This course is supported with specialist facilities such as our interpreting suite and language labs. Specialist library resources and one-off workshops are also used to enable directed study and independent theory and practical learning.
Assessment in this course will be varied, and focus on both written and oral assignments. Depending on the options taken, these will include essays, commentaries, written translations, oral interpreting examinations, conference-style presentations, project proposals and annotated bibliography as well as a final project written either as an extended academic assignment or in a creative-critical format.
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.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
This course offers a placement opportunity so you can combine your studies with practical experience with industry professionals. It is a great way to develop key employability skills and get a head start in your career with key industry partners. View more information on the course page.
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.
Discover our exciting Translation MA and meet the academic staff who designed the course and will be teaching you.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
If you are looking for a career in the field of translation or already work in translation and would like to enhance your professional experience with postgraduate study our Translation MA is an excellent route for you.
This course prepares graduates to pursue a successful career within wider areas of the translation and interpreting industries or as 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..
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
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.
Are you a UK student joining the Basque pathway of our Modern Languages and Cultures MRes or proposing Basque-related research on our Translation MA or Film Studies MA? You could be eligible to apply to have your MRes fees paid in full or receive an MA fee discount.
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.
If you’re joining our Translation MA and you’ll be studying full-time, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of £5,000. Two awards will be available in each academic year.
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 should be in a subject relevant to the proposed field of research. Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered. One of our language specialisms (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian or Spanish) as a first or second language is also a requirement for this course. |
| International qualifications |
International requirements TBC – please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team for details. |
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. Lyn Marven
Last updated 8 November 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions