This programme aims to prepare graduates for immediate employability in the areas of interpreting and translation. A strong command of English is required, since each of the foreign languages is combined with English. Practical aspects are emphasised throughout, including technical business interpreting (both ways). On completion, you will be someone who communicates freely across languages and cultures. If you already possess some experience working in interpreting or translation contexts, you can raise your level of knowledge and skills on this course.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Minimum second-class hons degree (or UK/international equivalent) or proven level of competence through a recognised interpreting/translation qualification entailing English e.g. Diploma in Public Service Interpreting. Non English-native students (with a non-UK degree) must have either TOEFL (minimum 600-pbt or 250 cbt) and TWE 4.5 or IELTS min 6.5 with 6.0 in writing, or equivalent.

Applicants will be interviewed and tested to demonstrate appropriate competence where there has been no prior accredited testing. Alternative professional qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and references may be required.

Course Content

You have to complete a total of 9 modules, one of which, the dissertation, is a double module. The course must be taken full-time over one academic year, though the dissertation is submitted 3 months after the taught modules finish.

You will choose a language to combine with English and work to and from that language throughout the course, developing your interpreting skills.

The course differs from others in important ways:

• By preparing you for immediate employment as a freelance or in-house interpreter;
• By preparing you for entry tests run by international organisations;
• Through the emphasis given to interpreting - 11 hours of pure teacher-led interpreting per week;
• By training on equipment which is used by practising professionals (Brähler);
• Through the emphasis put on preparing you for professional life after the course;
• By using practising professionals from a wide range of interpreting environments e.g. EU, European Patent Office, Ministry of Justice;
• Through informative and relevant guest lectures by experts in the field e.g. voice coaching, website design, freelance accountancy.

Course at a Glance

The MA Interpreting and Translation is a practical, interpreting-based course for the profession. It includes eleven hours a week of intensive, tutor-led interpreting using the latest Brähler interpreting technology. In addition, students will take part in bi-weekly mock conferences and will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement as they so choose. It is taught by practising interpreters experienced at the highest level (G8, NATO, EU etc). It is a full-time course taught over one academic year. English is combined with a second language - for 2011/12 the languages available are Arabic, Chinese, German, and Polish.(French, Greek, Japanese and Spanish may available for 2012/13 entry - please contact the School Office - SchoolofLIS@uclan.ac.uk if you are interested in one of these languages).

Year 1

You have to complete a total of 9 modules of which the Dissertation makes up a  double module. The course must be taken full time over one year.

(C) Compulsory modules:

Simultaneous Conference Interpreting (bi-lateral, language-specific) (C)

Consecutive Conference Interpreting (bi-lateral, language-specific) (C)

Technical Business Interpreting (bi-lateral, language-specific) (C)

Translation to and from English (language-specific) (C)

Theory of Interpreting (C)

Managing an Interpreting and Consultancy Business (C)

IT for Interpreters (C)

Dissertation (double module) (C)

Assessment:

We use a variety of assessment procedures including coursework, practical tests, project reports, examinations and a dissertation. The assessment methods and criteria we use are closely linked to the learning outcomes of each module.

Learning Environment:

Two dedicated Brähler interpreting suites provide state-of-the-art learning opportunities. You will experience a mixture of practical seminars and workshops, including bi-weekly mock conferences.

Careers:

Graduates of this course can expect to pursue careers in:

• freelance conference interpreting;
• interpreting for international organisations such as EU, NATO etc.;
• in-house/free-lance translation
• language consultancy;
• international project management;

and many other careers involving languages.

Other Opportunities:

Students coming to UCLan from overseas are encouraged to join the International Society, the HOST Organisation, view international films at the UCLan Independent Cinema and participate in the School’s Language events. Some students gain valuable experience by teaching in local schools.

Fees and Finance

The standard fee for this course will be: £6,000 per year

For further information including the availability of bursaries/scholarships or student financial support please view our Fees and Finance pages.