Professional Translation

The MA in Professional Translation (MAPT) will develop you from an excellent foreign language speaker into a successful professional linguist. MAPT (previously Translation with Language Technology) is part of the European Master’s in Translation Network, which currently has 64 members throughout Europe. Swansea University is the only member in Wales. 

You will undertake advanced translation work on general, administrative and technical text, and training in industry-standard Computer-Assisted Translation tools. The first part of the degree includes opportunities to develop specialised skills in public service interpreting, audiovisual translation, machine translation and software localisation, terminology management, video making or digital publishing.

In the translation work experience module you simulate translation companies by working with local translation businesses and delivering on real commissions to professional standards. In the second part of the degree, you are presenting with a choice of two extended translations, or an academic dissertation, or a 13-week internship at a translation company in the UK or overseas.

Language pairs (subject to demand):

• German > English
• English > German
• French > English
• English > French
• Italian > English
• English > Italian
• Spanish > English
• English > Spanish
• Welsh > English
• English > Welsh
• English > Arabic
• English > Mandarin

Why study here?

As the only member of the European Master’s in Translation Network based in Wales, Swansea University has an established profile in professional translation. We have industry standard, state-of-the-art facilities and a robust global network of external organisations to help shape your studies.

The College of Arts and Humanities is based on our energising Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay. Designed to promote individual and collaborative research activity of international standard, the Graduate Centre provides a supportive environment for postgraduate research and taught masters study.  It offers postgraduate training to enhance academic and professional development, and facilitates seminar programmes, workshops and international conferences.

You will study a set number of compulsory and optional 20-credit modules on advanced translating and interpreting, before undertaking a 60-credit module on two extended translations, or an academic dissertation, or a 13-week internship at a translation company. Modules cover advanced translating and interpreting of numerous different languages in different contexts and industries. There are specialist modules for interpreting business, health and law.

Part One – Full-time students take three 20-credit (10 ECTS) modules in each of two academic semesters, while part-time students can distribute the same work flexibly over four semesters. There are three compulsory modules: Foundations of Translation and Interpreting, Translation Tools, and one Advanced Translation module from the range of language pairs listed above. Students then choose three optional modules.

Part Two - An individual project of 60 credits (30 ECTS) which full-time students undertake over the summer (by 15 September), while part-time students have up to a further year. The project can take three forms:

Two Extended Translations with commentary. These are chosen by the student and offer the opportunity to develop domains of specialisation. At least one must be technical and must be performed using a major CAT tool; or

Dissertation (15,000-20,000 words). This can be, for instance, on a topic in Translation Studies, a comparison of two or more published translations, terminology research in a specialised domain, or an investigation into aspects of translation technology. The dissertation offers excellent preparation for PhD work, but can also be a valuable indicator of professional expertise (e.g. in terminology or CAT tools); or

Internship (13 weeks full time, part time pro rata). This is the most vocational option and can be undertaken either in the UK or abroad. We make our extensive list of professional contacts available to students but they must make their own application to companies and pass admissions tests. A successful internship may turn into a first job.

Compulsory modules

• Advanced Translation (English-Arabic) 
• Advanced Translation (French - English)
• Advanced Translation (English - French)
• Advanced Translation (German - English)           
• Advanced Translation (Italian - English)
• Advanced Translation (English - Italian)
• Advanced Translation (Spanish - English)            
• Advanced Translation English to Spanish            
• Tools   
• Foundations of Translation and Interpreting

Optional modules 

• Technology Enhanced Language Teaching and Learning
• Beginners French for Postgraduate Students     
• Intermediate French for Postgraduate Students             
• Beginners German for Postgraduate Students  
• Reading Academic German       
• Beginners Italian for Postgraduate Students      
• Beginners Spanish for Postgraduate Students   
• Intermediate Spanish for Postgraduate Students           
• Interpreting - Health Option & Introduction to Conference Interpreting. Arabic, French, German, Italian, Spanish
• Interpreting - Law Option (Police & Introduction to Court Interpreting).              Arabic, French, German, Italian, Spanish
• Translation Technologies          
• Consecutive Conference Interpreting. Available in Spanish and Mandarin only
• Translation Work Experience for MA Students  
• Terminology Management        
• Audiovisual Adaptation
• Interpreting-Business Option. Available in Spanish and Mandarin only
• Simultaneous Conference Interpreting. Available in Spanish and Mandarin only
• Translation Theory and Ethics Through the Ages

A first degree, normally in Translation, a Language or a related subject, normally an upper second or above (or equivalent). As an alternative, we can accept a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience. Overseas students must be able to demonstrate English language competence at IELTS 6.5. level (or equivalent).

Application process

Applications for most of our postgraduate taught programmes can be made online through our OnTrack system.

• choose the course you want to apply for - search our postgraduate taught A-Z
• check the entry requirements for the course on the course page or in the prospectus
• apply online direct through OnTrack
• submit your application along with all supporting documentation - see our 'document checklist' below. Your application may be delayed if you fail to provide all the required documents
• to help you fill in the application form, please read our Postgraduate Application Guidance Notes.
• once you've submitted your application, you'll receive an email which contains your student number. This must be kept in a safe place and used in all future correspondence with us
• your application will be considered by the relevant selection team. If we need any further information you'll be contacted.
• we try to make a decision on your application as quickly as possible. In most cases this will be within 9 working days
• your decision letter will be emailed to you.

Application deadlines

Some Schools and Colleges have fixed closing dates for their taught courses, please see individual course pages for details.  Applicants for other courses are encouraged to apply by 31 July for entry in September, to ensure that vacancies are still available.

The vocational MA in Professional Translation will significantly enhance your prospects for a career in translation. Over the course of your studies, or your internship, you may make important connections for your future work. Graduates from this course enter a range of different translation and interpreting roles. Many also undertake research degrees and pursue a career in academia.

You will study a set number of compulsory and optional 20-credit modules on advanced translating and interpreting, before undertaking a 60-credit module on two extended translations, or an academic dissertation, or a 13-week internship at a translation company. Modules cover advanced translating and interpreting of numerous different languages in different contexts and industries. There are specialist modules for interpreting business, health and law.

In the second part, the extended translations option offers you the chance to develop an area of specialisation. One translation must be technical and performed using a major CAT tool. The dissertation option can concentrate on a translation studies topic, such as a comparison of two or more published translations, or terminology research in a specialist area, or an investigation into  translation technology.  The internship option can be undertaken either in the UK or abroad. Our extensive list of professional contacts is available to you but you must make your own applications and pass admissions tests.