This MA is a distance-learning Masters programme for aspiring or practising translators. It is suitable for Modern Languages graduates offering any one or two of the following languages, in addition to English: Czech, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish. The MA combines intensive language-specific practice with training in the theory and practice of translation.
You will study interactively, as part of an online group, led by a tutor. The programme is taught entirely online and you are not expected to come to campus at all. However, you are just as much a member of the University as any other student and we are always delighted to welcome you to Bristol if you can get here.
Online group discussion means that we have a very lively and supportive learning community. If you need help on a one-to-one basis, tutors can support you in a number of different ways, using Skype, phone or email.
The University has close links with professional associations and helps students take advantage of internships in the EU and the UK where possible.
Diploma level
You must complete six taught units.
Core Units
* Applied Translation in one of the available languages
* Introduction to Specialised Translation in one of the available languages
* Theories of Translation 1
Optional Units
Up to two further units from:
* Applied Translation
* Introduction to Specialised Translation
Up to three units from:
* Computer-Assisted Translation
* Theories of Translation 2
* The Translation Industry
Please note that not all units may be offered in any one year and others may be substituted.
Masters level
The MA unit is open to any student who has successfully completed the Diploma part of the course with an average mark of 50 per cent or above. In order to obtain the MA, you must complete an annotated translation into English of a previously untranslated text of approximately 10,000 words in the original, or a dissertation on an aspect of literary translation or translation theory.
Universities in the United Kingdom use a centralized system of undergraduate application: University and College Admissions Service (UCAS). It is used by both domestic and international students. Students have to register on the UCAS website before applying to the university. They will find all the necessary information about the application process on this website. Some graduate courses also require registration on this website, but in most cases students have to apply directly to the university. Some universities also accept undergraduate application through Common App (the information about it could be found on universities' websites).
Both undergraduate and graduate students may receive three types of responses from the university. The first one, “unconditional offer” means that you already reached all requirements and may be admitted to the university. The second one, “conditional offer” makes your admission possible if you fulfill some criteria – for example, have good grades on final exams. The third one, “unsuccessful application” means that you, unfortunately, could not be admitted to the university of you choice.
All universities require personal statement, which should include the reasons to study in the UK and the information about personal and professional goals of the student and a transcript, which includes grades received in high school or in the previous university.
Undergraduate applicants may use UCAS system or Common App (for all courses except medicine, dentistry and veterinary sciences). International students may find country-specific admission criteria on the website. For instant, student from Russia with a Certificate of secondary education may be admitted to the Univeristy of Bristol only after foundation/bridging program, while those with International Baccalaureate/A-level degree may apply directly to undergraduate programs.
Graduate students have to use university's website for application. All documents should be uploaded on this website and the admission decision will also be provided on the website.
International students should provide English test results in order to apply to both undergraduate and graduate programs. University of Bristol accept various tests, including IELTS, TOEFL, CAE/CPE and some others. Language requirements may depend on the type of program: they are typically higher for Art&Humanities and lower for Science programs. For instance, the highest IELTS score required (profile A) for undergraduate and graduate programs is 7.5 (7.0 in each section).
An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in the relevant language(s). Non-traditional qualifications/routes may also be considered. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 60 (Grade C) IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.
The University offers a number of scholarships and studentships to postgraduate students. Further information on funding for UK studentsand funding for international students is available.
In some cases, departments have access to programme-specific funding. We've provided some information about these options with the individual programme entries. However, we recommend that you also contact the department to which you are applying to enquire about any other possibilities, which they may be able to offer.
For the most up-to-date external funding opportunities for taught and research students please see postgraduate studentships.
Accreditation
A distinguished heritage
The University of Bristol has had a reputation for innovation since its founding in 1876. It was the first institute of higher education in the country to admit women on an equal basis with men and in 1946 established the UK's first university drama department. More recently, the University has influenced many aspects of our lives through life-changing research in areas such as cot death prevention and 3G mobile technology innovation.
Investing in the future
We aim to give you the best student experience possible and we continually invest in new and existing facilities, training, technology and services. We offer a high-quality, research-led education that encourages independence of mind. Studying at university is a significant investment and we will ensure that you are prepared for your chosen career. A Bristol degree is highly attractive to employers and a sound investment in your future.
Outstanding people
We offer you the chance to explore your chosen subject with world-leading academics as well as other students who share your passion. We continually enhance our global reputation through our research and by recruiting the best academics. As a leading university, we attract students from all over the world, creating a rich and exciting international community.
A wealth of opportunity
The University is small enough to feel warm and friendly, with personal tutors, student health and welfare services, and accommodation wardens to support you, but big enough to provide outstanding extra-curricular opportunities. There are hundreds of student societies that will give you opportunities to broaden your horizons and forge lifelong interests and relationships.
A green university
The environment is high on our agenda. We were the first university to take part in the Green Impact Awards, a scheme to reduce collective environmental impact, and one of only eight UK universities selected to take part in a pilot for the Green Academy programme to make sustainability part of the curriculum. We have also won accolades for our energy efficiency, our transport planning and our environmentally innovative
The university for you
By coming to Bristol, you will share in our proud heritage and help shape our future. We hope that when you see all that Bristol has to offer, you will decide that this is the place for you.
