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Languages and Communication Studies at UEA
Find out more about studying Languages and Communication Studies at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMA Applied Translation Studies (Part time)
Key Details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Course Options
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
Top 20
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research Quality
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research QualityCourse Overview
Step into a growing global industry with our MA in Applied Translation Studies. As international communication becomes ever more essential, the demand for skilled, well-qualified translators is rising rapidly. This professionally focused degree will empower you to bridge language gaps and help individuals, organisations, and nations connect more effectively.
From the very start of your two-year part-time course, you’ll work with experienced professional translators, developing a strong theoretical understanding of translation, which you’ll apply to practical translation contexts. You’ll train in the use and application of the latest translation technologies and tools. You’ll also develop a portfolio of your own translations in consultation with a professional translator. You’ll gain translation work experience through practical group projects, including working on a real translation brief for a partner organisation.
We cater to students with a wide range of language pairs (one of which is always English) and we welcome students from across the globe. This makes our seminars particularly engaging as you’ll take part in fascinating cross-cultural exchanges with both your peers and our academic staff.
You’ll have access to our language lab with its cutting-edge translation and interpreting technologies, including industry-standard computer-assisted translation tools, professional subtitling software, and interpreter training facilities. We also offer a huge range of enriching and career-focused activities for you to get involved in, both on our beautiful UEA campus and in the vibrant, distinctive city of Norwich. Recent examples include our Love Languages Day, Discover Japan and Bunkasai cultural events and Creative Translation for Schools project. Follow us on Instagram to find out more.
This course will enable you to adapt and apply your skills to a broad range of careers in the translation industry. With our strong industry links, you’ll have a wealth of opportunities to expand your practical experience and prepare for a career in translation. You’ll also gain a broad range of skills that are highly valued across a range of other professions. Many of our graduates go into the translation industry or move on to a wide variety of rewarding careers, including in the language services and media industries, teaching, business and marketing.
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Study and Modules
Structure
This is a two-year part-time course. In the first year, you'll develop your understanding of approaches in translation theory and methodologies while immediately applying them to a range of practical contexts.
During your degree, you'll connect with a professional translator with your language pair who will provide feedback on your translation work as you develop ideas about the areas of specialisation you might want to pursue.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
The Language and Communication Studies department at UEA is small enough that you’ll have more personal staff-student contact and individual academic support than in many larger institutions. It also benefits from the buzz of the larger, interdisciplinary School of Media, Language and Communication Studies. We’re at the cutting edge of research, ensuring that when you graduate, you’re well informed and highly employable.
Your tutors are active researchers in the field. We've experts in technological tools, audiovisual translation, sport translation and more. We also have specialist knowledge of intercultural communication, sociolinguistics and sociopragmatics, and (critical) discourse analysis.
Our Key Digital and Research Skills in Media and Communications programme helps you to make the most of your studies here at UEA and prepare for your subsequent career. The programme also provides a foundation for further postgraduate studies at PhD level.
Independent study
You’ll benefit from numerous events and talks that will support you in your learning as you work towards your career goals. We run a series of regular talks from visiting professionals and academics, addressing translation, intercultural communication, and language and culture-related topics of global, cultural and social significance. There is also a wealth of talks, screenings and exhibitions across the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and we're affiliated to the prestigious British Centre for Literary Translation.
You’ll have access to our new state-of-the-art language laboratory with computer-assisted translation and professional subtitling software. These materials complement the excellent holdings of the UEA library.
Assessment
In your first year, you’ll be assessed on your coursework, which will involve translations, commentaries, and essays.
You’ll get regular feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors, as a platform for improving your work before your formal or ‘summative’ assessment, and we encourage you to discuss this feedback with your tutors.
Structure
In the second year, you’ll learn how to use the main tools of professional translators. You’ll also put your theoretical skills to the test by gaining practical experience of professional translation, working with a company or organisation on an authentic translation brief.
Over the two years, you’ll be taught fundamental skills in academic writing and research that will prepare you to undertake your final dissertation at the end of your second year. The dissertation can take the form of a translation and commentary, or a critical essay on a relevant topic of your choice. You can choose between a long- and short- form dissertation; if you choose the short-form, you’ll also have the chance to choose from a range of optional modules relating to different contexts where translation would be an invaluable skill. In previous years students have written dissertations on topics such as the translation of music reviews from classics to pop, translating in the world of alternative sexualities, public service translation in Norfolk and subtitling and humour in ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In year two, you'll continue to take seminars from our team of experts in translation studies and intercultural communication. You'll also begin to develop your own identity as an independent translator as you prepare for your final translation with commentary or dissertation. Your formal studies will be complemented by the wealth of events we have on offer.
Assessment
In the second year of your studies, you'll continue to receive regular feedback on your work to prepare you for your assessments. You'll be assessed by coursework, which will involve a mix of group projects, essays, and translations. At the end of your second year, you’ll have the choice to undertake an extended translation with commentary, or a dissertation.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate with excellent employment prospects, boosted by our strong links with our past graduates and extensive contacts in the language professions. Many of our graduates go into the translation industry, but many enter a wide range of other professions.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Translation and localisation
- Journalism
- Information Services
- In-flight linguistic specialist in the military
- Retail management
- NGO/charity project management
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Any subject considered - You need to be proficient in a second language.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any subject considered - You need to be proficient in a second language.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component)
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £11,200
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International Students: £23,850
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.