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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 2027
Course options
Other Start Dates
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UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research Quality
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research QualityCourse Overview
Why MA Applied Translation Studies at UEA?
Train to become a skilled translator by combining translation theory with extensive hands‑on practice on this part-time course. Work with industry‑standard technologies and real client briefs to build your own portfolio.
Why Choose UEA
- Career skills: Build the skills, portfolio and confidence to thrive in the global translation industry
- Industry‑ready: Gain hands‑on experience with CAT tools, subtitling suites and interpreter technologies
- Creative connections: Develop intercultural awareness on a vibrant campus with leading facilities
What is MA Applied Translation Studies?
Our part-time MA Applied Translation Studies is a two-year, professionally focused degree designed to prepare you for the growing global translation industry.
It combines a strong grounding in translation theory with extensive practical experience from the very start. You’ll train with industry-standard technologies, including computer-assisted translation tools, subtitling software, and interpreter-training facilities. You’ll build a professional translation portfolio and work on real client projects, gaining workplace-relevant experience.
The course offers a rich international learning environment, with students from diverse language backgrounds contributing to cross-cultural exchange. It equips you with versatile skills for the translation industry and a wide range of language-focused careers.
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Careers
Career Pathways
With the MA in Applied Translation Studies, you could launch a career as a:
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Professional Translator: Translate written content across languages, supported by strong theory and practical portfolio experience
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Localisation Specialist: Adapt digital content, products, or services for different languages, cultures, and markets
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Interpreter: Support spoken communication in community, business, or professional settings
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Subtitler: Create subtitles and audiovisual translations for film, television, online media, and digital platforms
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Translation Project Manager: Coordinate translation briefs, timelines, clients, and multilingual teams in language services
Career Support
Throughout your degree you'll be supported by UEA’s Career Central(opens in a new window), with a wide range of resources to help you to shape your profile for success after university. Within the School of Media, Language and Communication Studies, you’ll benefit from industry speakers, alumni panels, mentoring, AI literacy sessions, and career confidence support. You’ll also take part in activities that help you reflect on your skills and professional development. Our annual Industry Week brings together employers, career specialists, and skills sessions to help you prepare for success after your degree.
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, whilst others enter a wide range of professions.
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.
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, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
The Language and Communication Studies department at UEA offers a close‑knit, supportive learning environment with strong personal contact and academic guidance, while still benefiting from the vibrancy of a large interdisciplinary school. Your tutors are active researchers with expertise in areas such as translation technology, audiovisual and sport translation, intercultural communication, sociolinguistics, and discourse analysis. The year‑long Key Digital and Research Skills programme strengthens your academic and professional development, preparing you for careers or future PhD study. You’ll also have access to a rich programme of talks, workshops, and events—including those offered through the British Centre for Literary Translation—which broaden your understanding of global language and communication issues. Finally, state‑of‑the‑art facilities, including a new language lab with CAT and subtitling software, support your independent study alongside excellent library resources.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed on your coursework, which will involve presentations, translations, commentaries, essays, and your dissertation research project that includes the option for an extended translation.
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.
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(opens in a new window) 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 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £11,200 (£5,600 per year)
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International Students: £23,580 (£11,790 per year)
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see additional course fees(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
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(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.