MA Applied Translation Studies
Course
options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course Overview
The translation industry is experiencing significant growth, with increasing global demand for well-qualified translators. Our MA in Applied Translation Studies will equip you to break down language barriers and help people, organisations, and countries communicate more effectively.
From the very start of your 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.
Our language lab provides access to cutting-edge translation and interpreting technologies, including industry-standard computer-assisted translation tools, professional subtitling software, and interpreter training facilities.
The 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.
Study and Modules
Structure
This is a one-year full-time course, but you can also take it part-time over two years. In your first semester, you’ll learn how to use the main tools used by professional translators and you'll develop your understanding of approaches in translation theory and methodologies while immediately applying them to a range of practical contexts.
In the second semester you'll continue learning about different theoretical approaches and translation contexts. You'll also put your theoretical skills to the test by gaining professional translation work experience, working with a company or organisation on an authentic translation brief.
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.
Over the course of the year, you’ll be taught fundamental skills in academic writing and research that will prepare you to undertake your final dissertation. 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.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 80)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)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 for 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 all active researchers in the field. We have 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 year-long Academic and Research Skills 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 where you can attend translation workshops and talks.
You'll have access to our new state-of-the-art language laboratory and multimedia self-access resources room, with computer-assisted translation and professional subtitling software. These materials complement the excellent holdings of the UEA library.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed on your coursework, which will involve presentations, translations, commentaries, essays and your dissertation.
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.
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 students go into the translation industry, but many enter a wide range of other professions.
Careers
Example 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 Listening & Reading, and minimum 6.0 in Writing & Speaking)
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, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
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UK Students: £10,675
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International Students: £22,700
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 £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
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.