M.A. in Translation Studies

The MA in Translation Studies is a well-established programme that enjoys the benefits of being part of the European Masters in Translation (EMT) Network initiated by the European Commission designed to promote a quality brand of translator qualifications. Covering a number of European and Asian languages, the MA programme combines a firm grounding in the academic discipline of Translation Studies with a strong practical and professional dimension. Our students are recruited by high-profile European public institutions as well as private multinational organisations. Students are also able to pursue further study in the field through the internationally recognised Centre for Translation and Textual Studies (CTTS), DCU's University Designated Research Centre, which provides a stimulating research environment.

Aims and Objectives:

• To develop a range of professional and linguistic skills appropriate to the translation profession
• To provide practical training in the translation of a range of specialised texts
• To equip students with the technological tools and skills required in the profession
• To introduce students to contemporary theoretical issues in Translation Studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The following RPeL (Recognition of Prior experiential Learning) policy applies to the MA in Translation Studies.

Applicants who do not meet our entry requirements of a second class honours degree in one or two languages must provide evidence that they have gained significant work experience in translation or a related field (localisation, journalism, etc.), and that they have extensive knowledge of their chosen source and target language and cultures.

Applicants must provide evidence that they have achieved level C1 or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages for their chosen language.

Programme Structure:

The MA in Translation Studies is a one year, full-time taught programme delivered over two semesters. A research dissertation is completed over the summer months.

Translation practice modules are offered for French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese to English and for English to Irish. Students can take translation modules in either one or two languages. However, students taking Irish must have a second language.

Why DCU:

We are the only Irish university to offer a comprehensive postgraduate programme in Translation Studies

We work closely with professional bodies (e.g. ITIA), international organisations (e.g. EU) and the translation industry to deliver a programme that prepares graduates to work as translators

Our programme belongs to the prestigious European Masters in Translation (EMT) network

We provide an excellent research environment with internationally recognised scholars in the field attached to the well-established research centre, Centre for Translation and Textual Studies

Career Prospects:

• Many graduates from the MA in Translation Studies become professional translators, working on a freelance basis for agencies or in the translation departments of large companies
• Graduates may also be eligible for the competitive examinations leading to employment in the Translating Divisions of the Institutions of the European Union or other international organisations
• For more information, please consult Interpreting and Translating for Europe and Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union
• Some graduates follow careers in related fields such as publishing, broadcasting or IT where they may take up positions as technical writers, terminologists or lexicographers, subtitlers or software localisers
• Others opt for careers in teaching, at secondary or tertiary level, or undertake research
• Some graduates may wish to continue their studies to doctoral level at DCU or elsewhere. See Research in SALIS for more information on continuing research in the area of Translation Studies

Entry Requirements:

• Applications are invited from graduates normally with at least a Second Class Honours degree in any one (for the one-language route) or two (for the two-language route) of the following language(s): Chinese, French, German, Japanese or Spanish.
• In addition, applicants should preferably have spent a total of at least 12 months per language in a country/countries where the language(s) they wish to study are spoken.
• Consideration will be given to other subject specialists with appropriate linguistic competence.
• Non-native speakers should have a degree in English or advanced English skills (e.g. IELTS 7.0 points, Cambridge Proficiency Pass or TOEFL 600/250 points). Applicants may be called for interview, and their levels of English tested.