MSc in Translation Technology

The MSc in Translation Technology at DCU is a member of the prestigious European Masters in Translation (EMT) Network established by the Directorate-General for Translation at he European Commission. DCU is the only university in Ireland to be awarded this quality label.

The MSc in Translation Technology provides advanced technical training, an essential element in the world of translation in the twenty-first century. It welcomes students with languages other than those covered b the MA in Translation Studies, with English as a common language.

This postgraduate programme is supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) under their Graduate Skills Conversion Programme, resulting in a reduced fee for European Union citizens. This is subject to review each year and in 2014/2015 the fees payable by EU citizens were reduced to €3,950.

In addition to expertise in their areas of specialization, many of the lecturers who teach on the programme, have extensive connections with the translation profession and the translation industry.

Aims and Objectives:

• To develop a range of professional and linguistic skills appropriate to the translation profession
• To equip students with the technological tools and skills required in the profession
• To provide practical training in the use of translation tools and an introduction to computer programming
• 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 MSc in Translation Technology.

Applicants who do not meet our entry requirements of a second class honours degree in an undergraduate discipline such as: language, linguistics or computational linguistics 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 MSc in Translation Technology is a one year, full-time taught programme delivered over two semesters. A research dissertation is completed over the summer months.

The core subjects are :

• Translation Technology
• Translation Theory
• Computerized Terminology
• Research Methodologies
• Audiovisual Translation
• Digital Methods in Language and Discourse
• Object Orientated Programming (Java)

In semester two, students choose two optional modules from:

• Translation as a Profession
• Statistical Machine Translation
• Language-specific Translation Practice modules in French, Spanish, Jamanese or Chinese (translation into English) or translation from English to Irish.

Why DCU:

• We are the only Irish university to offer a comprehensive postgraduate programme in Translation Technology combined with contemporary theoretical issues 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 equips graduates with excellent translation technology skills. These skills are an essential part of practicing as a translator, and they improve employability, both within large organisations and as a freelance translator
• 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
• Our fees are highly competitive due to the government funding scheme

Career Prospects:

Graduates from the MSc in Translation Technology will have an excellent knowledge and understanding of technologies relating to the translation profession, making them highly sought after by employers

Graduates from the MSc in Translation Technology can become professional translators, working in the translation departments of large companies or on a freelance basis for agencies or for direct clients.

Graduates may also be eligible for the competitive examinations leading to employment in the Translation Divisions of EU Institutions or other international organizations.

Entry Requirements:

Applications are invited from graduates, normally with at least a Second Class Honours degree, in an undergraduate discipline such as: language, linguistics, computational linguistics. Applicants should have knowledge of a second language (no restrictions apply).

In addition, applicants should preferably have spent a total of at least 12 months per language in a country or countries where the language(s) they wish to study are spoken.

Consideration will be given to graduates from other disciplines who have appropriate linguistic competency.

Non-native speakers of English should will be required to submit evidence of advanced English language skills e.g. IELTS 7 points, Cambridge Proficiency Pass or TOEFL 600 points (paper based test) or 250 points (computer based).