Triangle

Course overview

Do you want to learn about how technology shapes the fast-changing language services industry? This master‘s course will prepare you for a global career, integrating technological tools in professional practice to develop comprehensive skills and knowledge for the language services industry. You’ll get hands-on experience in translation, localisation and interpreting through multilingual projects specialising in your chosen languages.

If you’re already qualified in language teaching, this course can help you take your qualifications further. It’s also a great stepping stone if you’re thinking about doing more academic study after your master’s.

With our MA Applied Translation Studies programme, you’ll work between English and at least one other language:

  • Mandarin Chinese
  • French
  • German
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
  • Russian

Our course will help you confidently use the latest tools and technology, including software for translating websites, apps and videos. You'll gain specialised practical experience in your area(s) of interest such as:

  • translation
  • translation management
  • interpreting
  • audio-visual translation (such as subtitles and dubbing)
  • language technology, including localisation for web and app content

If English isn’t your first language, you can take specialist English modules to boost your skills. These classes prepare you for top-level English exams like the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE, equivalent to Council of Europe level C2), or the Cambridge Advanced Certificate of English (CAE, equivalent to level C1). These modules are taught by expert staff from our Centre for English Language Education.

Why choose this course?

Industry links

The school has strong relationships with key industry players such as Sky, ZOO Academy and RWS

Flexible programme

to specialise in areas such as web and app localisation, interpretation, publishing translation, subtitling and audio description 

English qualifications

Modules for CPE or CAE preparation for non-native English speakers

Practical training

in industry-standard translation and interpretation tools, as well as free access to professional workflow simulation tools

Gala membership

Gala is the largest association in the industry

World top 100

university

3rd in the UK

3rd most targeted university by top UK employers

The Graduate Market, High Fliers Research 2024

Course content

This course is built around core modules that focus on critical translation practice and using modern translation technology. You’ll also choose from optional modules to develop specialist skills that match your career goals in the language services industry.

You can explore areas like interpreting, audiovisual translation, localisation and translation publishing. You’re free to focus on one area or combine several to build your own portfolio of expertise.

All workshop-based modules run during the Autumn and Spring semesters and most last for one semester. After that, you’ll work on a 60-credit targeted translation project. This includes a supervised translation task and a reflective commentary, which you’ll submit by the end of August. There may be the opportunity to do a placement with a local public body or charity, where you can undertake your final project around a practical exercise.

Modules

For all students

Practical Translation 20 credits

This module will enable you to combine translation theory and practice through workshops to maximise skills development. Workshops are based on translation of different text types where relevant critical and genre-specific approaches are introduced. We also incorporate translation technology in workshops and maximise practical skills through simulation exercises. This module will prepare you for life as a language professional and/or translation practitioner.

Translator's Toolbox 20 credits

Computer-assisted translation is an area of extreme growth and it’s vital that translators and interpreters have a good understanding of the tools available to them. This module will introduce you to the key concepts, terms and components, such as, term base, translation memory and translation editor in practice-based workshops.

Targeted Translation Project 60 credits

This module requires you to demonstrate practical translation skills through translation of a text or series of texts.

The commentary, which is 12-15,000 words,  should demonstrate how and why the translator uses the theories s/he has learned to guide the translation and illustrate in detail the skills and techniques s/he has applied in solving the problems occurred during translation. You will work under the guidance of a supervisor. Options for the project include translation, localisation or subtitling.

For Mandarin Chinese group

Bi-lateral Interpreting between Chinese and English 20 credits

We will introduce you to a variety of different techniques and help you build the main skills required to become a successful bi-lateral interpreter. This module covers both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting as well as sight translation and interpreting technology and is taught through the course of the year. We will also explore challenges English/Chinese interpreters face and teach you how to navigate around them. Being a workshop-led module, you will have plenty of opportunity to practise in class and test out the strategies learned.

Chinese-English Community Interpreting 20 credits

Community interpreting is the type of interpreting that takes place where the native speaker is likely to be a member of the public. This can include; education, medical, policing, housing, legal areas and border controls.

Through this module you will develop the skills, techniques and cultural awareness which will allow you to work with professionals and clients from different backgrounds.

To maximise your interpretation practice, this module is delivered in a workshop format allowing plenty of time to hone your new skills.

For non-native English speakers

English for Language Professionals A 10 credits

Further develop your English language skills focussing on areas which are important for language professionals:

  • lexis, structure and functions
  • receptive and productive skills
  • textual aspects
  • situational constraints, pragmatics and register
  • relevant cultural background
  • sources of information and guidance for the solution of difficulties related to applied concerns
English for Language Professionals B 10 credits

Further develop your English language skills focussing on aspects related to the English language in semi-specialised contexts:

  • lexis, structure and functions
  • receptive and productive skills
  • textual aspects
  • situational constraints, pragmatics and register
  • relevant cultural background
  • sources of information and guidance for the solution of difficulties related to applied concerns
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Friday 03 October 2025.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
Chinese-English Community Interpreting 20 credits

Community interpreting is the type of interpreting that takes place where the native speaker is likely to be a member of the public. This can include; education, medical, policing, housing, legal areas and border controls.

Through this module you will develop the skills, techniques and cultural awareness which will allow you to work with professionals and clients from different backgrounds.

To maximise your interpretation practice, this module is delivered in a workshop format allowing plenty of time to hone your new skills.

Introduction to Interpreting 20 credits

We’ll introduce you to a variety of different techniques and help you start building the key skills required to begin your exciting journey of becoming a successful interpreter. You’ll explore simultaneous and consecutive interpretation, putting your findings into practice with your classmates. We’ll also explore some of the obstacles interpreters face and teach you how to navigate around them.

Through lectures, skills-based classes and time spent practising your newly-acquired skills (using the online platform for interpreters and/or in the interpreter’s booth) you should see an improvement to your listening, concentration and memory skills.

By the end of the module you’ll have gained a solid introductory understanding of interpreting skills and will feel confident and capable when putting them into practice in the easy level interpreting tasks. This module could become a first step towards your further training to become a professional interpreter!

Translation for Publishing Markets 20 credits

This module provides students insights of the translation publishing industry, especially in areas of management, norms, business models, translation and editing.

Subtitling for Deaf Audiences 20 credits

Gain a grounding in subtitling for D/deaf members of the audience. You'll get to grips with professional tools and professional conventions (for spotting, splitting, presentation, reading speed etc.) with a view to open up professional avenues.

Audio Description 20 credits

Discover accessibility practices in the field of audiovisual translation, with a particular focus on audio description (AD). You'll focus on the theory and practice(s) of different aspects of AD. The linguistic, technical, and cultural specificities of AD will be examined in detail. You'll become familiar with professional tools, workflows and standards.

Because the module focusses on AD produced for members of the audience on the blindness spectrum, part of the module is also dedicated to helping you understand blindness, visual impairments, and the needs of members of the audience on the blindness spectrum. The working language will be English, and whilst you will be given the opportunity to work between languages, it should be noted that for practical purposes, the focus of the module will be largely intralingual.

Introduction to Localisation 20 credits

This module will help you understand the key differences between traditional translation and localisation. We'll introduce you to localisation tools and their use in a variety of contexts, such as academic, practical and business.

Localisation Practice* 20 credits

In this module you will participate in real-life localisation projects, to learn advanced IT skills, translation technology, marketing strategies, business execution and language service administration.

*This module may only be taken alongside the module Introduction to Localisation.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Friday 03 October 2025.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Practical classes

You’ll learn through a mix of workshops, seminars and practical sessions. Workshops give you plenty of time to practise your skills and build the problem-solving abilities you’ll need in real-world communication settings. In seminars, you’ll explore key topics in smaller groups, using your working languages to deepen your understanding through peer discussion.

We use industry-standard translation and interpreting tools throughout the course, so you’ll gain experience with the same technology used by professionals. You’ll also have access to our specialist translation and interpreting suites for practice and coursework.

How you will be assessed

  • Essay
  • Coursework
  • Presentation
  • Exams
  • Project work

Most of the modules combine theory and practice and you will be assessed with a combination of methods.

In order to progress, you shall be required to pass each module with at least 50%. Upon successful completion of the taught modules, you will work on your translation project over the summer.

Your final degree classification will be based on successful completion of both the taught and translation project stages.

Contact time and study hours

Learning typically includes 14-17 contact hours per week, consisting of:

  • 6-7 hours of workshops
  • 4-5 hours of seminars
  • 4-5 hours of practical sessions

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Undergraduate degree2:1 honours degree in the language you wish to study at MA level. Requirements for native speakers of English applying to work between Chinese and English: HSK Level 6.

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply

Fees

Qualification MA
Home / UK £9,700
International £25,750

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

Upon graduation, you will have the communication skills necessary to pursue a career in any area that requires an in-depth knowledge of applied translation.

You will also be ideally placed to embark on a research career, either in the UK or internationally.

Over the years our graduates have embarked on various careers within the language services industry, including in-house and freelance translators and interpreters, technical copywriters and translation project managers.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates

Related courses

This content was last updated on Friday 03 October 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.