MSc Applied Translation
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: October & February
- Study mode and duration: 12 months, full-time
Location: Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
Study with us
- become equipped with the necessary skills to work in the ever-growing language service provider industry
- gain practical experience in Arabic-English translation through a range of applied, competence-building and specialised tasks that are rooted in real-world activities
- boost employability by participating in Trados training through the RWS Campus scheme
- option to pursue a research pathway toward PhD study
- ideal for those who wish to become professional translators, for translation practitioners who wish to update their knowledge and skills in translation, or for language students who intend to work in international enterprises
- the MSc Applied Translation programme is offered by and awarded in the name of the University of Strathclyde. The MSc award is also recognized and accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Jordan
Why this course?
This course, a partnership with the Middle East University in Amman, Jordan, allows students with existing Arabic-English language skills to further their understanding of how to translate to a professional level.
The nature of the course means that you'll take part in simulated real-world translation tasks across different specialised domains e.g. business, tourism, science and journalism. In so doing, you'll build a toolkit of best practices and strategies for translation, while also developing a range of intercultural communication skills valued in the working world more broadly.
The course includes hands-on training in Trados, industry-leading computer-assisted translation software, through the RWS Campus scheme, which gives students the additional opportunity to gain valuable Trados Certification, an industry-recognised marker of professional competence in CAT tools. Our curriculum also incorporates training and practice in the use of subtitling software, another in-demand skill.
Students are further supported in their studies by a wide range of University resources. An extensive collection of e-books and online journal content can be accessed remotely through the Library, which also hosts a suite of virtual Skills Boost sessions; the Learner Development Services team offer online advice and further training on a range of academic practices; while our Disability and Wellbeing Service team is made up of advisers with specialist expertise in disability, health, mental health and counselling.
Designed with graduate employability at its centre, the course will prepare you for a career in and beyond the language service provider industry.
Text Typology & Translation
You'll be introduced to a variety of text types and gain practical experience of translation strategies that underpin the effective translation of specialised texts, including technical, medical and political texts. This module will allow you to gain a professional level of translation proficiency.
Translation & Interpreting Studies
You'll gain an understanding of contemporary translation theory with an emphasis on applied linguistic and sociocultural approaches, while larger questions of ethics and ideology will be explored in relation to both translation and interpreting.
Translating Media
This class aims to familiarize you with diverse types of media texts, their distinct linguistic features and discursive styles. Through in-depth reading of literature on the translation of media texts and critical analysis of the translation of media texts, including public relation documents, soft news, and audiovisual texts, you develop critical thinking skills and efficient coping strategies to tackle problems in the translation of media texts.
Business Translation
This class provides you with further exposure to a variety of authentic business texts, including audiovisual material, and the focus on practice further consolidates translator competence.
Translation & Language Technology
You're provided the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of various cutting-edge translation tools to improve translation consistency and efficiency, with software such as Trados and other cloud-based CAT tools, while post-editing skills will also be enhanced.
Translating for the Travel & Tourism Sector
You'll benefit from a narrower, more in-depth focus on one area of specialised translation that tends to generate a lot of translation work; the constraints, challenges and opportunities of handling tourist-facing texts are explored via a combination of theoretical readings, critical analysis of existing provision, and reflective practice.
Dissertation (60 credits)
Please note that submission of your dissertation is scheduled following the successful completion of the above-outlined taught modules.
Option 1: Translation & Commentary
The aim of this particular dissertation is to demonstrate both a practical and a theoretical engagement with the taught component of the programme through the production of an original translation and a critical commentary. The dissertation is thus a showcase for the development of your professional translation, conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills. In more general terms, the dissertation is a significant piece of writing which demands original thought, in-depth inquiry into and knowledge of a specific topic, as well as respect for academic conventions.
Option 2: Research dissertation
The primary aim of the research dissertation is to add to existing knowledge in the field of Translation Studies through the investigation of an original and worthwhile research question. There are multiple forms that this investigation could take, e.g. testing a hypothesis, gathering and analysing new data, proposing a new theoretical or methodological framework, or exploring an original line of enquiry in translation or interpreting history, quality assessment, ethics etc. It is important to note that this is a very challenging undertaking, one which requires well-developed skills in synthesizing and critiquing complex material, and in designing and implementing qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies.
Learning & teaching
Modules will be taught on campus at MEU by staff from both Strathclyde and our host institution.
The course is delivered predominantly through face-to-face lectures which often incorporate practical translation exercises. Some short video lectures will also be provided alongside reading material as preparation. Translation technology training will be delivered as practical workshops in the dedicated translation teaching lab. You'll have ample opportunity to receive both formal and informal feedback from staff.
Assessment
A range of assessment methods will be used, including timed translations, translations with commentaries, post-editing assignments, comparative analyses, self-reflections and the dissertation.
Facilities
MEU have installed a new translation teaching lab, equipped with up-to-date, industry-leading software packages, including Trados.
Trados Top Student Award
Each year, the top two students in the Translation with Language Technology module will be awarded with a free copy of the latest version of ‘Trados Studio Freelance’ for use in their future career.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements | First- or upper second-class Honours degree, or overseas equivalent. An academic background in English or translating is not required. Applicants with a lower degree classification may be considered on an individual basis. Suitable applicants are required to pass an aptitude test prior to admission, comprising a written translation test. These can be taken on campus at MEU or arranged remotely via email. |
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English language requirements | IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (no individual band less than 5.5); or equivalent qualification. |
Careers
You'll gain professional proficiency in translation which will open up a broad array of potential career paths within the translation industry and beyond.
Roles in both the public and private sectors could include, but are not necessarily be restricted to:
- translator (freelance or in-house)
- interpreter
- project manager
- website localizer
- technical writer
- international communication specialist (in advertising, marketing, media, and public affairs)
- educator
- administrator
- academic (following PhD study)