Why this course?
The translation industry is on the rise with specialist translators being highly sought after.
The integration of business knowledge and translation/interpreting skills will give you a more competitive edge in the job market, opening up a broader range of career opportunities.
The skill-focused and practical nature of the course allows you to gain invaluable industry experience and proficiency in translation and interpreting, which potentially greatly improves your employability.
Our lecturers have a wide range of practical and research experience in translation and interpreting.
The practical translation and interpreting sessions will include industry-based tasks.
Glasgow is the economic centre of Scotland, where you can expect to experience a rich cultural and social life.
What you’ll study
Your classes will include:
- Text Typology & Translation
- Professional Interpreting Practice
- Translation and Language Technology
- Interpreting for Business and Commerce
- Business Translation
- Translation & Interpreting Studies
- Dissertation/Translation project
Facilities
Our translation labs are equipped with translation software, highly desired in the translation industry, such as SDL Trados.
Please note
Currently, we only admit students who can master another language in addition to English, from the following:
- Chinese
- German
- Spanish
- Italian
- French
Course content
Semester 1
Text Typology and Translation
You are introduced to a variety of text types and gain practical experience of the translation strategies for effective translation of a wide range of specialised texts, including commercial, technical and political texts. This class will allow you to gain a professional level of translation proficiency.
Translation and Interpreting Studies
You get to know contemporary translation theory relating to business translation and interpreting and be able to critically evaluate the appropriateness and acceptability of your own and others’ translations and interpretations.
Professional Interpreting Practice
You will gain a practical knowledge of the various techniques and skills required to reach proficiency as an interpreter and be able to use them effectively in different modes of interpreting through practice.
Semester 2
Translation and Language Technology
You will gain hands-on experience of various cutting-edge translation tools to improve translation consistency and efficiency. You will also have the opportunity to work towards an industr-recognised qualification from SDL Trados.
Interpreting for Business and Commerce
This component introduces you to the professional dimension of interpreting through a variety of business and economics-related scenarios.
Business Translation
This class provides you with further exposure to a variety of authentic business texts to translate and evaluate, through which experience of commerce and the translation industry will be gained.
Optional classes
Optional classes
- Introduction to Intercultural Communication
- Narrative Processing across Languages & Cultures
- Transcultural Fandom & British Popular Culture
- Research Skills in Literature, Culture & Communication
Learning & teaching
Lectures, workshops and lab practice will all ensure exposure to and engagement with real-world translation and interpreting scenarios.
Assessment
Assessment will be delivered through written assignments, practical interpreting scenarios, practical translation tasks, team and/or individual projects.
Entry requirements
You should have a good degree, preferably above UK 2:1 or equivalent. Academic backgrounds need not be English or Translation. Knowledge in business and economics is desirable. Individual cases will be considered on their own merits, such as qualifications and past work experiences.
Please note that currently we only admit students who can master another language in addition to English, from the following:
- Chinese
- German
- Spanish
- Italian
- French
English language requirements
You're required to have a suitable minimum level of competency in the English language if your first language is not English or if you have not been educated wholly or mainly in the medium of English.
For postgraduate studies, the University of Strathclyde requires a minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 (with no score below 6.0) or equivalent. Tests are valid for two years. Considerations will also be given to those who do not meet the entry requirements for IELTS but passed the Pre-Masters Programme at the University of Strathclyde.
Pre-sessional courses in English are available.
If you’re a national of an English speaking country recognised by UK Visa and Immigrations (please check most up-to-date list on the Home Office website) or you have successfully completed an academic qualification (at least equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree) in any of these countries, then you do not need to present any additional evidence.
If you are from a country not recognised as an English speaking country by the United Kingdom Vis and Immigration (UKVI), please check our English requirements before making your application.
Aptitude test
Suitable applicants are required to attend both a written and an oral aptitude test before admission. A written translation test will be followed by an oral interview to further demonstrate your language proficiency. The oral interview could be conducted either face-to-face or online based on your geographical location and preference.
Fees & funding
2019/20
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Scotland/EU
Rest of UK
International
How can I fund my course?
The Dean's International Excellence Award recognises academic achievement. It offers international students a merit-based scholarship of up to £3,000 for entry onto a full time Masters programme in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Strathclyde Prestige Award
To recognise academic excellence, the Strathclyde Prestige Award for Excellence in Business Translation & Interpreting offers international students a merit-based scholarship of £5,000 for entry onto the full time MSc in Business Translation & Interpreting.
Our scholarship search has a range of scholarships.
Scottish and non-UK EU postgraduate students
Scottish and non-UK EU postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from England
Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Wales
Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Northern Ireland
Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
International students
We have a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Strathclyde Alumni
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Alumni Discount
10% tuition fee discount is offered to all Strathclyde alumni completing a full-time postgraduate taught course in the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences.
Please note
The fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
Careers
Students gain professional proficiency in translation and liaison interpreting, specialising in business and commerce, which will open up a broad array of potential career paths from within the translation industry to global commerce and media.
Job titles from both the public and private sectors could include, but not necessarily be restricted to:
- translator
- interpreter
- technical writer
- international communication specialist (in advertising, marketing, media, and public affairs)
- educator
- administrator
Equipped with new business skills, you could also work freelance or establish your own translation and interpreting agency or business. This MSc is also a stepping-stone to pursue a PhD in the field of translation and/or interpreting.
