Introduction
Course information
Course title: Master in Translation and Terminology Studies
Course code: PMTTFTT
Postnominal: M.Trans. (Melit.)
Level of qualification: Second Cycle
National qualifications framework level: Level 7
Duration: 3 Semesters
Mode of attendance: Full-time
Total ECTS credits: 90
Course overview
The course aims at offering a theoretical and practical background based on the current global translation market demands.
It offers a main core study program combined with a specialization stream. This enables students to develop solid foundations in translation studies in general, while at the same time having the opportunity to focus on one of the three specialization fields offered: audiovisual translation, literary translation and translation for specific purposes. Language combinations shall preferably encompass English, Maltese, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, and Chinese. In addition to the main compulsory study-units (40 ECTS credits), students are required to register for 20 ECTS credits from one of the following specializations:
Literary Translation (L.T.)
Audiovisual Translation (A.V.T.)
Translation for Specific Purposes (T.S.P.)
The course program is offered by the Department of Translation, Terminology and Interpreting Studies, and is given by local academics, professionals in the translation industry and foreign guest scholars and professionals.
The course is spread over 3 semesters of full-time study during the day.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course students will be able to:
provide the opportunity for translators to learn and develop core translation;
deepen linguistic awareness and understanding of the nature of language in general and of translation (both process and product);
further enhance competence in both source language and mother tongue, including developing an ability to identify and operate in a variety of language styles and registers;
equip students with the necessary skills for professional employment in the field of translation (including familiarity with both technical and specialized registers, editing skills and work experience), dubbing, sub-titling and screen translation;
help students undertake research efficiently and familiarise themselves with the specialized terminology of new subject areas for the purpose of translation;
equip students to undertake the independent translation of a range of institutional or technical texts to a professional standard;
undertake revision and editing of translations;
undertake research in translation and terminology studies up to a PhD level.
Career opportunities and access to further studies
The course equips candidates with the skills necessary to pursue careers as translators and researchers in fields which are constantly experiencing a significant increase in market demand such as:
broadcasting and film industry
publishing industry
literary translation industry
European institutions
technical, scientific, financial translation
court and legal translation
Course intended for
The Master in Translation and Terminology Studies is open to European and non-European students who would like to pursue careers as translators in various fields.
Admission and Progression Requirements
The Course shall be open to applicants who shall satisfy the following requirements:
be in possession of any first cycle degree from this University or another higher education institution recognized by Senate, obtained with at least Second Class Honours or Category II or equivalent,
have a good spoken and written command of the English language (IELTS 6.5 level or higher), and
have a high level of proficiency in one’s own native language (at C2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Applicants in possession of the Postgraduate Diploma in Translation and Interpreting may be allowed to join Part II of the Course, provided they have successfully completed the Postgraduate Diploma program with a minimum average mark of 65%, and provided further that such applicants shall choose either “Translation” or “Interpreting” as their research area of study.
The Board shall recommend to Senate the number of applicants that may be allowed to register, depending on the availability of resources. The number of available places shall be announced at the time of the call for applications.
If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available places, applicants shall be selected using the following criteria, weighted as follows:
language, thematic and translation skills test - 70%
performance during the interview - 30%.
The interviewing board appointed by the Board shall be composed of at least three members.
The interviewing board may make use of electronic means of communication in order to carry out interviews and/or aptitude tests with applicants.
For the purpose of selection, applicants who fully satisfy all the requirements for admission by 31st August preceding the commencement of the Course shall be considered first and those for whom places are available will be accepted and informed accordingly. If vacant places are still available, applicants who obtain all necessary qualifications after the 31st August and before the 30th September shall be considered to take up the remaining places.
The admission requirements are applicable for courses commencing in October 2018.
Programme of Study
Year 1
Taught component
In addition to the main compulsory study-units (40 ECTS credits), students are required to register for 20 ECTS credits from one of the following specializations:
Literary Translation (L.T.)
Audiovisual Translation (A.V.T.)
Translation for Specific Purposes (T.S.P.)
Semester 1
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
TIS5003, Terminology and Translation, 4 ECTS
TIS5030, Translation Theory 1 (Historical Issues and Recurrent Themes), 4 ECTS
TIS5036, Computer-Aided Translation, 4 ECTS
TIS5039, Language Analysis: Semantics, Pragmatics and Semiotics, 4 ECTS
TTI5013, Approaches to Audiovisual Translation, 6 ECTS
Compulsory study-unit for students opting to follow AVT specialization:
TTI5002, Beyond translation: Linguistic and cultural adaptation on screen, 5 ECTS
Compulsory study-unit for students opting to follow LT specialization:
TTI5009, Translating Literature, 5 ECTS
Compulsory study-unit for students opting to follow TSP specialization:
TIS5034, Translation Practice 1, 5 ECTS
Semester 2
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
TIS5041, Translation Theory 2 (Contemporary Issues), 4 ECTS
TIS5046, Translation/Terminology Project, 4 ECTS
TTI5011, Research Methods in Translation Studies, 5 ECTS
TTI5012, Translation and Interpretation in Intercultural Communication, 5 ECTS
Compulsory study-units for students opting to follow AVT specialization:
TTI5003, AVT Techniques 1: Revoicing Modes, 5 ECTS
TTI5004, AVT Techniques 2: Captioning Modes, 5 ECTS
TTI5005, AVT Techniques 3: An introduction to video game localization, 5 ECTS
Compulsory study-units for students opting to follow LT specialization:
TTI5006, Translation, Transformation and Rewriting, 5 ECTS
TTI5007, Translating Fiction, Drama, Comics and Children's Literature, 5 ECTS
TTI5008, Literary translation workshops, 5 ECTS
Compulsory study-units for students opting to follow TSP specialization:
TIS5000, Translation for Specific Purposes - Legal, Scientific and Financial, 6 ECTS
TIS5045, Professional Issues in Translation, 4 ECTS
TTI5010, Translation revision: Self-revision, other-revision and post-editing, 5 ECTS
Year 2
Research component
Semester 1
Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
TIS5090, Dissertation, 30 ECTS
This program of study is governed by The General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2008 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Degree of Master in Translation and Terminology Studies - M. Trans. - or the Degree of Master in Interpreting Studies - M. Interp. - under the auspices of the Faculty of Arts.