Master in Translation and Terminology Studies

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:

1. 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,
2. have a good spoken and written command of the English language (IELTS 6.5 level or higher), and
3. 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:

1. language, thematic and translation skills test - 70%
2. 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.