MA Translation

MA Translation

This programme responds to the increasing need in a globalised, interconnected world, for highly-qualified translators who can navigate different genres of text and negotiate the language needs of diverse audiences and industries.

With its open language pair system, this linguistically and culturally diverse MA programme attracts applicants from around the world. Our trainee translators are supported to pursue a range of language combinations, and we welcome applications from students working with English and any other language. Language combinations pursued by our past students have included:

• English to Arabic
• English to Chinese
• Chinese to English
• English to Dutch
• English to French
• French to English
• English to German
• English to Italian
• Italian to English
• English to Polish
• English to Spanish
• Spanish to English
• English to Swedish
• English to Ukrainian

If you wish to work with a language that is not listed above, please note that applicants may indicate their preference for any language, translating either into or out of English.

Language-specific translation mentoring scheme

The MA in Translation at Goldsmiths is one of the only programmes to assign students a professional translation mentor who will read your work and give dedicated feedback for you to implement as you progress throughout the programme.

Developed in line with professional translation industry standard, the translation mentoring scheme creates a unique opportunity to put your translation studies into practice, with the support of a translation expert who can act as an adviser for all aspects of life as a professional translator, such as time management, managing your finances, and understanding contracts, as well as support your practical translation skills.

A community of linguists

You will be part of a supportive community of linguists. We help you develop peer support groups and offer language learning schemes where you can meet other students, develop your language skills, and help each other solve common problems.

Through the Goldsmiths “Learn a Language” scheme, you will be able to develop foreign language skills and create your own language-specialist support networks. You will be able to meet speakers of a range of different languages and share your own language skills with others.

Research and real-world practice

At the end of the MA, you will not be asked to complete a viva voce examination. Instead, you will complete an independent translation research project, with the option of a practical translation relevant to your career goals. Past students have used this as an opportunity to localise a videogame, subtitle a video, or translate a chapter of a book for pitching to publishers.

Computer-aided translation software for the degree is provided by Memsource, with training facilitated by the programme convenor, Dr Sarah Maitland, who is a Memsource Certified Trainer and Senior Lecturer in Translation Studies. All students are given the opportunity to apply for Student Certification free of charge, and become part of an active community. Through the Memsource Talent Endorsement Program, the top-scoring certified students will be eligible to compete for paid translation work experience.

Employability and professional development

We’ll help you build your employability skills and kickstart your continuous professional development. All students are encouraged to apply for placement and internship opportunities, and have access to an optional work experience module.

The MA in Translation is a member of the Institute of Translators and Interpreters (ITI), the only UK-based independent professional membership association for practising translators, interpreters, and language service businesses. The programme is also a member of the Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting Studies of the UK and Ireland (APTIS).

Next live chat with the Programme Coordinator

Meet virtually with the MA in Translation Programme Coordinator to find out more about our translation mentoring scheme, what modules you can take, how the capstone translation and research 'dissertation' project works, and what translation work experience opportunities you can expect over the course of your studies. It's also a great opportunity to discuss what language combinations you'd like to specialise in, as part of our open language pair system.