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Translation Studies
School of Languages and Cultures,
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
![Translation Studies Students](http://cdn.sheffield.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_single_column_1x/public/2019-10/_MG_7795.jpg?h=3a4c3f89&itok=i5sVog18)
Course description
You’ll create a bespoke course within a clear structure that reflects your unique interests and ambitions. The programme also allows you to choose a specialism in Digital Information or Audio Visual Media.
At Sheffield, you will join a well-established programme in translation and audiovisual studies offering a wide range of translation languages which include Czech, Dutch, French, German, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish into English and English into Chinese and Italian.
We will introduce you to key methods and approaches in translation studies and help you develop high level translation skills on this challenging course. The programme covers theories, methods and techniques of translation, introducing you to a range of translation software essential for success in today's translation, subtitling or digital information industries.
The MA Translation Studies is aimed at people who wish to develop a career in the language services sector to become professional translators, subtitlers, dubbing translators, localisers and project managers.
The course is also excellent preparation for a PhD in translation studies and related fields. It offers regular practice of advanced practical translation tasks.
- You can translate between 1 to 3 languages and English as part of the programme;
- Create your own bespoke programme through your choice of optional modules in literary approaches, technologies or different translation languages
- Become part of a professional translation community which has long established connections with Sheffield-based global heavy-weights in the language services industry RWS and ZOO Digital
You will be equipped with the skills needed for professional work as a translator in industry and for research in translation studies. You will practice translation in specific language pairs and will become conversant with up-to-date translation tools, which are required in the constantly evolving translation industry.
Visit us on an open day to find out more about the course, our facilities and the city.
Accreditation
Our accreditation as a ZOO Academy partner and RWS Campus partner means you'll get free-of-charge access to ZOOdubs and Trados Studio as part of your learning. The top two students studying translation technology will also be awarded a free Trados Studio license for use after they graduate.
We are a member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and of the Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting Studies of the UK and Ireland (APTIS). Our MA also offers high quality training for translators in line with the European Masters in Translation (EMT) standards.
Modules
MA Translation Studies has five core modules (75 credits), optional modules (45 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits).
If you wish, you can choose to use your optional modules to specialise in either Digital Information or Audio Visual Media as described below.
Technology modules train you in the latest, industry-standard tools, including: WordfastPro, MemoQ, Trados Studio, Alchemy Catalyst, OmegaT, WinCAPS and ZOOdubs.
Semester one:
- Translation Technologies
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This module is designed to enable students to become conversant with different computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools that are used in professional practice. Students will learn about core perspectives in the use and usefulness of CAT tools and terminology management tools. Students will also receive teaching in relation to the use of Machine Translation and post-editing.
15 credits - Concepts and Approaches in Translation Studies
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The aim of this module is to introduce students with an interest in languages and communication to key theoretical approaches in Translation Studies, including theories of equivalence, functionalism, domestication v. foreignisation, comparative syntax and audiovisual translation. This module will give students a solid grounding in translation theory and prepare them for further study in this area and/or relating to other disciplines.
15 credits - Research Methods in Modern Languages and Cultures
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This module will introduce and explore a range of methodological approaches and techniques that are relevant to students of Modern Languages and Cultures. It will enable students to identify, assess and exploit sources and data, present the results of their research in (an) appropriate manner(s), and adhere to data protection, intellectual property and ethics requirements. Students will engage with different theoretical models and debates, and a range of tools for accessing information. Students will be required to attend generic research methods sessions as well as those which are of greatest relevance to their research topic(s).
15 credits - Translation Skills and Genres 1
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This module aims to enable students to analyse, evaluate and apply appropriate translation theories to the translation of texts whilst developing advanced and professional translation skills in a variety of genres. It aims to equip students with key theoretical approaches and practical strategies for the translation of a wide variety of genres of texts.
15 credits
Module aims are: i) To develop skills and expertise in translation strategies between English and one other language. ii) To develop an understanding of practical, professional and theoretical approaches to the translation of different genres of texts. Through a combination of theoretical lectures and language specific seminars students will develop an awareness of issues related to translation and language.
Students will analyse material from the word to the text level and examine theoretical and practical issues in the translation of authentic Source Language texts.
Students will examine frequently occurring translation problems and a range of strategies, which can be used to solve them, as well as learn how to justify their choice of strategy.
This module is normally for students on Masters' programmes in the Faculty of Arts. Students with non-standard experience /qualification may be eligible for this module on successful completion of a translation test.
Semester two:
- Dissertation - MA in Translation Studies
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The aim of this module is to give students of the MA in Translation Studies the opportunity to research a topic in the field (to be agreed with the dissertation supervisor). They will be expected to put into practice theories, strategies, methods and techniques with which they will have been acquainted while studying the relevant preparatory modules; they may also link their dissertation to a work-placement or work-based project, and in some cases an extended translation, in which case the dissertation approach may be more practice-oriented, drawing on theories. The normal length of the dissertation will be 12-16,000 words.
60 credits - Translation Skills and Genres 2
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This module aims to enable students to analyse, evaluate and apply appropriate translation theories to the translation of texts whilst developing advanced and professional translation skills in a variety of genres. It aims to equip students with key theoretical approaches and practical strategies for the translation of a wide variety of genres of texts. Module aims are:
15 credits
i. To develop skills and expertise in translation strategies between English and one other language.
ii. To develop an understanding of practical, professional and theoretical approaches to the translation of different genres of texts.
Through a combination of theoretical lectures and language specific seminars students will develop an awareness of issues related to translation and language. students will analyse material from the word to the text level and examining theoretical and practical issues in the translation of authentic Source Language texts.
Students will examine frequently occurring translation problems and a range of strategies, which can be used to solve them, as well as learn how to justify their choice of strategy.
This module is normally for students on Masters' programmes in the Faculty of Arts. Students with non-standard experience/qualification may be eligible for this module on successful completion of a translation test.
Either semester:
- Induction and Transition: SLC MA Study Support
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The aim of this module is to give students of the Applied Languages MA Programmes the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to complete successfully the requirements of their postgraduate programme, including writing an essay at MA level and undertaking a dissertation in the field (to be agreed with the dissertation supervisor). Students will be introduced to library skills, academic requirements of writing an essay at MA level, referencing conventions, plagiarism issues and autonomous learning. Students will be introduced to the requirements of a dissertation at Sheffield, and follow appropriate support lectures supporting the student in identification of the research area; reading to be undertaken, adopting appropriate methodologies and the development of original ideas and insights.
Semester one:
- Language in Context
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This module starts from the assumption that language is fundamental to all forms of communication, social life (both online and offline) and our understanding of reality. This poses challenges for all kinds of intercultural contact - be it through translation, other forms of intercultural communication, or through the analysis and interpretation of the cultural 'other' in cultural productions and the media. The module sets out to explain how language interacts with the world around us and how communication is impacted when we cross linguistic and cultural barriers . Each week, we'll analyse real-life examples of norms through concepts such as politeness, contextualisation, implicature, metaphor, framing and ideology to enhance our understanding of culture and language-specific communicative norms, interactional patterns, text types, genres and the creation of meaning in communication. The module includes an introduction to presenting academic work through digital media.
15 credits - Translation Skills 1
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This module aims: i) To explore aspects of linguistic theory in relation to the act of translation; ii) To offer an account of translation as an act of cultural and ideological mediation; and iii) To study key concepts of translation theory including equivalence and functionalism. By the end of the module, we expect that students will be able to: i) Understand, explain and comment critically on the main theories of translation; ii) Develop their own views and insights from an understanding of these theories; and iii) Relate theories of translation to practical translation scenarios
15 credits - Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication
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This module aims to develop an understanding of the main theoretical approaches to the study of intercultural communication and the ability to analyse and evaluate their relative significance, including those originating from applied linguistics, management theory, anthropology and sociocultural theories. Students will consider the concept of culture from a variety of perspectives, and will study topics including stereotyping and prejudice, (non-)essentialism, identity, culture shock, and the role of language and dialogue in intercultural communication. A wide range of real-world examples will be examined, including media reports, international communications, multicultural situations, and intercultural problems raised by students. By the end of the module students will be able to: i) Analyse and critically evaluate the main concepts and approaches in intercultural communication; ii) Consider the implications for their application in practice; and iii) Develop their own perspectives and insights from these theories.
15 credits - Theory and Practice of Subtitling and Dubbing
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This module aims to introduce students to the main theories of screen translation and to give them the opportunity to apply them in practical subtitling/dubbing tasks. By the end of the module we expect that students will be able to: i) Understand the constraints of screen translation; ii) Relate theory to practice in practical subtitling or dubbing projects using professional subtitling/dubbing software; and iii) Use subtitling/dubbing software to produce subtitles/dubbing scripts to appropriate standards.
15 credits
Semester two:
- Subtitling/Dubbing Project
-
This unit aims to give students the opportunity to further develop the technical skills acquired in the core module The Theory and Practice of Subtitling and Dubbing by applying them to an extended practical subtitling or dubbing task. It will enable them to enhance essential technical skills of subtitling including spotting, timing, cueing, segmentation and the positioning of captions, or dubbing adaptation using professional subtitling or dubbing software. By the end of the module we expect that students will be able to: i) Appreciate the technical aspects of screen translation; ii) Appreciate the practical constraints of screen translation; iii) Relate theory to practice in a practical subtitling or dubbing project using professional subtitling/dubbing software; iv) Use subtitling/dubbing software to produce subtitles/dubbing scripts to appropriate standards and v) Investigate and present an individual subtitling/dubbing project.
15 credits - International Project Management
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This module deals with the main issues involved in International Project Management (IPM), as well as the cultural components of international communication. It is delivered through seminars that should be followed by the students' own research to develop independent thinking. Wherever possible, the students will work in international groups to develop a project. By the end of the module, students will be able to write a project proposal, identify the main issues relating to IPM, create tools to evaluate a project, and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current issues in IPM.
15 credits - Translation Skills 2
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This module aims: i) To explore aspects of linguistic theory in relation to the act of translation; ii) To offer an account of translation as an act of cultural and ideological mediation; and iii) To study key concepts of translation theory including equivalence and functionalism. By the end of the module, we expect that students will be able to: i) Understand, explain and comment critically on the main theories of translation; ii) Develop their own views and insights from an understanding of these theories; and iii) Relate theories of translation to practical translation scenarios
15 credits - Film Adaptation of Literary Classics
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Theories of the translation of literary language will be examined in the context of the constraints of screen translation as will the practical issues involved in the adaptation of literary works to the cinema screen.
15 credits - Localisation for Linguists
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This module introduces various aspects of the localisation industry and provides students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to translate websites, software and documentation and to ensure that they comply with the linguistic, cultural and technical requirements of groups of users in different language communities as a professional translator or localiser. Students will learn to use a variety of software tools to localise and translate electronic information such as websites, documentation and software. Teaching methods include an e learning component.
15 credits - Approaches to Luxembourg Studies
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This module offers students with an overview of current issues in the field of Luxembourg Studies. Students will be encouraged to specialise in an area of Luxembourg Studies ranging from cultural studies, history, migration studies, multilingualism, politics or sociology. Students will develop a profound understanding in a selected area of Luxembourg Studies, which will be further developed over the course of the second semester and in the context of their Dissertation. Support in developing Luxembourgish language skills is also provided if appropriate in relation to the focal area of specialisation.
15 credits - Key Issues in Intercultural Communication Seminar
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Following the module Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication (Autumn), students will work in groups on a range of concepts in more depth. Learning the principles of running a 1-hour seminar, they will research, plan and deliver an interactive session to peers. They will also prepare for and contribute to seminars delivered by other peer groups. They will consider the implications for a range of workplace scenarios.
15 credits - Intercultural Communication in Practice
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This module is designed to develop your intercultural competence with a view to becoming an intercultural mediator and effective communicator in an international/multicultural workplace. It requires participants to combine their knowledge of approaches to intercultural communication with real-time situations, thus enhancing their awareness of the values by which they and others operate. Emphasis will also be placed on the centrality of language in the intercultural communication process. You will take an active role in seminars; these are designed to develop intercultural learning through consideration of critical incidents, materials analysis, simulation, role play, drama, and multilingual discussion. These activities will lead to a deeper understanding of the centrality of language in intercultural encounters; the values carried by language and the participants themselves as intercultural people.
15 credits - Key Issues in Intercultural Communication and Translation Studies
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Following the module Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication/Translation Studies, students will work in groups on a range of concepts in more depth. Learning the principles of running a joint seminar, they will research, plan and deliver an interactive session to peers. They will also prepare for and contribute to seminars delivered by other peer groups. They will consider the implications for a range of workplace scenarios.
15 credits - Intercultural Communication and Translation in Digital Contexts
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This module introduces students to the characteristic features of today's continuously evolving globally interconnected digital communication worlds, in which online and offline practices are fused together to form linguistically, culturally and technologically complex work and communication environments. The module requires you to combine your knowledge of intercultural communication and translation studies with real-life situations in virtual environments. We will consider digital technology that is accessible to everyone and is used in professional contexts: from social media to machine translation, Generative Artificial Intelligence and to virtual and augmented reality. In this way, you will become aware of how digital technologies both facilitate your engagement with people and processes online and actively shape your intercultural communication and translation practice. We will explore the digital dimensions of translation and intercultural communication from a variety of practice-oriented perspectives, such as distributed work in virtual teams, technology-mediated communication, online communication cultures, localisation of digital texts, and online translation. Throughout, we will focus on the impact of technology on professional practice and the way in which it shapes professional identities and agency, as well as modes of cultural transfer and contact. We will contextualise our understanding of digital practice in translation and intercultural communication by relating it to relevant theories of globalisation, trans-locality, digital culture and multilingual communication practices, socio-technical relations, the networked self, and online forms of community.
15 credits
Specialise in Audio Visual Media, for those who wish to work as subtitlers and translators. This route covers the theory and practice of audiovisual translation, using professional and industry standard software including Hollywood-approved quality audiovisual technology (AVT). The teaching is supported by themed viewings of international and European films.
You will be equipped with the skills needed for professional work as an audiovisual translator in industry and for research in audiovisual translation studies. You will practice translation in specific language pairs and will become conversant with subtitling software and translation technology, which have been transforming the way in which professional audiovisual translators work.
You will also gain a heightened understanding of translation, film and intercultural related issues encountered in the audiovisual media industry.
Suggested specialist modules for Audio Visual media:
- Theory and Practice of Subtitling and Dubbing
-
This module aims to introduce students to the main theories of screen translation and to give them the opportunity to apply them in practical subtitling/dubbing tasks. By the end of the module we expect that students will be able to: i) Understand the constraints of screen translation; ii) Relate theory to practice in practical subtitling or dubbing projects using professional subtitling/dubbing software; and iii) Use subtitling/dubbing software to produce subtitles/dubbing scripts to appropriate standards.
15 credits - Film Adaptation of Literary Classics
-
Theories of the translation of literary language will be examined in the context of the constraints of screen translation as will the practical issues involved in the adaptation of literary works to the cinema screen.
15 credits - Subtitling/Dubbing Project
-
This unit aims to give students the opportunity to further develop the technical skills acquired in the core module The Theory and Practice of Subtitling and Dubbing by applying them to an extended practical subtitling or dubbing task. It will enable them to enhance essential technical skills of subtitling including spotting, timing, cueing, segmentation and the positioning of captions, or dubbing adaptation using professional subtitling or dubbing software. By the end of the module we expect that students will be able to: i) Appreciate the technical aspects of screen translation; ii) Appreciate the practical constraints of screen translation; iii) Relate theory to practice in a practical subtitling or dubbing project using professional subtitling/dubbing software; iv) Use subtitling/dubbing software to produce subtitles/dubbing scripts to appropriate standards and v) Investigate and present an individual subtitling/dubbing project.
15 credits
Specialising in Digital Information offers a combination of technological, translational and linguistic skills which will allow you to analyse, address and solve complex real-world digital information issues.
Global businesses are in great need of experts who are able to recognise and act upon linguistic issues in IT use. With a growing number of data warehouses and internet based businesses, this demand has widened to include linguistic expertise in search engine optimisation, responsive website design, localisation and other technical issues.
Designed for those who wish to work managing multilingual data and in multilingual teams, the programme covers the theory and practice in the management of digital information, enhanced by your ability to adopt a translator’s perspective. Building on your current language abilities, you will develop practical skills in website design and software localisation using industry standard software.
Our graduates are highly employable in any type of industry involving the global handling of information and communication, such as web design, website and software localisation.
You'll learn to relate theoretical approaches in translation studies to the information manager's practical tasks of finding information and storing it for easy access. You'll learn to deliver content to new target audiences using the most appropriate languages and media and develop your independent research skills.
Specialist modules for Digital Information. Students should choose three of the following:
- Digital Business
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The module addresses theoretical and practical aspects of digital business in the age of AI. The module will cover the key concepts and current topics in commerce, including digital transformation, applications of AI in enterprises, the platform business, the concept of ecosystems, and various digital business models. The module aims to equip students with theoretical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to innovate and manage a business in the digital economy.
15 credits - Website Design and Search Engine Optimisation
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This module aims to teach the key principles of search engine optimised (SEO) and user-centred website design; including areas of search optimised and accessible design, content strategy, requirements analysis, user experience, and Web standards compliance. Students will have opportunities to apply this knowledge to authentic design problems and develop web authoring skills valued by employers. In particular, students will be introduced to the latest web mark-up languages (currently HTML5 and CSS3) and issues surrounding long-term search ranking, globalisation, internationalisation and localisation - with a business focussed context.
15 credits - Researching Social Media
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The module will examine the key theoretical frameworks and methods used in social media studies. Students will explore the following questions: 1) What can be learnt about society by studying social media? 2) How should researchers construct ethical stances for researching sites such as Facebook and Twitter? 3) What are the traditional and digital research methods and tools that can be applied to conduct research on social media? 4) What are the strengths and weaknesses of these methods?
15 credits
The primary focus of the module is on designing social media research projects rather than conducting them. Nevertheless, there will be opportunities to learn and practice relevant analysis skills. It is not a programming module but some of the topics involve the use of software and there will be the chance to write small programs for related tasks. - Localisation for Linguists
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This module introduces various aspects of the localisation industry and provides students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to translate websites, software and documentation and to ensure that they comply with the linguistic, cultural and technical requirements of groups of users in different language communities as a professional translator or localiser. Students will learn to use a variety of software tools to localise and translate electronic information such as websites, documentation and software. Teaching methods include an e learning component.
15 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Open days
An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.
You may also be able to pre-book a department/school visit as part of a campus tour.Open days and campus tours
Duration
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Teaching
There are a variety of teaching and learning methods used on the course, including staff and student led seminars, small group work, and one to one consultations with staff.
Translation modules usually have 20 to 22 contact hours with additional independent study over the academic year, but in situations where fewer than six students are registered on the module, this contact time may be reduced and/or the delivery method altered.
Our accreditation as a ZOO Academy partner and RWS Campus partner means you'll get free-of-charge access to ZOOdubs and Trados Studio as part of your learning. The top two students studying translation technology will also be awarded a free Trados Studio licence for use after they graduate.
Assessment
Essays, presentations, practical translation technologies projects, translation assignments, a translation exam and a dissertation.
Your career
Your MA opens up a wide range of career opportunities in translation and related industries. Our graduates have become translators, editors and project managers.
Recent graduates have gone on to work for employers such as RWS, ZooDigital and TransAction translators, and global corporations and organisations including Google, Amazon, GCHQ, the European Union and the United Nations.
Some of our graduates have also set up their own companies or continued onto postgraduate research degrees.
School
School of Languages and Cultures
We're a leading hub for research in modern languages and cultures, translation and intercultural communication.
Our work spans topics such as identity, gender, politics, film, audiovisual translation, migration, diversity in societies, multilingualism/multiculturalism, and literary studies. It examines the past, observes the present and probes into the future. This research informs our teaching, helping you to develop a global understanding of language and communication within and across cultures, countries, and communities.
Right from the start of your course, you'll work with the school's top specialists, who are all experienced teachers as well. Our students and staff are international, so studying with us will hone your intercultural communication competence.
Our courses will enhance your career development and employability prospects through our links to industry and real-life workplace settings and experiences. You'll study modules which will give you an in-depth understanding of the theories, concepts and practices of your chosen field and specialisation .
You'll be able to diversify and deepen your language skills, for example by studying advanced translation. Some of our programmes offer a specialisation in audiovisual media/translation and digital information.
All of our programmes will nurture you to achieve your potential as a strategic leader in the global marketplace, where languages and cultures intersect, as well as in the increasingly culturally diverse, interconnected and networked local environments that characterise life today and in the future.
Facilities
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 honours degree in a language-related discipline, such as linguistics, literature or a language.
Overall IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, or equivalent.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
Apply
You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
Contact
slc-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 0631
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.