MA in Translation

Why study this course?

A master's degree designed to help you start or advance a career in translation. The course meets academic and professional standards as well as the market demands of the translation industry, through a balanced and well-structured curriculum.

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) and the Institute of Language Educational Trust (IoLET), plus we're also a member of the Conférence Internationale Permanente d'Instituts Universitaires de Traducteurs et Interprètes (CIUTI), a prestigious international association of translation and interpretation institutes.

This master's degree has a vocational emphasis on specialist translation, focusing on areas such as law, politics, medicine, business, IT and media. You will also learn to translate different types of institutional documents (UN and EU), as well as using dedicated software to subtitle films and localise websites and software.

A substantial built-in part of this course is the compulsory practical and career-enhancing work placement module, which offers an opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience with one of the many translation service providers in the UK and, whenever possible, with institutions of the European Union and the United Nations. The lecturer in charge of the module will provide information on work placement opportunities and guidance on completing the required application processes and will support you throughout in obtaining suitable opportunities.

As a student of the programme, you will have the opportunity to translate using the following languages paired with English: Arabic, Mandarin, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. You must be fluent in English and be fluent or proficient in your other chosen language.

We have strong links in the translation industry that allow us to share best practices in translation and teaching. This offers an excellent learning experience for our students and allows for additional learning opportunities, such as our annual visit to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Translation in Brussels. You will also learn from invited guest speakers from the translation industry who have a wealth of experience in translation, providing you with insights into the work of translators in various fields.

Translation technology software used on our courses includes:

• SDL Trados Studio
• SDL MultiTerm
• Wordfast Anywhere
• Crowdin -- Localization Management Platform
• Memsource -- The Translation Platform

Based in one of the world's most exciting capital cities, London Met is home to a welcoming community of inspiring and determined learners, teachers and innovative thinkers.

We offer a wide range of courses, from undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to short courses and professional qualifications, many of which are available to study full-time or part-time to best suit your needs and lifestyle.

Our History

London Metropolitan University has a rich history with strong educational roots dating back to 1848.

The University as it is today was created in 2002 with the merging of London Guildhall University and the University of North London, the first merger between two universities in the UK. Its roots, however, lie firmly in the nineteenth century with the establishment of the Metropolitan Evening Classes for Young Men in 1848.

In 1848 the then Bishop of London called upon the clergy to set up evening classes to improve the "moral, intellectual and spiritual condition of young men in the metropolis". The Metropolitan Evening Classes for Young Men was thus born and later became the City of London College and then the City of London Polytechnic. In 1992, it was awarded university status and adopted the name London Guildhall University.

Holloway campus

Over the past 100 years, our north London campus has developed into a modern, progressive centre with a strong reputation for widening access to education.

This campus began life in 1896 as the Northern Polytechnic Institute. By 1900, student numbers had doubled and later the Institute's evening degrees were recognised by the University of London. In 1992 the Polytechnic of North London won the right to the title of University and the ability to award its own degrees.

Our academic structure

The University's academic structure is made up of five schools, with each of our courses taught within one of these schools. If you're looking to study with us, you can find out which school your course is managed under by checking the relevant course page.

Students studying in any of our academic schools have access to all our communal facilities (such as libraries, social spaces, cafés and eateries). Many of our schools also have areas of expertise that mean you use specialist facilities and resources as part of your course. Our schools have links to relevant businesses in sectors related to their specialist subject areas, and academics and PhD students within each of our schools also undertake important research that's making a difference in communities locally, nationally and beyond.

• The School of Art, Architecture and Design: Internationally recognised for high-quality teaching, excellent facilities and unique opportunities.
• Guildhall School of Business and Law: Offering a dynamic and relevant portfolio of business and law courses.
• School of Computing and Digital Media: Offering qualifications in subjects from creative technologies to electronics.
• School of Human Sciences: Offering a wide range of courses in subjects including science, dietetics, and sport.
• School of Social Sciences and Professions: Demonstrating the relevance of the social sciences and professions as a tool for effecting societal change.