Join an accredited Masters in Translation Studies you can study flexibly, 100% online.
Earn the qualifications you need to enter professional life as a translator.
In this accredited online translation degree, we’ll prepare you for the real demands of the translation industry.
As well as building advanced linguistic and cross-cultural communication skills, you’ll develop hands-on expertise in the tasks required of today’s professional translators.
With guidance from internationally experienced translators, you’ll learn to:
- manage translation projects from start to finish
- work with clients, in person and online, to discuss their needs
- use one of the profession’s most widely used translation software programs, MemoQ
- edit and proofread translated work
- research specialised terminology, and more.
You can also study this degree on campus instead.
A triple-accredited Masters in Translation Studies
This online translation degree is accredited by the:
Who can join this online Masters in Translation Studies?
This distance learning Masters in Translation Studies is suitable for graduates in any discipline, practising translators, or anyone interested in the field of translation, languages in contact, and intercultural communication.
To join this degree, you need to have advanced-level fluency in both English and one or two of the following languages: Arabic, French, Gaelic, German, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, or Spanish.
Choose the University of Aberdeen for your Masters in Translation Studies
4th in the UK for linguistics
We’re rated 4th in the UK for linguistics in the Complete University Guide 2025.
Fits around full-time work
This degree fits around full-time work, with flexible hours and 24/7 study access.
Earn a respected Masters degree
You’ll earn the same globally recognised Masters degree online as you would on campus.
What you’ll study
You can choose from the following courses that make up this degree. You can study for a:
- Masters (180 credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits).
Try our degree scheduler
Choose your courses
See all the courses that are part of this degree and choose what you want to study.
Manage your study schedule
Control the pace and cost of your degree. Decide how much you want to study each term.
Save to your wishlist
Save your schedule to your wishlist so you can view and edit anytime.
How you’ll study
Online learning
This distance-learning Masters in Translation Studies is delivered flexibly, 100% online.
You can learn with us anywhere, no student visa required, and manage your study hours to suit you.
Your teaching
We use a range of teaching methods in this degree to give you an excellent balance between theory and practice.
Teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of online resources available, including:
- online tutorials
- reading materials
- discussion boards with your tutors and peers
- online access to our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
Regular online support
You’ll have two online sessions with your degree coordinator each term, to check on your progress and discuss any questions you might have.
You’ll also have two online sessions with your course tutors each term, to discuss any questions you have on the topics you’ve covered and to go through feedback given in assessments.
Your tutors
This online translation degree is delivered by our School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture (LLMVC).
You’ll learn from professionals with strong career histories and research experience in translation and interpreting. Your tutors include:
Dr Maria Sanchez-Ortiz
Maria is a Senior Lecturer in translation and interpreting, which she has taught at a number of academic institutions in the UK.
Maria has been involved in translator and interpreter training for over twenty-eight years, and is the Director of our Centre for Translation and Interpreting Studies.
Maria’s research interests include literary translation, audio-visual translation, translator and interpreter training, and the impact of AI on the future of translation and interpreting.
View Maria’s profile
Professor Moray Watson
Moray is a Professor of Gaelic and Translation Studies.
He is Director of Ionad Eòghainn MhicLachlainn: the National Centre for Gaelic Translation.
Moray researches broadly in the field of Translation Studies, with special focus in translator training, skills acquisition and literary translation. In Gaelic studies, his main focus is modern literature.
View Moray’s profileYour support team
Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.
Dr Maria Sanchez
Maria is the degree coordinator. She’ll be on hand to answer any questions about degree content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.
Thomas Connolly
Thomas is a Lead Administrator for the School of LLMVC. He and his team will be there throughout your studies to answer any of your non-academic queries.
Get in touch
The online education team is here to answer any questions you have right now about this qualification, or about studying online.
Ask us a questionWhere this will take you
Your accredited Masters in Translation Studies
You’ll graduate with an accredited Masters in Translation Studies from the University of Aberdeen, one of the UK’s six ancient universities.
You’ll receive exactly the same degree qualification online as you would on campus. Your degree title will not mention online or distance learning.
Your accredited Masters qualification will be recognised by employers and educational institutions around the world, opening up international opportunities.
Careers
Given the increasing internationalisation of governments, businesses and other employment sectors, demand for professional translation skills is at an all-time high.
In this degree, you’ll develop highly sought after skills and industry awareness, ready to work as a translator in a wide range of sectors.
Work as a translator
Possible career paths open to you following graduation include:
- Freelance/In-house translation
- Translation project management
- Editing
- Proofreading
- Running your own translation company
- Interlingual consultancy
- Working for publishing houses.
Further learning opportunities
This Masters in Translation is also an ideal foundation for taking your studies further, preparing you for doctoral research.
What our students say
Thomas Berntsen – MSc Translation Studies student
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time doing the MSc in Translation Studies. The practical and applied side of the programme is absolutely invaluable to anyone who wishes to have a future in translation.
“In a field where networking is so important, I felt an unparalleled sense of community with my fellow students, and met professional colleagues and friends for the future.
“More than anything, however, I felt fortunate to be instructed by some of the most passionate and learned professors I have ever worked with. Their passion and excitement for the field is absolutely infectious.”
Huangxin Zheng – MSc Translation Studies student
“Reflective thinking is the key to Maria’s teaching and practising sessions, which greatly boosted our professional studies.
“The classroom environment fosters a positive atmosphere, thereby promoting independent thinking among students.”
Lifelong career support
Our career support doesn’t stop when you graduate.
You have access to our free careers service while you study, and beyond.
- 1:1 appointments
- CV checks
- Interview prep
- Job opportunities
Fees and funding
Master of Science
180 credits
£10,920
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025.
Postgraduate Diploma
120 credits
£7,220
This indicative cost is based on 120 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025.
Postgraduate Certificate
60 credits
£3,520
This indicative cost is based on 30 credits of study per term, starting in September 2025.
The fees quoted above are based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.
Our indicative costs include a 5% fee rise each year.
Pay as you go
This is a pay-as-you-go qualification.
You do not have to pay the full tuition fee upfront.
You can spread the cost and pay as you go, term by term.
How it works
- You decide how many credits to study for each term.
- At the start of term, you pay only for the credits you’re taking that term.
- This gives you control over your costs and workload for each term of your qualification.
Your personalised cost breakdown
Use the degree scheduler to plan your studies and see your cost breakdown, term by term.
Choose the University of Aberdeen for flexible online Masters degrees
Over 525 years of excellence
You’ll graduate from the fifth-oldest university in the English-speaking world, founded in 1495.
You’re in expert hands
We’ve been delivering online and distance learning for decades.
20% alumni discount
University of Aberdeen alumni receive 20% off fees for this online degree.
Entry requirements
Masters, PgDip, PgCert
The language of instruction for this degree is English.
To join this degree, you need to have:
- a 2:1 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in any discipline
- an advanced-level fluency in English (B2 minimum), and
- grammatical and structural knowledge (C1/C2) of your native language (English or other).
You also need to have an advanced-level fluency (B2 minimum, preferably C1) in one or two of the following languages:
- Arabic
- French
- Gaelic
- German
- Mandarin Chinese
- Polish, or
- Spanish.
You are also welcome to apply if you have:
- other relevant qualifications, and/or
- professional experience with supportive references.
Apply for this programme
- Start month
- September or January
- INDICATIVE COST
- £10,920
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in September 2025.
Apply via our Applicant Portal
