Bethany Donn
Translation Studies, MSc
Introduction
If you have a flair and ear for languages, you may want to study and put your skills to good use in new situations and settings. With demand growing for qualified graduates, a Translation Studies MSc can open doors to a range of exciting international and national careers as well as self-employment options globally.
MSc Translation Studies is also available to study full-time or part-time online.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Demand for professional translation and interpreting skills is at an all-time high. Equip yourself with expert practical knowledge and advanced linguistic and cross-cultural communication skills to enter professional life as a translator or an interpreter and benefit from a rewarding and varied career choice.
We offer a broad programme that gives greater flexibility and greater choice to tailor things around your linguistic skills and, just as importantly, around your career aspirations.
Languages on offer include Arabic, French, Gaelic, German, Mandarin, Polish and Spanish. Other languages may be offered based on demand. One of the distinguishing features is that you will have the opportunity to specialise in more than one language pairing, should you want to. This is something that could make you a more attractive candidate to a wider range of future employers. In honing your language knowledge, you will enhance your analytical skills which underpin all language work.
The year is structured around two core courses and seven option courses, together with a dissertation/translation project completed in the summer term.
Core courses are designed to help you to familiarise yourself with the techniques and strategies involved in translating different types of texts (expository, narrative, argumentative, vocative) and with varying degrees of specialisation, in a range of subject matters (business, legal, medical, IT and literature) at a professional level, as well as an awareness of the key theories and approaches that have been developed in Translation Studies. You will also develop the ability to critique and engage with foundational theoretical texts.
Our optional courses allow you to perfect your skills in more specialised areas such as translation technologies, liaison interpreting, intercultural skills, professional skills for translators, proofreading, editing, reviewing and exploring issues in literary translation are covered too.
What You'll Study
- Semester 1
-
Compulsory Courses
- Language - Specific Translation Portfolio (LN5008)
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30 Credit Points
The course is based on supervision of practical experience. Students and supervisors select texts to be translated and discuss approaches and other practical issues. The remainder of the course is dedicated to self-directed study, in which the students compile a portfolio of work. Feedback on the portfolio is discussed in detail with the supervisor. Additional translations are set beyond the portfolio itself, giving students the opportunity to enhance and polish their skills with a wider range of materials. Students will normally be translating one document per week and will receive oral feedback.
- Key Concepts and Methods in Translation Studies (LN5009)
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30 Credit Points
The course introduces and critically evaluates some of the major concepts in translation theory, focusing on their application to translation practice. It analyses translation as a social and cultural phenomenon. Students will develop the skills necessary to reflect critically on their own translation practice in order to enhance its breadth and sophistication.
- Editing, Proofreading and Reviewing for Translators (LN5015)
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15 Credit Points
This course equips students to edit, revise and review translated documents in a professional context. Topics will include study of and practice in stylistic, structural and content editing; quality assurance processes expected in professional-standard translating; a critical understanding of the role of the editor/reviser/proofreader and reviewer in a professional context and of all stages of the editing and reviewing process.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
-
This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Critical Skills: Reading and Engagement (PD50C2)
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This course will equip you with the essential skills required to engage with your postgraduate studies. Through a series of lectures, interactive seminars and authentic materials, you will build on your critical thinking skills with fellow PGT students from across the school. Critical Reading, essay writing and presentation skills will be offered as part of this course, providing students with skills fundamental to PGT and workplace contexts.
- Critical Skills: Research and Dissemination (PD55C1)
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This course will equip you with core research and dissemination skills. Centred on an interdisciplinary approach to research, the course will allow you to engage with peers from various research backgrounds to contribute, discuss and share in an interactive academic community. The course will detail key research techniques and communicative modes for successful dissemination. Communication skills specific to engaging with industry stakeholders will also be covered as part of this course in order to boost employability.
- Semester 2
-
Compulsory Courses
- Language - Specific Translation Portfolio (LN5008)
-
30 Credit Points
The course is based on supervision of practical experience. Students and supervisors select texts to be translated and discuss approaches and other practical issues. The remainder of the course is dedicated to self-directed study, in which the students compile a portfolio of work. Feedback on the portfolio is discussed in detail with the supervisor. Additional translations are set beyond the portfolio itself, giving students the opportunity to enhance and polish their skills with a wider range of materials. Students will normally be translating one document per week and will receive oral feedback.
Optional Courses
Select THREE from the following list:
- Intercultural Communication (LN5510)
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15 Credit Points
In this course a range of theories for exploring cultural norms and practices will be explored. Cultural Dimension Theory, Cross Cultural Pragmatics and Language socialization will be considered core areas of study. Other areas of relevance that will be covered and discussed include: Social Identity Theory and Language, English as a Lingua Franca the effects of Globalisation on language policy and communication, Intercultural Communication in Specific Professional Contexts, Intercultural Communication in Health Care ”The case of migrant patients and native speaker Doctors/health care staff, Intercultural Communication in Business Meetings” overcoming cultural barriers and negotiating meaning.
- Additional Language - Specific Translation Portfolio (LN5512)
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15 Credit Points
This course is based on supervision of practical experience. Students and supervisors will select texts to be translated and discuss approaches and other practical issues. The remainder of the course is dedicated to self-directed study, in which students compile a portfolio of work. Feedback on the portfolio is discussed in detail with the supervisor. Additional translations are set beyond the portfolio itself, giving students the opportunity to enhance and polish their skills with a wider range of materials. Students will normally be translating one document per week and will receive oral feedback.
- Translation Technology (LN5521)
-
15 Credit Points
In order to take this course, a windows-based laptop is required (the translation software programme used on the training sessions works on windows as its operating system). Students will need to install the translation software programme license, provided as part of this course, on their own laptops - help and guidance will be given to students to do this. Students will need to bring their own laptops to the training sessions.
This course equips students with a critical appreciation of the role that technology can play in certain domains of translation, and equips them to use such technologies in a variety of contexts. Students will use different software/cloud-based technologies to construct termbases, translation memories, deliver translated texts and make use of the various quality-assurance tools and task reports that such technology offers. The course will also explore machine translation technologies, and the import and export of files between different software/cloud packages.
- Interpreting (LN5528)
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15 Credit Points
The course develops and equips students with language skills and knowledge involved in professional practice. Topics studied will include the following: note-taking, bilateral interpreting, consecutive and simultaneous interpreting.
- Professional Skills for Translators (LN5522)
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15 Credit Points
The course introduces and critically discusses the roles and processes involved in professional translation. Topics studied will vary from year to year, but are likely to include at least some of the following: project management, marketing one’s services as a freelance translator; career and entrepreneurial opportunities for language specialists; fee structures and pricing for freelance translators; working for agencies and large organizations; professional ethics; client communication; pitching translation projects to publishers; evaluation of networking, professional organizations and CPD opportunities for translators; translation and the law.
- Internationalisation (BU5579)
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15 Credit Points
International Business is a wide-ranging subject that includes economic, political, cultural and technological facets. The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to the complexities of international business management by examining how the global environment and our understanding of these affect management within an international context.
- International Human Rights Law (LS5590)
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30 Credit Points
The course was designed to help students build competence in dealing with the doctrinal issues about international human rights. It involves understanding the place of human rights in public international law, finding one’s way around the foundational human rights documents and the jurisprudence of human rights bodies. The course delivery puts heavy emphasis on classroom discussion on the controversial issues on contemporary human rights law that shape doctrinal development in this field: the justifiability of torture, the limits of freedom of religion, the justiciability of social rights, etc.
- Literary Translation (LN5513)
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15 Credit Points
The course combines practical, theoretical and analytical work, to enable students to engage with the concepts involved in literary translation, in terms of both theory and practice. Students will study theory and criticism of literary translations and will explore the dynamics between existing translations and their source texts. Students will also be engaged in translating creative writing and commenting on their own practice and choices.
- Semester 3
-
MSc students also write a dissertation/translation project of 12-14,000 words.
Compulsory Courses
- Dissertation in Translation Studies (LN5907)
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60 Credit Points
In this course, with guidance and supervision, students will present one of the following: an extended critical empirical study of, or sustained argument on an aspect of translation or interpreting studies; a critical evaluation of an existing published translation of appropriate length and complexity; a suitably extensive and challenging original translation with accompanying critical commentary.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £23,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| UK | £11,100 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year |
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The James Carnegie maintenance scholarship for postgraduate students is available with this degree.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
We use a variety of assessment methods matched to individual courses and different learning styles. The academic rigour of continuous assessments and oral examinations is accompanied by a focus on professional and practical relevance. Many of the courses are assessed by means of exercises that are designed to mirror the professional environment. Some courses are assessed by means of a portfolio of translations that students accumulate throughout the year.
Why Study Translation Studies?
- Develop the intellectual and practical skills needed to translate not just the language but to convey inter-cultural understanding.
- Be able to negotiate and bridge cultural difference in different contexts for a variety of clients or stakeholders.
- Acquire practical ability to translate with the help of technology, to proofread, edit and review.
- You are taught by professionals in translation and interpreting with a strong career history and global research capability in translation and interpreting.
- The language industry is one of the sectors in which high-quality jobs are being created worldwide, with attractive job opportunities for graduates with the right qualifications.
- The programme can also be used to progress an academic, research-based career and be part of a journey towards gaining a PhD.
- There is an excellent balance between theory and practice using a range of teaching methods.
- This programme has close links with professional organisations.
What Our Students Say
Alejandro González Real
Thomas Berntsen
Xuangxin Zheng
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
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.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
- Reference
- a reference letter from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employer, or another professional person
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.
January 2025 September 2025Careers
Given the increasing internationalisation of government, business and other employment sectors, high-level skills in different languages will be vital to have in the future.
Whether you aim to work in an international organisation or company, in publishing, as a freelance translator, or in academic research, you will find this MSc is as practical as it is academically rigorous. And with a programme like this, you will leave with a significant skills advantage across a number of potential job roles.
The Fields of science, law, industry, finance, government, education and media are all now more globally connected and interactive. We live in a digital age where communications travel at the speed of light. It’s a world where institutions, companies and individuals need to translate their communications accurately and appropriately from one language and culture to another.
It’s a world where the focused skills that we help you acquire can become highly prized. This MSc can help open up a fast-moving, highly rewarding world for you.
Career Opportunities
- Editor
- Interlingual Consultant
- Lecturer
- Professional Translator (Freelance, In-House)
- Project Manager
- Proofreader
- Researcher
- Teacher
Accreditation
This degree holds accreditation from
- Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)
- Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting in the UK and Ireland (APTIS)
- Association of Translation Companies (ATC)
Our Experts
- Other Expert
- Dr Moray Watson, The University of Aberdeen
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Maria Sanchez-Ortiz, The University of Aberdeen
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
Sir Duncan Rice Library
The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.
Find out moreVirtual Learning environment MyAberdeen
This the University’s virtual learning environment. This is where you will find learning materials and resources associated with your courses and where you will be notified of any announcements about your courses or the University.
University Language Centre
Home to state-of-the-art comprising audio-video facilities.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX