Translating

Overview

Our MSc Translating programme is designed for those who want to work as professional translators or in the field of translating.

During the master’s programme, you’ll master the skills and techniques of translating to a professional standard. You’ll be able to understand and use a range of computer-assisted translation tools.

You’ll develop relevant transferable communication skills, including the skills of summarising, revising and editing. You’ll be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with other professionals in the field, including colleagues and clients. You’ll master IT skills that are relevant to the work of a professional translator, including the ability to use specialised software packages.

Each course will equip you with highly employable expertise and skills in translation. You’ll have the opportunity to choose one optional course – including liaison interpreting for business, business communication 2: communicating with external audiences, project management and global englishes and the international workplace. This will allow you to customise your learning and develop specific translating interests. Your translation dissertation will allow you to engage in an independent in-depth critical examination of a particular topic that falls within the scope of Translation and Interpreting Studies, which is of interest to you.

You’ll benefit from the industry relevance of the programme, which will set you up for life after graduation. Upon completion, you’ll be equipped with the transferable skills and qualities necessary to become a professional translator in a variety of professional contexts.

Our Expertise

Our MSc Translating degree is taught by experienced, leading academics who, in many cases, have published the research which shapes their disciplines and written the books which will guide your learning. Many academics balance teaching time with continued professional practice as translators, interpreters, practitioner psychologists, tax and finance specialists and management consultants. They bring real-world experience to the classroom.

Our academic and professional expertise helps our programme maintain its position at the forefront of industry practice and means that you’ll gain practical insights into the careers of successful interpreters on a daily basis.

Your learning environment

Our Translating programme has excellent facilities for translating, including a range of state-of-the-art Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) software packages, digital resources for translating and interpreting as well as student-centred study facilities.

The MSc Translating programme is taught through a combination of seminars, lectures, tutorials, practical lab work, self-study and individual/group work, allowing you to get to know and build relationships with your peers, the teaching staff and academics. You’ll be assessed by written examinations, projects, short and long translations and a dissertation.

Additionally, you can join Heriot-Watt’s Languages Society, which holds regular social events in a welcoming environment. They encourage a safe, culturally diverse community where you can explore language and linguistics.

Customise your learning

You’ll learn from eight courses on the syllabus (seven mandatory and one optional). The optional course allows you to focus on the area of translation that interests you the most. This gives you the opportunity to customise your degree to match your specific interests or career pathway by selecting a specialist course option.

You’ll explore a chosen area of translation in-depth through your dissertation. You will be required to undertake independent research into a topic that is relevant to the practical pursuit of translating and/or interpreting and falls within the scope of Translation and Interpreting Studies. You’ll present your findings of the research in an appropriate academic form.

You can choose whether to study the programme full-time, part-time or per course. This flexibility allows you to fit your postgraduate studies around your lifestyle.

You may have the opportunity to Go Global on our Inter-Campus Transfer. Opportunities for postgraduate study abroad are assessed on a case-by-case basis and if you are interested in studying at our Dubai campus or Malaysia campus for a semester or longer, you should contact the Go Global Team.

Industry

We work closely with the industry to ensure our course content is up-to-date and reflects the current and emerging needs of the industry and employers. You’ll gain the right blend of knowledge, practical skills and soft skills to set you up for life after graduation.

Accreditation

Heriot-Watt University is a member of Conférence Internationale permanente d'Instituts Universitaires de Traducteurs et Interprètes (CIUTI) which is an international association of university institutes with translation and interpretation programmes. CIUTI is dedicated to excellence in the training and research of both translation and interpretation. Membership of CIUTI requires fulfilment of strict quality criteria and is a distinct seal of quality.