Translation Studies (online)

Entry requirements

The language of instruction for this degree is English.

To join this degree, you need to have:

• A 2:2 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 are also welcome to apply if you have:

• Other relevant qualifications, and/or
• Professional experience with supportive references

You must also have an advanced level of fluency (B2 minimum, preferably C1) in one or two of the following languages: Arabic, French, Gaelic, German, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, or Spanish. Please specify in your personal statement which language pair you intend to work with during your studies.

You may be asked to provide proof of proficiency in the relevant language as part of your application. For any questions about accepted certifications, qualifications, or other forms of evidence of language proficiency, please contact pgadmissions@abdn.ac.uk.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Earn a triple-accredited Masters in Translation Studies online. Develop your linguistic and entrepreneurial skills, and learn what’s required to succeed in the translation industry.

The MSc Translation Studies is accredited by the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting in the UK and Ireland (APTIS), and Association of Translation Companies (ATC), that offers a great deal of flexibility and choice to tailor your studies around your linguistic skills and, just as importantly, around your career aspirations. This programme is also available to study on campus.

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

The MSc Translation Studies (online) 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
• Spanish

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. You will be well-placed for a career in areas such as professional translation, editing, interlingual consultancy, lecturing, research, project management, and more.

Information for international students

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

Fees and funding

This is a pay-as-you-go qualification, meaning you do not have to pay the full tuition fee upfront. You can spread the cost and pay as you go, term by term.

We are pleased to offer a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for our students. A full list of available funding opportunities is available on our Funding Database.

Alumni Discount Scheme - We are pleased to offer a 20% discount for postgraduate tuition fees to all alumni who have an undergraduate degree from the University of Aberdeen. Please note, the Aberdeen Alumni Discount cannot be claimed in conjunction with any other scholarship award. Learn more about the Aberdeen Alumni Discount here.