Interpreting and Translating

Entry requirements

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above.

To apply for the European Stream you will need mother tongue competence in English and degree-level competence in two foreign languages (French, German, Italian, Spanish or Russian).

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in an English speaking country you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Equip yourself to work as a professional interpreter and translator on this highly-respected master's, which may include a training opportunity.

Our MA Interpreting and Translating is designed to give you the practical skills and experience you need to work as an interpreter and translator at a high level.

You must have an excellent understanding of two languages. You can choose from one of two pathways:

• Path 1 allows you to work with two other languages (French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish) into English
• Path 2 allows you to work in both directions between Chinese/English or Russian/English

This master's has been running for over 50 years and is highly respected for the quality of the training provided. Many Bath graduates have gone on to work in international organisations such as the EU and UN, as well as other language services around the world.

Language pathways

• French and German
• French and Italian
• French and Russian
• French and Spanish
• German and Spanish
• Italian and German
• Italian and Spanish
• Russian and Italian
• Russian and German
• Russian and Spanish

What you'll learn

The course covers professional translation and simultaneous, consecutive and liaison interpreting in public service and commercial settings.

You'll have access to the latest digital interpreting labs, and will participate in mini-conferences to put your skills into practice, holding debates on controversial topics and acting as both delegate and interpreter.

We seek to arrange external training opportunities (which could be remote or in person) for our students with international organisations or independent agencies, giving you first-hand experience of the workplace and valuable contacts for building your career.

The course is taught by experienced tutors who have all worked as professional translators and interpreters themselves. Some have interpreted for heads of state and government ministers, and/or work for international organisations. They are therefore able to share this wealth of experience with you and provide useful advice on joining the profession.

Gain key skills

You will leave with:

• a proven ability to work with varied and challenging texts and speeches, providing a strong foundation for working at an international level
• experience of working to deadlines and using style guides
• contacts with potential employers and colleagues from your external training
• access to our close-knit alumni network of linguists who work in international organisations, private bodies and independent agencies
• evidence of translation skills, including the dissertation you'll complete at the end of the taught part of the course

Training opportunities

Through our extensive network of contacts we try to organise external training for students with the language services of international organisations, government departments or translation companies. These opportunities provide an invaluable insight into the work of professional linguists and are highly valued by employers. However, they are not compulsory or guaranteed.

Our students have previously undertaken training with many organisations, including:

• the United Nations
• institutions of the European Union
• the Council of Europe

Graduate prospects

The MA Interpreting and Translating is a highly vocational course with a strong reputation. Some of our graduates have found rewarding jobs in smaller companies and institutions or chosen to work as freelancers, while many have pursued stimulating careers as professional translators and interpreters.

Some examples of our recent graduates' careers include:

• Freelance Translator, Say It Global Translations
• Translator, interpreter and English specialist, Shikoku Instrumentation Co Ltd
• Translator and Interpreter, TRON Foundation
• Freelance Translator, World Trade Organisation
• Editor, Pixelogic Media
• Junior Project Manager, Verboo
• Senior Translator, Client Earth
• Global Language Consultant, ByteDance
• In-house Interpreter, Apple
• Account Executive, ShapeD Communications

Associations and resources

By studying this course, you will be able to access a number of tools and online resources to support your learning. These include:

• Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) - CIOL representatives will host a presentation (either on-campus or online) giving tips on how to start your career as a linguist, updates on CIOL activities and membership options. You will also get free access to The Linguist, CIOL’s publication
• Conférence Internationale Permanente d'Instituts Universitaires de Traducteurs et Interprètes (CIUTI) - This course is recognised by CIUTI for its quality and relevance. You will have access to the latest developments in the interpreting and translation professions
• Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) - You will have access to the only UK-based independent professional membership association for translators, interpreters and all those involved in supplying language services
• National Network for Interpreting (NNI) - Use of educational resources available on the NNI website
• National Network for Translation (NNT) - You will have access to national and regional events, and other related activities
• XTRF - You will be able to make use of XTRF, a cutting-edge translation management system (TMS) used by many translation agencies. TMSs like XTRF play a crucial and expanding role in the translation industry, so building your understanding of how they work could give you an advantage over other translators.

Fees and funding

View available funding opportunities.

Select the course you are interested in from the available list.