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 Chinese pathway, you must normally have mother tongue competence in Chinese or English.

To apply for the Russian pathway, you must normally have mother tongue competence in Russian or English.

Please note you must meet the English language requirements before applying to this programme.

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/or translator on this highly respected master's, which can include a training opportunity.

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.

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

There are two language options available on this degree pathway (Path 2). You can choose from:

• MA Interpreting and Translating (Chinese)
• MA Interpreting and Translating (Russian)

For both options, you will develop your skills to work in both directions between Chinese/Russian and English.

Russian Path 1 option

It is possible to combine Russian with another European language on Path 1 of this course. Find out more about the other language options available on Path 1 of this degree.

You can only study Chinese as a Path 2 option.

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 you 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 for our students with the United Nations 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
• practical skills, such as 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:

• the United Nations
• institutions of the European Union

Graduate prospects

The MA Interpreting and Translating is a highly vocational course that will equip you with a variety of transferable skills, including interpersonal, communication and organisational skills. Our graduates have used these skills to access a variety of professions, including interpreting, translation, teaching, journalism, diplomacy and further study.

Our graduates have gone on to work for the following organisations:

• Translator, Universal Beijing Theme Park and Resort
• Freelance Interpreter, United Nations
• Relationship Manager, Citi Bank
• Simultaneous Interpreter, Ping An Insurance
• Chinese Linguist, Morningside

Many of our graduates work as freelance interpreters/translators in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the United States. Some have also worked at universities in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

You may also wish to explore our MA Translation with Business Interpreting.

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 language pathway you're interested in from the available list.