MSc/PGDip Translating & Conference Interpreting

The Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies (LINCS) has a long history of higher education in Translating, Interpreting and European Studies. The Department was created in 1970 and since 1994 we have offered a postgraduate programme in interpreting and translating in an attempt to help meet the growing need for professionally trained interpreters and translators.

Aims and Objectives

The MSc/PGDip course in Translating & Conference Interpreting is designed to provide students with the training required to work as a professional translator and interpreter in a variety of professional contexts. It also provides a sound basis for those students wishing to undertake further research training (e.g. PhD study).

On completion of the course, students will have achieved:

• mastery of the skills and techniques of translating to professional standards;
• mastery of the skills and techniques of conference interpreting to professional standards;
• critical understanding of translation and interpreting studies theories and concepts, and their application to the processes involved in translating and interpreting;
• knowledge and understanding of post-war political and institutional developments on a European and international level.
  

 

Course Structure

The taught part of the course lasts 9 months (September to June) and involves study of 8 modules, covering the core activities of conference interpreting and translation, and complementary theoretical areas, namely translation and interpreting studies and post-war political and institutional developments on an international level. Students either work in both directions between English and one other language, from French, German and Spanish (Strand A), or into English from two of the above languages (Strand B). In addition, students take two optional modules, one in each semester. Students can choose from a range of available modules, including language electives (e.g. ab initio modules in Arabic or Chinese), and specialized modules in liaison and public service interpreting, or localisation and technical writing. Following successful completion of the taught part of the course, students may proceed to the MSc dissertation which can be submitted in either September or December.

Teaching Methods

Students on the course encounter various approaches to learning and teaching, including lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical laboratory work, and individual and group projects.  The University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Vision), which can be accessed from any computer on- or off-campus, is also used to support teaching and learning. 

Facilities available on the course

The Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies benefits from excellent facilities for teaching interpreting and translation and for student self-study. These include state-of-the-art interpreting and language laboratories, a bank of digital resources for interpreting, and a range of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) software packages. Students are able to access the Henry Prais Building, which houses these facilities, 7 days a week between 8.30am and 11pm.

Reasons to take the course

You want a high-quality translation and/or interpreting training programme.
You want to go on and develop a successful career as a translator and/or interpreter, or work in an area in which these skills would be important.
You would like to try different types of translation and interpreting.

Career Desinations

Graduates of the course have gained employment as translators and/or interpreters in a range of organisations, including translation departments of major European and multinational companies, translation agencies, localisation agencies, government departments in the UK and abroad, institutions of the European Union, and international organisations such as the UN. A significant number are also working successfully as freelance translators and interpreters.

Learning Outcomes

Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills

• Critical understanding of translation studies theories and concepts, and their application to the processes of translating and interpreting
• Critical understanding of post-war political and institutional developments on a European and international level required for cross-cultural communication in a professional translating and interpreting context
• Develop analytical skills using theoretical concepts applied to practical translation and interpreting problems
• Mastery of the skills and techniques of translating to professional standards
• Mastery of the skills and techniques of conference interpreting to professional standards.

Scholarship, Enquiry and Research

• Develop original insights into problems of translation and interpreting studies and post-war political and institutional developments on a European and international level
• Ability to reflect critically on the relationship between theory and practice
• Ability to source and utilise data from library, internet and database sources
• Ability to review, organise and evaluate evidence and reflect and comment critically on it
• Ability to present a clear and coherent argument on specialised translation- and/or interpreting-related topics
• Ability to use information to support and substantiate claims.

Industrial, Commercial and Professional Practice

• Develop critical awareness of ethical and professional issues in translating and interpreting
• Work to a series of deadlines.

Autonomy, Accountability and Working with Others

• Exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in professional translating and interpreting contexts
• Develop the ability to work independently where appropriate
• Develop the ability to work as part of a team in relevant professional translating and interpreting contexts.

Communication, Numeracy and ICT

• Develop relevant transferable communication skills, including public speaking skills, note-taking skills, revising and editing skills, summarising and précis-writing skills, etc.
• Develop the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with other professionals in the field, including colleagues and clients
• Mastery of IT skills relevant to the work of a professional translator and interpreter.

Entry Requirements

Applicants whose mother tongue or language of habitual use is English are required to hold an Honours degree or equivalent in the language(s) to be studied. Otherwise, applicants should hold a first degree (equivalent to at least three years of full-time study) in English and, where appropriate, the other language to be studied, or be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of competence. In addition, applicants will normally be interviewed and tested on their aptitude for the course.

Fee Information

The full-time fee for Home/EU students in 2009/10 is £3,900
The full-time fee for Overseas students in 2009/10 is £9,950
Part-time fees are calculated at 50% of the current full-time fee rate for the year.
Fee information for 2010/11 will be made available in 2010.

How to Apply

You can apply online.

You can download an application form (pdf document) to complete and return by post.

Alternatively, application forms can be requested from the School Postgraduate Office. 

 

Course Director

Dr Maggie Sargeant
0131 451 4109
M.Sargeant@hw.ac.uk
Acting Course Director

Contact Us   

Postgraduate Secretary
School of Management and Languages
Esmee Fairbairn Building
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh, EH14 4AS
Tel: +44(0) 131 451 3284
Fax: +44 (0) 131 451 8336
E-Mail: Postgraduate Secretary

Course Leaflet

A PDF course leaflet is available for download.

PG Prospectus

You can order a copy of the prospectus online or view the Heriot-Watt University Online Prospectus (links opens in a new window/tab).