Course Overview

Watch course video presentation here.

This is an interdisciplinary MA programme, which explores and critiques the importance of translation in contemporary society. Students with a background in two languages—French, German, Irish, Italian or Spanish—will consolidate and extend their translation skills between these languages and English, and will also gain an appreciation of the centrality of translation in critical debates on intercultural communication.

Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System

Who Teaches this Course

researcher
Dr. Pilar Alderete Diez
MA., Ph.D
Assistant Professor
University Road
Galway
H91 TK33
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researcher
Ms Begona Sangrador-Vegas
Lecturer
Dept. of Spanish
Room AMB-2019
Arts Millennium Building
NUI Galway
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researcher
Dr. Lorna Shaughnessy
B.A., T.E.F.L., Ph.D
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researcher
Prof. Hans W Schmidt-Hannisa
M.A, Dr. Phil
Professor
DEPARTMENT OF GERMAN
NUIG
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Requirements and Assessment

Language work, including translation into and from two of Spanish, French, Italian or German, will be assessed throughout the year. Other modules will be assessed through exams and/or by essay. A dissertation must also be submitted.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Second Class Honours NQAI Level 8 degree or equivalent, with Second Class Honours Grade 2 or equivalent in each language.

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In other circumstances, those with a lower degree grade or who have relevant work experience in the field of Translation Studies will be considered. Further information is available on the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning website.

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2024

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

10

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

You are advised to apply early, which may result in an early offer; see the offer round dates

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

MA-TRS

Course Outline

In Semester 1, the programme introduces students to the field of Translation Studies, providing a strong theoretical focus and a history and development of this field through seminars. Alongside this, students develop the skills of translation, focusing on any two of French, German, Irish, Italian and Spanish, and may select from cognate subjects dealing with Intercultural Communication or Translation Methodology and Text. In Semester 2, students continue to work on their translation skills, and subsequently complete a dissertation broadly related to any of the theoretical or social issues broached throughout the year and relevant to the field of Translation Studies, focusing on one of their languages.

As there is a genuine need for professional translators, this postgraduate programme in Translation Studies will be an important qualification for graduates wishing to add specific professional skills to their primary qualification. An important aspect of the programme will be the exploitation of new language technology, utilising the multimedia facilities available on campus.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in a range of fields, including the civil service, teaching, translation and human resources. Beyond the honing of translation skills, students will develop a range of transferable skills through collaborative tasks and presentations at various stages of the course.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€7,640 p.a. (including levy) 2024/25

Fees: Tuition

€7,500 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Non EU

€18,000 p.a. (€18,140 including levy) 2024/25


Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2024/25).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Postgraduate fee breakdown = Tuition (EU or NON EU) + Student levy as outlined above.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here

Find out More


What Our Students Say

Angela

Angela Kennedy |    

For me, the M.A. in Translation Studies is the ideal route to a language-related career. The course's practical elements, including training in interpretation and use of translation software, offer real, hands-on experience. My oral and written skills in both languages are improving consistently, and one also has the opportunity to delve into the more theoretical aspects of translation.
Claire

Claire Murphy |   MA in Translation Studies (Spanish and Italian)

I found the M.A. in Translation Studies a really important way of developing my language skills and language awareness. The combination of practical and theoretical issues provided an important framework for both my dissertation and my subsequent work as a language teacher. Few courses in Ireland allow me to combine my two languages with an intensive study of the field of Translation Studies.

2023 QS Subject Rankings: Top 250

Modern Languages QS Subject Award Badge

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