Course Overview
This Double MA in Specialised Translation and Interpreting, offered through a unique partnership between the prestigious Translation schools of Swansea University and Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA), France’s third-largest university, gives you the opportunity to study and train for professional practice in two different academic environments, building your translation networks in both countries.
Only available to applicants with native or near-native competence in both English and French, the Double MA combines key elements of Swansea’s MA in Translation and Interpreting (Year 1) and UGA’s Master LEA parcours Traduction spécialisée (Year 2), both of which are designed to deliver the full range of professional competences set out in the EMT Competence Framework 2017. The Double MA is open to outstanding linguists, whether their qualifications are languages-related or in other subject areas in which they plan to develop a translation specialism. On successful completion, students graduate with the Master’s degrees of both Universities. In addition to English and French, students may also choose to pursue translation with either German or Spanish, in combination with English in Year 1 and French in Year 2.
Places are strictly limited and are allocated on merit by a joint Board of Studies, based on the application form and transcript(s), references, translation tests and interview. Fees are paid at the prevailing rate for UK, European or International students to the institution at which you are studying at the time (i.e. in Year 1 to Swansea, in Year 2 to UGA).
Why Translation and Interpreting (Extended with Université Grenoble Alpes) at Swansea?
This Double MA in Specialised Translation and Interpreting, offered through a unique partnership between the prestigious Translation schools of Swansea University and Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA), France’s third-largest university, gives you the opportunity to study and train for professional practice in two different academic environments, building your translation networks in both countries.
Only available to applicants with native or near-native competence in both English and French, the Double MA combines key elements of Swansea’s MA in Translation and Interpreting (Year 1) and UGA’s Master LEA parcours Traduction spécialisée (Year 2), both of which are designed to deliver the full range of professional competences set out in the EMT Competence Framework 2017. The Double MA is open to outstanding linguists, whether their qualifications are languages-related or in other subject areas in which they plan to develop a translation specialism. On successful completion, students graduate with the Master’s degrees of both Universities. In addition to English and French, students may also choose to pursue translation with either German or Spanish, in combination with English in Year 1 and French in Year 2.
Places are strictly limited and are allocated on merit by a joint Board of Studies, based on the application form and transcript(s), references, translation tests and interview. Fees are paid at the prevailing rate for UK, European or International students to the institution at which you are studying at the time (i.e. in Year 1 to Swansea, in Year 2 to UGA).
Your Translation and Interpreting (Extended with Université Grenoble Alpes) Experience
Year 1, Swansea (120 Credits/60 ECTS)
Compulsory modules: Advanced Translation work in French and English (optionally also German or Spanish and English) is complemented by training in industry-standard Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools (MLTM03). The ‘Foundations’ module (MLTM05) covers translation and interpreting theory and provides an up-to-date overview of the language services industry and its professional roles. You must also take the module on Public Service Interpreting in healthcare environments, MLTM07.
Options: You can choose to specialise in audiovisual translation (MLTM19), translation technologies including software localisation tools (MLTM11), or terminology management (MLTM18). In the Simulated Translation Bureau module (MLTM17) you set up and run a realistic translation company, working with a local language service provider (LSP) and other MA students around Europe in the INSTB network. You may also take an intensive language course at Beginner’s or Intermediate level. Alternatively, Technology Enhanced Language Teaching and Learning (ALEM28) provides in-demand language pedagogy skills.
Year 2, Grenoble (60 ECTS/120 Credits)
Compulsory and optional courses come from UGA’s year 2 (M2) programme (students without a second foreign language substitute M1 courses for those translation classes). UGA’s specialisms are Technical, Legal and Business translation and terminology, supported by seminars on Science and Law. Other highlights include:
- 3-day collaborative Translation Project (December);
- Atlas student-run translation company, performing real translation work for NGOs, charities, and other clients;
- Partnership on terminology with the UN’s World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Geneva;
- Compulsory Semester 2 mémoire (research project) that may include translating patent terminology (co-assessed by WIPO staff and student work may be incorporated into the terminology portal);
3-6 month part-time work placement (from April), assessed at UGA by an internship report and oral exam (in French or English).
Translation and Interpreting (Extended with Université Grenoble Alpes) Employment Opportunities
The vocational MA in Translation and Interpreting will significantly enhance your prospects for a career as a professional linguist. Over the course of your studies, or your internship, you may make important connections for your future work.
Graduates from this course enter a range of different translation and interpreting roles. Many also undertake research degrees and pursue a career in academia.