Interpreting and AI

Key information

Start date:
To be confirmed

Contact details:

An eight-week course presented by the Centre for Translation Studies at the University of Surrey.

Cut through the hype and navigate the risks. Explore the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in interpreting workflows and develop strategies to manage its impact on your profession and business.

To complement its master’s programmes in translation and interpreting, and building on its open webinars and online lectures, the Centre for Translation Studies is now offering this in-depth course for the interpreters’ community, addressing the increasing presence of AI in their work.

The course examines how interpreters can benefit from AI across all stages of the workflow — from preparation to real-time support. Participants will gain a clear understanding of key AI concepts relevant to interpreting, including Large Language Models (LLMs), Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), and Computer-Assisted Interpreting (CAI) tools.

Drawing on current research, the course highlights where AI offers real opportunities and where caution is required. It supports interpreters in developing informed, independent strategies for engaging with AI effectively in their practice.

The academic experience of the instructors guarantees an independent, non-commercial perspective on all matters related to AI. Rather than promoting specific platforms, the course fosters critical thinking, professional reflection, and hands-on experimentation with AI in the context of interpreting.

Course modules

The course has five modules, each comprising of either one to two 90-minute sessions. Each session will be followed by an optional 30-minute Q&A.

Learning and teaching methods

At the end of each session there will be a short quiz to help you assess your understanding, plus suggested reading materials, to complement the session and deepen your knowledge.

Assessment

There will also be a post-course assignment based on an interpreting-related task involving AI tools. This is designed to help you analyse the usefulness of AI tools in interpreting contexts and to reflect on how your view of using AI in interpreting has altered over the duration of the course. The assignment will be marked by the tutors and individual feedback will be provided.

Learning outcomes

By completing the course, you will be able to:

  • Understand key concepts in language AI and how they apply to interpreting
  • Recognise different applications and uses of AI tools in interpreting
  • Evaluate the functions, potential and limitations of different AI tools in interpreter preparation and real-time use during interpreting assignments
  • Understand the impact of AI on interpreting and related real-time multilingual communication workflows
  • Assess the risks and ethical implications of using AI tools in interpreting, and identify processes that reduce the risk of using language AI
  • Confidently discuss the role of AI in interpreting with clients and stakeholders, reducing risk and promoting value for clients, and preserving professional standards in interpreting
  • Develop a fresh perspective on the use of AI in interpreting contexts, enabling you to adapt to future developments with insight and autonomy.

Entry requirements

This course is available to all, with a discounted rate for members of the ITI and CIOL.

Fees and funding

£330 + VAT

ITI members

£330 + VAT

CIOL members

£400 + VAT

Non-members

How to apply

Please register on the ITI website.

Apply now

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations and our terms and conditions. You are also confirming you have read and understood the University's prospective student privacy notice.

Further details of our terms and conditions will follow.

Disclaimer

This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the commencement of the course. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read the full disclaimer.

Contact details

Address

University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH