Translation and Interpreting Studies MRes – 2022 entry
Key information
Start date: October 2022
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 2 years
Why choose this course
This unique and innovative course is the first of its kind in the UK. You’ll get in-depth, systematic research training in translation and interpreting, and customised preparation for a PhD.
We’re one of the UK’s top translation research centres, with more than three decades of experience in postgraduate education and research training. We focus on exciting and newly developing areas of the discipline, such as translation and interpreting technologies, machine translation, translation process research, translation as intercultural mediation, corpus-based translation, audiovisual translation and multimodality studies.
The Centre for Translation Studies (CTS) is currently developing an ambitious new research programme which will place you at the very heart of future developments. This programme will inform our teaching and provide a strong focus on the responsible integration of human and machine translation and interpreting.
What you will study
By studying with us, you’ll join our internationally recognised Centre for Translation Studies. We combine leading research expertise with professional relevance, providing you with the skills to thrive in either academia or industry.
You’ll explore modules on translation and interpreting research, and challenge assumptions in stimulating debates, especially on the role of the human translator in the era of increasing translation automation and in contexts of diverse, rapidly evolving technology-enhanced multilingual services. You’ll discuss current ideas and research with your peers, our doctoral students and teaching staff.
Our range of optional modules will let you specialise in your own area of interest, while also developing your analytical skills. You’ll take on evidence-based, interdisciplinary research relevant to the world today, giving you a competitive edge as you enter the workplace or pursue further study.
Related courses
We offer modules that focus on thematically organised research topics and relevant methodologies of conducting research, giving you opportunities to develop strong analytical and research skills. Our course also provides you with rich insights into the language industry in two ways. First, a selection of specialised modules help you develop your understanding of technological, organisational and creative aspects of translation, interpreting and multimodal translation, or of more hybrid types of translation that combine any of the above. Second, our Centre for Translation Studies hosts regular seminars to provide you with further insights about the profession. Guest speakers include successful translators, experts in various fields of translation, and representatives of professional associations we regularly collaborate with, such as the Chartered Institute of Linguists, the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, the Translation Automation User Society, the Globalization and Localization Association, and the European Language Industry Association.
Our course is designed to make you internationally competitive if you plan to pursue a PhD or an academic career. It will also equip you with advanced research skills that may stand you in good stead if you wish to pursue a career as a researcher or analyst in the language industry. You can take the MRes as a stand-alone course or as a preparation for a three-year PhD in Translation and Interpreting.
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University. Our graduates have lifetime access to Surrey Pathfinder, our online portal for appointment and events bookings, jobs, placements and interactive development tools.
This course is designed to prepare you for PhD study and work in academia. Our research training will make you competitive for doctoral study against graduates from around the world. Our strong emphasis on developing analytical and research skills will also create many opportunities in the language industry.
The language services industry continues to grow despite a challenging international economic climate. Globalisation has opened new markets and created demand for multilingual translation and interpreting services to exchange knowledge and communicate with clients.
Globalisation requires new research into translation, interpreting and multilingual communication in a wide range of novel and emerging contexts on an unprecedented global scale. As a graduate of our MRes in Translation and Interpreting Studies course and a qualified language professional, you’ll be able to take advantage of global employment opportunities.
Schools and departments
Academic year structure
The taught part of the programme is divided into eight 15-credit modules. A 15-credit module is indicative of 150 hours of learning. The hours of learning comprise of contact hours, guided learning and private study.
Our course has two compulsory modules, and you must select another two optional modules. The compulsory modules are Principles and Challenges of Translation and Interpreting and Academic Research Methods. These can be combined with two optional modules from the available pool of options:
- Audiovisual Translation
- Business Management in Translation, Interpreting and Technologies
- Introduction to Computational Thinking for Translators, Public Service Interpreting Trends and Issues
- Smart Technologies for Translation
- Translation as Human-Computer Interaction
- Translation for the Creative Industries
- Writing and Re-writing for Translators.
Your module choice depends on the emphasis you wish to place on technological, organisational or creative/community outreach aspects of various types of translation and interpreting.
If you are a full-time student, you will take the compulsory modules Academic Research Methods and Principles and Challenges of Translation and Interpreting in Semester 1. You can then distribute your optional modules either by frontloading Semester 1 with one more option, or by taking your two options in Semester 2.
If you choose to study part-time, you will take the compulsory modules Academic Research Methods and Principles and Challenges of Translation and Interpreting in Semester 1 of your first year. You can distribute the two remaining options across the three remaining semesters.
You will complete your degree with an MRes in Translation and Interpreting Studies Dissertation (120 credits), to be submitted at the beginning of September.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
Important: In light of the Covid-19 pandemic the University has revised its courses to incorporate the ‘Hybrid Learning Experience’ in a departure from previous academic years and previously published information. The University has changed the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes. Further information on the general principles of hybrid learning can be found at: Hybrid learning experience | University of Surrey.
We have updated key module information regarding the pattern of assessment and overall student workload to inform student module choices. We are currently working on bringing remaining published information up to date to reflect current practice in time for the start of the academic year 2022/23 This means that some information within the programme and module catalogue will be subject to change. Current students are invited to contact their Programme Leader or Academic Hive with any questions relating to the information available.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Optional modules for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Students must choose two optional modules
Optional modules for Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Students must choose two optional modules
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (MRES TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETING STUDIES) | Compulsory | Year-long |
Timetable
Timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday–Friday). Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from the course administrators. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Please note that as our practice-based classes are normally provided by professional translators or interpreters and we may sometimes have to reschedule classes to accommodate professional commitments.
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
Native English speakers: MA in Languages, Translation/Interpreting or a related field with a merit or higher – or equivalent; BA in Languages, Translation/Interpreting or a related field with a minimum of a UK 2:2 class honours degree – or equivalent.
Speakers of other languages: MA in Languages, Translation/Interpreting or a related field with a merit or higher – or equivalent; BA in Languages, Translation/Interpreting or a related field with a minimum of a UK 2:2 class honours degree or higher – or equivalent.
International entry requirements by country
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 7.0 in Writing and 6.0 in each other element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Credit transfer
The University of Surrey recognises that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. If this applies to you, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience, or to join the start of a course without the formal entry requirements. This means that you may be exempt from certain elements of study in the course for which you have applied and be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information. Please email Admissions with any queries.
Fees
Start date: October 2022
Full-time - 1 year
UK £8,200
Overseas £19,200
Part-time - 2 years
UK £4,100
Overseas £9,600
Please note:
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2022-23 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually.
- If you are on a two-year or three-year part-time structured masters course, the annual fee is payable in Year 1 and Year 2 of the course.
Funding
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
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Admission information
Our postgraduate admissions policy* provides the basis for admissions practice across the University and gives a framework for how we encourage, consider applications and admit students. You can also read our postgraduate applicant guidance.
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. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View an example of our offer terms and conditions and our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. 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 more.
Further, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the academic year 2022/23. These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach during 2022/23. Detailed information on all changes is available at our dedicated course changes webpage. This webpage sets out information relating to general University changes, and will also direct you to consider additional information relating to specific programmes.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH