2023
2.1
1 year (Full Time)
tbc (Full Time)
This MA in Interpreting is designed to provide students with:
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of the contexts and practices of professional interpreting, enabling students to develop the skills upon which professional interpreter competence is predicated
- Advanced expertise in their language pairs
- In-depth knowledge of the language-services market place
- Appropriate opportunities in professionally-based practice
Interpreting highlights
Professional Accreditations
- Students who complete the additional module Principles in Community Interpreting are eligible for the award of a OCN Level 4 certificate in Principles of Community Interpreting.
Career Development
- Graduates can pursue careers in a range of areas where interpreting and translation skills are required, e.g. academic, creative writing, translation and interpreting industry, public policy, business and commerce and journalism. The programme includes specialist training in translation technologies and offers opportunities for work experience.
Internationally Renowned Experts
- You will be taught by staff with research profiles of international standing, with a wide and diverse range of interests in interpreting and translation studies. Research in Modern Languages at Queen's was ranked 3rd in REF 2014 for Research Intensity and 5th for Grade Point Average, with particular strengths in literary studies, translation and interpreting, linguistics, postcolonial studies, visual cultures, digital humanities and medical humanities. The School hosts several large research projects across all the language areas, funded by the AHRC, the Leverhulme Trust, British Academy, and Horizon 2020.
Student Experience
- The Centre for Translation and Interpreting is a vibrant international, multilingual and multicultural research community. MA students thrive in a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere, developing close associations with teaching staff and our large cohort of PhD students through shared classes and weekly seminars with renowned visiting speakers.
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Course content
Course Structure
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Course Details | The programme introduces students to the contexts and environments in which professional interpreters work and to the research techniques and modes of practice required by these contexts. Delivered through a combination of seminars, workshops, guided private study, a programme of visiting speakers and appropriate professional practice, the structure of the programme enables students to work at the highest professional level. Please note that only the Chinese-English language pair will be offered for 2022 entry. |
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Dissertation | The dissertation will either be an extended essay on an aspect of interpreting theory and practice; or a case study documenting an extended interpreting engagement. |
Semester 1 Modules | Consecutive Interpreting (20 CATS) Simultaneous Interpreting (20 CATS) |
Semester 1 and 2 Module | Principles and Practices of Interpreting (40 CATS) |
Semester 2 Modules | Commercial Interpreting (20 CATS) Public Service Interpreting (20 CATS) |
People teaching you
Senior Lecturer in Translation and InterpretingSAEL
c.ho@qub.ac.uk
SAEL
kathleen.kaess@qub.ac.uk
SAEL
Email: P.Blumczynski@qub.ac.uk
Contact Teaching Hours
Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial 0 (hours maximum) Seminars 4-6 hrs per week |
Medium Group Teaching 0 (hours maximum) Additional tutorial workshops 4-6 hrs per week |
Teaching Times
Mornings and afternoons. Occasional optional weekend training sessions. |
Career Prospects
Introduction
Careers in interpreting and translation can be both highly intellectual and extremely rewarding in a practical sense. In addition to international organisations, interpreters and translators can find employment in a range of roles in diverse companies or work as freelancers for agencies and/or direct clients. Professional interpreting and translation skills are valued in many areas of employment, notably banking and finance, politics, NGOs, publishing, libraries, arts venues, management consultancy, law, and jobs in engineering and manufacturing, due to their international client base. Interpreters and translators are also required in a wide range of other activities and lines of work, including aiding police investigations and other security services, supporting migrant communities, conference proceedings, sports events, and governmental communications.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/
Learning and Teaching
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Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
Practical interpreting assignments
Essays
Research projects
Resources
Watch a short webinar on the course with Dr Chen-En Ho
https://qub.adobeconnect.com/peh4vodlo9g3/?proto=true
Modules
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2022/23). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
- Year 1
Core Modules
Commercial Interpreting (20 credits)Commercial Interpreting
Overview
This module prepares students to work at a high professional level in a number of different commercial settings – business meeting, conference, trade fair, media – and across a number of media (telephone., video-conference, whispering, liaison, document-based) etc. The module will have an inbuilt assessed work-placement element.
Learning Outcomes
Students will acquire the professional skills that will enable them to work at the highest level in a variety of contexts commonly encountered in commercial and business-related interpreting. They will become familiar with the diverse modes of interpreting, including document scanning that characterise these contexts.
Skills
Research skills, note-taking skills, analytical skills, presentation skills, specialist communication skills.
Coursework
52%
Examination
0%
Practical
48%
Credits
20
Module Code
MML7053
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
12 weeks
Consecutive Interpreting (20 credits)Consecutive Interpreting
Overview
This module will deal with the techniques of the specialised skill of consecutive interpreting. It will also include a component devoted to public speaking and performance proficiency.
Learning Outcomes
Students will identify and hone the skills required of them in consecutive interpreting, including note-taking, performance and communication abilities.
Skills
Consecutive interpreting, public speaking, performance skills, professionally-oriented skills, listening skills, close-reading skills.
Coursework
52%
Examination
0%
Practical
48%
Credits
20
Module Code
MML7056
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
12 weeks
Principles and Practices of Interpreting (40 credits)Principles and Practices of Interpreting
Overview
This module will introduce students to interpreting theory as well as the various forms of interpreting practice - consecutive liaison and conference - and the particular methodologies and skills (note-taking, presentation etc:) that they require. It will also discuss the role of the interpreter and the development of interpreting practice in terms of their historical, ethical and legislative frameworks. An integral part of the modules will be attendance and weekly reflection (in the form of a log book) on research seminars in Translation and Interpreting.
Learning Outcomes
Students will acquire the professional skills that will enable them to work at the highest professional level. They will understand the various contexts in which the interpreter works, and what demands (practical and ethical) are made of the interpreter by those contexts.
Skills
Research skills, note-taking skills, analytical skills, presentation skills.
Coursework
70%
Examination
0%
Practical
30%
Credits
40
Module Code
MML7050
Teaching Period
Full Year
Duration
24 weeks
Dissertation (60 credits)Dissertation
Overview
The dissertation will take one of the following forms:
• An extended essay on an aspect of interpreting theory and practice (for example, on relevance theory or discourse analysis)
• A case study documenting an extended interpreting engagement (preparation, glossary work, evaluative research bibliography, think-aloud protocol, relationship with clients etc)Learning Outcomes
Depending on their choice of approach, students will become familiar with the strategies and techniques for undertaking a sustained piece of critical writing, developing and interrogating theoretical models, and reflecting critically upon their own professional practice.
Skills
Research skills; writing skills; analytical skills; independent study skills; time-management skills.
Coursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
60
Module Code
MML7054
Teaching Period
Summer
Duration
12 weeks
Public Service Interpreting (20 credits)Public Service Interpreting
Overview
This module prepares students for practice in the voluntary sector, and judicial and health environments. These are the principal areas of employment for the professional interpreter, and as a Masters degree is established as the gold standard qualification for practitioners, it is important that students develop particular expertise in these areas. The module will discuss the role of the interpreter in such environments and how the interpreter can access the diverse bodies of knowledge that he or she requires in order to function appropriately.
Learning Outcomes
Students will acquire the professional skills that will enable them to work at the highest professional level in these particular contexts. They will understand the ethical complexities of their engagement, the procedures to which they need to adhere, and the preparatory work they need to undertake for individual assignments.
Skills
Research skills, analytical and self-reflective skills, presentation skills, specialist communication skills.
Coursework
55%
Examination
0%
Practical
45%
Credits
20
Module Code
MML7052
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
12 weeks
Simultaneous Interpreting (20 credits)Simultaneous Interpreting
Overview
This module will deal with the techniques of task- and scenario-based research. It will also introduce students to glossary work through a range of electronic and software-based resources. This latter aspect will be co-taught with the electronic resources and translation technologies of the MA in Translation.
Learning Outcomes
Students will acquire the ability to identify research tasks and resources that are appropriate to context, and to undertake the independent research that will enable them to work as high-quality interpreters in a full range of situations.
Skills
Research skills, IT skills, analytical skills, presentation skills
Coursework
52%
Examination
0%
Practical
48%
Credits
20
Module Code
MML7051
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
12 weeks
Optional Modules
Profession & Placement Module (0 credits)Profession & Placement Module
Overview
This new module involves spending a certain length of time in an appropriate placement during any given period in the year agreed together by the Centre for Translation and Interpreting (CTI), the employer/employing unit (if applicable), and the student. The total duration of the placement should range between 120-420 hours but does not have to be taken in a block of time (from approx. 17 full days -- 7 hours per day – or 6 weeks of part-time placements – 20 hours per week -- up to 60 full days or 21 weeks of part-time placements). The placement must finish by September in the year the student expects to graduate. The placement can be hosted in the University or at a relevant organisation in Northern Ireland or elsewhere. All kinds of organisations are eligible, as long as the tasks assigned to the student is considered relevant to a career in the language services industry or any other industry that requires the skill set developed in the programme of MA Translation or MA Interpreting.
The onus will be on the students to obtain a placement. There are two different routes: students may (1) apply for an existing opening in the CTI internally, e.g. a position in the CTI Information Hub, or one currently offered by an external institution that has an internship agreement with the CTI, or (2) locate a placement on their own. Both routes require approval from the CTI to ensure the suitability of the placement; for the first route, there will be an internal selection process undertaken by the CTI if availability with the intended employer is limited. Students will be provided with support from the Careers, Employability, and Skills Service in the Student Guidance Centre. Students must submit pre-placement paperwork, which includes a maximum of one A4 page documentation showing the suitability of the placement (how it links to the student’s studies), the goal(s) of the student, and how the student intends to accomplish the goal(s). The deadline for submission is one month prior to the decision for the placement proposal being made.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will have developed their professional knowledge and skills, including but not limited to workplace know-how that boosts their employability, working within a team, and complying with the norms and ethical standards of a professional working environment; acquired a clear understanding of the work involved in the position they took on and how the skills/knowledge developed may contribute to their future career success. Students will also have learned to reflect critically on their own performance and progress and to address issues encountered in the workplace with the knowledge/skills they have acquired.
Skills
Completion of the placement and relevant assessment will allow students to develop the following skills:
Intellectual skills
• Managing & Prioritizing Knowledge: ability to identify relevant and context-specific knowledge, sources and data; understand, evaluate and internalise such information in one’s own behaviour
• Analytical Thinking: ability to identify measures suitable for specific contexts to address the issues at hand as a cross-cultural communication and language professional
• Critical & Independent Thinking: ability to analyse each individual situation to establish context-dependent best practices and defend one’s choices when encountering questions or criticism
Professional and employability skills
• Communication Skills: ability to communicate ideas clearly both orally and in writing, either as a participant of the communication or interpreter/translator
• Teamwork: ability to work with others in a team, make contribution in different positions, negotiate conflicts, and help the team achieve goals
• Diversity: ability to acknowledge and be sensitive to cultural and personal differences present in the working environment and act accordingly
• Self-Reflexivity: ability to reflect on one’s own progress and identify and act upon one’s own development needs with respect to life-long learning and career development
• Efficient and effective work practice: ability to work efficiently to deadlines, both individually and as part of a team
• Time Management: ability to prioritise tasks at hand and properly allocate time and energy, cope with stress, and negotiate deadlines or expectations when necessary
• Entrepreneurship: ability to demonstrate innovative ways to build one’s own reputation and professional network and identify a niche market for career success
Technical and practical skills
• Information Technology: ability to use contemporary and relevant ICT, and to learn new IT skills, e.g. search engine, project/client management, CAT, TM, TB, and MT
• Regulations and standards: be aware of the current rules and regulations concerning ethics, confidentiality, and information management, and the ability to meet the requirementsCoursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
0
Module Code
MML7058
Teaching Period
Full Year
Duration
24 weeks
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Entry Requirements
Entrance requirements
Graduate
Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a relevant subject.
A 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University may be acceptable with relevant professional experience. Applicants with qualifications below 2.2 Honours degree standard may be considered if they can demonstrate a minimum of three years relevant professional experience. The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information. If you would like further informal advice, please contact course convenor Dr Piotr Blumczynski at p.blumczynski@qub.ac.uk.
Please note that only the Mandarin-English language pair will be offered for 2023 entry. Students must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in both languages.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 11th August 2023 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
- Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
- Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
INTO - English Language Course(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
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Fees and Funding
Career Prospects
Introduction
Careers in interpreting and translation can be both highly intellectual and extremely rewarding in a practical sense. In addition to international organisations, interpreters and translators can find employment in a range of roles in diverse companies or work as freelancers for agencies and/or direct clients. Professional interpreting and translation skills are valued in many areas of employment, notably banking and finance, politics, NGOs, publishing, libraries, arts venues, management consultancy, law, and jobs in engineering and manufacturing, due to their international client base. Interpreters and translators are also required in a wide range of other activities and lines of work, including aiding police investigations and other security services, supporting migrant communities, conference proceedings, sports events, and governmental communications.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/
Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | £6,980 |
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £6,980 |
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £8,360 |
EU Other 3 | £19,100 |
International | £19,100 |
1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2023-24, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
Additional course costs
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Interpreting costs
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
More information on funding options and financial assistance.
International Scholarships
Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships/.
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Apply
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
When to Apply
The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume of applications, the university reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.
Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.
Download Postgraduate Prospectus
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