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 2024 entry.

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)

Contact Teaching Hours

Medium Group Teaching

0 (hours maximum)
Additional tutorial workshops 2-4 hrs per week

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

0 (hours maximum)
Lectures/Seminars 2-4 hrs per week. Tutorials 6-8 hrs per week.

Teaching Times

Mornings and afternoons. Occasional optional weekend training sessions.

Learning and Teaching

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• -

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Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

• Practical interpreting assignments
• Essays
• Research projects

Modules

• 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

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  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

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  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

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  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

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  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

  30%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  70%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  MML7052

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  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

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  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 requirements

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  0

  Module Code

  MML7058

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  24 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline.

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 Chen-En Ho at c.ho@qub.ac.uk

Please note that only the Mandarin-English language pair will be offered for 2024 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 16th August 2024 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.

Please Select Your Country/Region Please Select Your Country/Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia And Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Mainland Colombia Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Ecuador Egypt Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong (SAR) Hungary India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lativa Lebanon Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau (SAR) Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Mongolia Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Oman Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa South Korea Spain Sri Lanka St Vincent And The Grenadines Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay USA Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

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.

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/

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.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£7,300
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£7,300
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£9,250
EU Other 3	£21,500
International	£21,500

¹EU 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 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

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

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.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

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 a prospectus