Translation MA, PGDip
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
From tourism and advertising to international business communication, people with high-level translation skills are needed in almost every industry. You’ll learn what it takes to enter the field, as well as push forward into further academic study.
Course information
UK fee £10,950
International fee £19,700
Taught by Modern Languages
Course director
Dr Yan Ying
yyc12@le.ac.uk
Course enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 2620
amc-pgt@le.ac.uk
Course description
Course description
This course will prepare you for work in the translation professions and provide the ideal foundation if you want to progress further in the academic discipline of Translation Studies. You will practise translating between English and a language of your choice, as well as gaining a thorough grounding in the academic discipline of Translation Studies.
The course will equip you with advanced research skills and research paradigms relevant to investigations of translation contexts, processes, products and producers. You will study in-depth the history and theory of translation and develop the skills to critically analyse current issues being debated within the discipline.
Our focus on research topics, skills and methods in Translation Studies prepares you for your final dissertation and will equip you with the essential skills needed for entry into the translation professions.
As well as the translation professions such as text translating and editing, subtitling and localisation, our course prepares you for opportunities in careers such as tourism, journalism, copy writing and international business communication. Our MA programme is also suited for progression to study at PhD level.
Available language combinations
The MA in Translation is available for English in combination with most other languages. If you wish to study a language that is not listed below you are advised to enquire before applying:
- Danish
- French
- German
- Greek
- Italian
- Japanese
- Norwegian
- Polish
- Spanish
- Swedish
We also run a Chinese pathway in our MA in Translation.
NB. The PGDip has the same modules as the MA, but does not include a dissertation.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
For native speakers of English, attestable ability in another language (Arabic or Chinese for the pathways). An interview and/or a test may be required.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in September 2025
- MA: £10,950
- PGDip: £7,295
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you’re eligible.
International Students
Starting in September 2025
- MA: £19,700
- PGDip: £13,120
You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
Research has shown that graduates in Modern Languages enjoy excellent employment opportunities. Graduates of our MA in Translation Studies have opportunities in careers such as tourism, teaching in higher education, government offices and international business communication.
Many translators work freelance, while others become employees of multinational corporations and organisations, as well as bodies such as the United Nations or the European Union.
A degree in translation is seen as an impressive bonus for promotion within academia, particularly in language education. The MA at Leicester is also particularly suited for progression to study at PhD level.
Our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Related courses
Course structure
Core modules
Core modules
- The Development of Translation Studies
- Research Skills and Methods in Translation Studies 1
- Research Skills and Methods in Translation Studies 2
- Current Issues in Translation Research and Practice
Plus your Dissertation
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Option modules
Option modules
Choose two option modules from:
- Consecutive Interpreting
- Translating Different Genres
- Audiovisual Translation
- Translation Strategies
Then choose two option modules from:
- Technical Translation
- Simultaneous Interpreting
- Computer Assisted Translation Tools
- Extended Translation Project
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
Our Centre for Translating and Interpreting Studies is fully equipped with state-of-the-art interpreting booths.
The MA in Translation offers you the opportunity to choose from different options and develop a range of skills, including translating different text types, translating with computer assisting tools, as well as interpreting.
The Modern Language Study Centre offers an open space for study, with PCs, printing facilities, AV equipment and a large library of learning materials in French, Spanish and Italian.
You will be learning from leading theorists and practitioners, since Leicester is a centre for cutting-edge translation theory.
Teaching and learning
Modules are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials using a variety of teaching methods. Your dissertation will be individually supervised.
Assessment is by essay and/or by practical translating tasks and presentations where appropriate. All work submitted for assessment (except for translations from English into another language, but including commentaries on such work) must be in English.
Key dates
September 2025 start
- Application deadline: 8 September 2025 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your course application by 25 July 2025)
- Deposit payment deadline: 8 August 2025
- CAS request deadline: 5 September 2025
- 70% tuition payment deadline: 5 September 2025
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Translation | Qualification MA | Duration 1 year, full-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Translation | Qualification MA | Duration 2 years, part-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Translation | Qualification PGDip | Duration 1 year, full-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Translation | Qualification PGDip | Duration 2 years, part-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
From studying the history of translation from the age of Cicero, to current issues at the cutting-edge of translation studies, I have gained a comprehensive theoretical knowledge, which I’ve been able to implement into my own translation practice.