Postgraduate programmes
Taught
MA Translation
This is a distance-learning master’s programme for aspiring or practising translators. The MA combines language-specific practice with training in translation theory and translation technologies. Translation on the programme is predominantly into English.
The programme is formally validated by the Chartered Institute of Linguists, the UK-based professional membership body for language practitioners, who describe it as “a programme embedded in both academic and professional contexts that delivers an excellent preparation for linguists seeking a career in translation. Drawing on current practice, emerging trends and future language specialisms, the programme anticipates developments in the translation industry which will affect the working lives of aspiring translators. Students embarking on the programme can be confident that they will emerge equipped with the professional skills and knowledge they need to be work-ready to enter the translation industry.”
MA Chinese-English Programmes
Research programmes (MPhil, PhD)
We offer a research-based Masters (MPhil) in translation as well as a PhD programme. See Translation MPhil, PhD for more information. See also our Research page for details of our projects and areas of expertise.
We offer a practice-oriented research pathway in translation. For more information, contact artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk. Enquiries from prospective postdoctoral researchers should be addressed to Dr. Carol O'Sulivan. Enquiries about research in drama translation should be addressed to Dr Katja Krebs.
Please contact the subject lead Dr Carol O’Sullivan to discuss projects in advance of application. For projects starting in 2022-2023, we particularly welcome proposals on lay use of machine translation and on the history of any sector of the translation industry.
Our PhD projects, past and present, include several practice-based projects (fiction, non-fiction, short fiction); projects on legal translation briefing; Penguin Russian classics; comparative literature; technologies for literary translators; conceptualisations of literacy; audiovisual and literary translation in China.
Industry Links and Networks
- Through partnerships with industry, our staff and students have access to state-of-the-art translation technologies.
- The MA Translation (MAT) is formally validated by the Chartered Institute of Linguists.
- We are corporate educational members of the ITI and support links between translator training courses and the translation industry, through joint publications, co-hosted events and other activities.
- We are members of The Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting UK and Ireland.
- Our PhD programme is part of the International Doctorate in Translation Studies.
Faculty support
We foster a vibrant postgraduate community across the Faculty of Arts, providing you with dedicated support when you need it.
Before doing the MA in Chinese-English translation, I was just a graduate with no idea on how to become a professional translator. After one year’s study in this program, I graduated with Distinction, and embarked upon a new career in a translation company in Beijing.
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