MA Chinese-English Audiovisual Translation
- MA
Overview
The MA Chinese-English Audiovisual Translation is designed to prepare you for work in the fast-growing audiovisual sector of the language industries. The driver for this industry growth is the ubiquitous availability of video content. Audiovisual translation accounts for up to one third of language services activity both in China and internationally.
The programme focuses on technological competence and building practical skills in a range of audiovisual translation modes. The programme also offers a broader grounding in key concepts and audiovisual industry dynamics. You will build your core skills through compulsory units in translation practice and analysis, CAT tools, and audiovisual translation theory. You can then take options in subjects such as subtitling, videogame localisation, audio description, and advanced CAT tools. You will then complete either a research-based or a practice-based dissertation on a topic related to audiovisual translation.
Tutors include specialists in translation technologies, videogame localisation and subtitling. Bristol is a UNESCO City of Film and film and media culture is very lively here. Bristol is also a hub for game developers and publishers. The training offered by the programme is practical and industry-oriented in nature.
Programme structure
In the first teaching block, units will include three compulsory units: Translation Practice and Analysis I, Theories of Translation and Computer-Assisted Translation.
You will also take a non-credit-bearing Academic Language and Literacy unit.
In the second teaching block, you will take the dissertation unit and three of the following optional units which have previously included CAT Tools 2, Subtitling, Audio Description and Technologies for Museum Accessibility, Translation Industry, and Games Localisation.
The dissertation can be a practice-based or research-based dissertation but must be on a topic relating to audiovisual translation.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MA Chinese-English Audiovisual Translation.
Entry requirements
For native Chinese speakers, you will typically need a strong upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in any subject.
For non-native Chinese speakers, you will typically need a strong second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Chinese Studies (or similar), or completion of a full undergraduate or postgraduate programme at a prestigious Chinese institution.
Non-native Chinese speakers who have not completed a Chinese/Mandarin bachelor's may be required to demonstrate proficiency through a translation test.
Non-traditional qualifications/routes may also be considered.
For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.
We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:
- Evidence of significant, relevant work experience. For native Chinese speakers: work experience should be relevant to English language, eg teaching English or working for a company using English. For non-native Chinese speakers: work experience should be relevant to the Chinese language, eg working as a translator or working for a company using Chinese. A translation test may be used to determine proficiency.
- A relevant postgraduate qualification.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Go to admissions statementIf English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £13,200 per year
- Home: part-time (two years)
- £6,600 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £32,500 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
This programme is designed to prepare students for future careers. For example, students may go on to be in-house interns or new hires at post-production or localisation companies, or do freelance work. A number of our students each year consider progressing to doctoral study after their MA. Many of the skills are transferable to other careers such as editing, marketing or social media. Audiovisual translation helps students to learn key attributes such as creativity and close attention to detail.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk