Irish Language Translation, Interpreting and Professional Language Skills - MA

The MA in Irish Language Translation, Interpreting and Professional Language Skills at Ulster University is a dynamic, career-focused programme designed for those with a strong command of Irish who wish to work at the highest professional levels of translation and interpreting. Offered full-time over one year or part-time over two, the course combines advanced training in translation and interpreting with a focus on professional language use and employability. Students gain expertise in a wide range of genres, from literary and cultural texts to technical and institutional documents, while developing fluency in industry-standard tools such as computer-assisted translation software. Through a blend of lectures, workshops, and practical labs, students refine their linguistic accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving skills, preparing them to meet the growing demand for Irish language professionals both locally and internationally.

The programme culminates in an independent research project or dissertation, allowing students to specialise in an area of translation or interpreting practice or theory. With the rising status of Irish in the EU and across public life, graduates are well-placed to pursue careers in government, education, broadcasting, legal and technical translation, language planning, and cultural industries. This MA not only equips students with the skills and confidence to excel as translators and interpreters, but also empowers them to play a key role in the promotion and global reach of the Irish language.

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Applicants must hold a degree with Irish as the main component with at least 2:2 Honoursstandard or equivalent or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through theaccreditation of prior experiential learning. Students without Irish as the main component oftheir degree are expected to have reached a minimum standard equivalent to level B2 on the Common European Framework for Languages and may be required to undertake a pre-entry interview and/or written tests to verify their degree-level Irish language proficiency. Applicants must also provide evidence of competence in written or spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).

English language requirements for international applicantsThe minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

It is estimated that 700 new jobs will be created within the EU in Irish translation/interpretation over the next 5-6 years. This exciting new MA programme is in response to the need for translators, editors and lexicographers to work in both domestic and European institutions, and will equip students with advanced language skills currently in demand in the Irish Language sector and in the European Union.

Irish, graduates from this programme will have career prospects in translation/interpretation for business and communications, in the legal sector, as well as in translation for the public sector and in tourism, and in the ever growing fields of both lexicography and language planning, in particular with 'Foclóir Gaeilge/Béarla an Fhorais.'