MA in Translation Studies

Dublin City University

Ireland, Dublin

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Dublin City University

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

DC615

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines12-Jan-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 17,200 / year

Next Intake 12-Jan-2026

MA in Translation Studies

About

Overview

The MA in Translation Studies programme at Dublin City University is a one-year, full-time course that provides advanced training in language and translation skills. Completing this programme leads to a postgraduate degree in Translation Studies.

The MA in Translation Studies at DCU is part of the European Masters in Translation (EMT) Network, which is recognised by the European Commission. This makes the MA programme highly prestigious in Europe.

The lecturers teaching in the MA in Translation Studies at Dublin City University are well-known experts in the field of translation studies. Many of them have strong connections to the translation profession and the translation industry.

Our students are recruited by high-profile European public institutions as well as private multinational organisations.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements

For admission to the MA in Translation Studies, successful applicants will have:

• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent,

OR

• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.

•This Programme requires a high level of Language Competence:

• Applications are invited from graduates normally with at least a Second Class Honours degree in any one (for the one-language route) or two (for the two-language route) of the following language(s): Irish, Chinese, French, German, Japanese or Spanish.

• In addition, applicants should preferably have spent a total of at least 12 months in a country/countries where the language(s) they wish to study are spoken.

• Consideration will be given to other subject specialists with appropriate linguistic competence.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.

• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details above

English Program Requirements

Postgraduate Taught Programmes Note: In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language for postgraduate taught programmes.

This may include:

Non-native speakers of English who in the past two years have completed their school education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. For example, applicants who have successfully achieved a 06/H7 in Leaving Certificate English, a Grade D in A Level English or an examination deemed as an equivalent by DCU.
Applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree in the past two years, in a country where English is the official language.
Applicants who have recently lived in a country where English is the official language for at least four years and been employed in a professional role that required a high level of written and verbal communication. Applicants will be required to provide specific documentation to evidence this e.g. residency documentation, employer statement.

Research Programmes Note: Faculty of Engineering & Computing and Faculty of Science & Health

In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language for research programmes in the Faculties noted above.

For further details about DCU English Language Requirements, please contact DCU Admissions.

Career

Careers & Further Options

Careers

The technology and translation skills that students acquire in this programme are crucial for a successful career as a translator.

They not only enhance job prospects but also open up opportunities in both large organisations and as independent freelance translators.

Numerous graduates from the MA in Translation Studies programme go on to become professional translators. They may work as freelancers for translation agencies or within the translation departments of large corporations. This programme equips them with the expertise required to excel in these roles.

Graduates may also be eligible for competitive examinations leading to employment in the Translation Divisions of the Institutions of the European Union or other international organisations.

You can find out more information on translating for Europe here.

You can also find out more information on the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union here.

Career Areas

Some graduates follow careers in related fields such as:

Publishing
Broadcasting
Information Technology (IT)
Bilingual and Irish language media
Diplomatic Services
EU and International Advisory bodies
EU Institutions
European Institutions
International Organisations
Self Employed
Social Media
Starting Your Own Business
Translating and Interpreting

Others opt for careers in the public service, in teaching, at secondary or tertiary level, or undertake research.

Some graduates may wish to continue their studies to doctoral level at DCU or elsewhere. For more information on continuing research in the area of Translation Studies see Research in the School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies (SALIS).

DCU Career Services

"DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path."

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.