Master of Arts Translation Studies

The School of Translation and Interpretation (STI) offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts in Translation Studies (MA), Master in Conference Interpreting (MCI) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Translation Studies.

Masters Program

The master's program in Translation is intended to develop research capability in various fields of translation, as well as to provide advanced training in areas such as terminology, computerized translation or translation teaching. It is desirable that students have practical experience in translation before entering the program.

This program consists of compulsory and optional seminars and courses, followed by a basic or applied research requirement. It may be undertaken full-time or part-time.

Not all seminars and courses are offered every year. Students will be notified at enrollment of which ones are available during the current year.

Master of Arts Translation Studies Chinese option

Please note that the Master of Arts Translation Studies Chinese option is suspended until further notice.

The Master of Arts Translation Studies Chinese option is offered for the Applied Research option only. It is designed to be completed in 3 semesters: coursework from September to April, and final project from May to August.

Languages

Most seminars are bilingual, that is, they may be conducted in French or English. The student's research may be conducted not only on French and English, but also on a third language, subject to the conditions stipulated under .

Master of Arts Translation Studies Chinese option

All seminars will be taught in English, and students research and writing will be done in English or in Chinese.

The programs are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.

Applicants should have an honours BA in Translation, or an equivalent. Applicants who do not have an honours degree in Translation may in suitable cases be recommended by the STI for admission to a qualifying program. Such applicants are usually honours graduates in another subject field.

For the Chinese option, the first year of a Masters in Translation and Interpretation or an MA in Translation Studies completed in China or abroad may serve as an equivalent.

Note: Honours BA implies four years of university studies.

Admission Procedure

Applications for admission are reviewed by the Graduate Studies Committee of the School of Translation and Interpretation, and must also meet the general requirements in effect for graduate studies. In addition to completing our on-line application and paying the application fee to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre, students must also assemble all relevant documentation and forward the complete application package to the director of the School of Translation and Interpretation. Applications will not be processed without the application fee and the complete file.

Entrance Examination

The STI may, at its discretion, require applicants to pass an entrance examination. The examination is compulsory for applicants to the qualifying program. The STI reserves the right to interview potential students.

Qualifying Program

Those students whose first degree is not in Translation, and likewise, those who do not already have previous translating experience, or those whose knowledge of either English or French or Chinese is inadequate, will be required to do a qualifying program of one or two terms according to their needs, to bring them up to the level expected of graduates with an honours BA in Translation. A minimum average mark of 70 per cent (B) is required for admission to the master's program proper.

Transfer from Master's to PhD

In exceptional circumstances, it is possible to transfer from the MA program at the School of Translation and Interpretation (STI) directly into the PhD program under the following conditions:

• Completion of the 3 mandatory MA courses, plus one more MA course, with a grade of A in each course;
• Completion of a 40-page research paper (TRA 7998) under the supervision of a professor who is the potential PhD thesis supervisor;
• Written recommendation for transfer from the supervisor of the paper and from the Graduate Studies Committee.

The transfer must take place within sixteen months of initial enrollment in the master’s. Students permitted to transfer will complete a total of 8 courses (24 units), 6 courses while enrolled in the master’s and 2 while enrolled in the PhD. Following transfer, the following requirements must be met: 2 courses (6 units), the comprehensive exam, the thesis proposal and the thesis. This does not apply to the MA Chinese option.

• Apply online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), by completing form 105.
• Declare all your current and previous postsecondary studies, completed or not, even if they are not related to your application. Failure to do so may lead to the cancellation of your application or the withdrawal of your offer of admission at any time.
• Enter your email address, making sure it is accurate. We will use this address to communicate with you for all matters. Also, check your inbox (and junk mail folder) regularly for messages from the University of Ottawa.
• Pay the application fees for all your admission applications. Applications are forwarded to the University of Ottawa only after fees are paid in full and the payment has cleared. Learn more about application fees.
• Note that OUAC is not part of the University of Ottawa. It handles applications to all Ontario universities and is responsible for transferring your application to our admission office.