Gain the sought-after skills you need for a career in specialist language work on this practical and respected master’s course.

Our MA Translation and Professional Language Skills course prepares you to work as a professional linguist at a high level.

You can choose to specialise in one language, or build your skills across two languages. This course is available in the below routes:

• French
• French and German
• French and Italian
• French and Russian
• French and Spanish
• German
• German and Spanish
• Italian
• Italian and German
• Italian and Spanish
• Russian
• Russian and German
• Russian and Italian
• Russian and Spanish
• Spanish

Across each course route, you'll develop the skills required for a range of roles in international organisations and language service providers. You'll mostly work with the written word to develop proficiency in specialised language services, such as:

• translating
• editing
• proofreading
• précis-writing (a type of summary writing used by the United Nations). This is only available on course routes that include French, Spanish or Russian

Through your core units, you’ll advance your editing, revision, and proofreading abilities. These are often the key areas of expertise sought by employers and agencies in the industry.

You can then complement these foundational skills with optional units in specialisms like public service interpreting, public speaking, and translation technology; and even learn how to set up and run your own language services company.

Bath has longstanding links with international organisations like the United Nations and European Union. We make use of these links to keep our programmes up to date with the professional world and to set up external training opportunities where possible.

Watch our recent webinar about this course

You will normally need one of the following:

• IELTS: 7.5 overall with no less than 7 in the speaking component and no less than 6.5 in the writing, listening and reading components
• The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 73 overall with no less than 65 in the speaking element and no less than 58 in the writing, listening and reading elements
• TOEFL IBT: 108 overall with a minimum of 27 in the speaking component and a minimum of 24 in the writing, listening and reading components.

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

Our MA Translation and Professional Languages Skills course is vocational and has an excellent international reputation.

Many of our graduates have gone on to a range of careers in specialist language work. Others have used the transferable skills gained to pursue further study, or careers in teaching, publishing, and design.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for:

European Central Bank Expedia United Nations The Houses of Parliament GCHQ International Atomic Energy Agency International Court of Justice Healthline Wine & Spirit Education Trust

Associations and resources

By studying this course, you will be able to access a number of tools and online resources to support your learning. These include:

Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) - CIOL representatives will host a presentation (either on-campus or online) giving tips on how to start your career as a linguist, updates on CIOL activities and membership options. You'll also be able to access The Linguist, CIOL’s publication Conférence Internationale Permanente d'Instituts Universitaires de Traducteurs et Interprètes (CIUTI) - This course is recognised by CIUTI for its quality and relevance. You will have access to the latest developments in the interpreting and translation professions Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) - You will receive information about the only UK-based independent professional membership association for translators, interpreters and all those involved in supplying language services National Network for Translation (NNT) - You will be notified about national and regional events, and other related activities