Translation, MA, PG Diploma (Postgraduate Diploma)

This is a distance-learning master's programme for aspiring or practising translators. It is suitable for graduates in any discipline offering one or more of the following languages in addition to English: French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish. Translation on the programme is predominantly into English. The MA combines language-specific practice with training in translation theory and translation technologies.

Teaching and learning happen in asynchronous, interactive seminar groups led by tutors who include leading researchers and experienced practitioners in their fields. The programme is taught entirely online in a very lively and supportive learning community. Our library has an excellent stock of e-books and e-journals on translation. Asynchronous learning means the programme is particularly suited to students with family or work commitments alongside their study.

While you are not required to come to campus, you are just as much a member of the University as any other student and we would be delighted to welcome you to Bristol if you wanted to visit. We organise a programme of talks and seminars each year. In addition to core unit components, academic and personal tutors will offer non-compulsory synchronous meetings, and synchronous interaction between students is facilitated through a virtual common room. If you need help on a one-to-one basis, tutors can support you in a number of different ways, for example using Zoom, phone or email.

The University has close links with professional associations and helps students to take advantage of internships in the UK where possible. We have corporate membership of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). 

The programme is the only programme in Translation in the world to be validated by the Chartered Institute of Linguists, who state:

“A programme embedded in both academic and professional contexts that delivers an excellent preparation for linguists seeking a career in translation. Drawing on current practice, emerging trends and future language specialisms, the programme anticipates developments in the translation industry which will affect the working lives of aspiring translators. Students embarking on the programme can be confident that they will emerge equipped with the professional skills and knowledge they need to be work-ready to enter the translation industry.”

Virtual open week

This programme was covered in our Translation Studies webinar.

• Applicants who hold a four-year bachelor's degree from a prestigious university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or 73% will be considered for admission to a master's degree (the requirement will depend on your undergraduate university).

• Applicants who hold a good master's degree from a prestigious university will be considered for admission to PhD study.

“Workers with design skills are 47% more productive in their jobs and whilst already contributing 209bn to the UK economy and that value is growing at a faster rate than the rest of the economy.” (Design Council, 2018)

You may create your own entrepreneurial venture or join an existing one. Whatever you choose, you will be able to hit the ground running.

You will graduate with a portfolio of work that shows what you can do, you may have an emergent venture, and you will have a network of contacts to draw on whether you are starting-up or seeking innovative roles. International students graduating from the pre-existing MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship programme have been successful in exploring their ideas in the UK after graduation. This programme is new for 2022/2023.

• 1. Find a programme
  Search the postgraduate online prospectus to find your programme. Read the admissions statement for information on entry requirements, the application process, and supporting documents required.
• 2. Start your application

  You can either select Apply now on the programme's prospectus page or head straight to the online application portal.

  New applicants will need to create a new account. Returning applicants can use their existing username and password. You can save your application and return to continue it later.

  Tip: Make sure you enter your details as they appear on your passport or legal documents.
  Tip: Enter a current email address that will be valid beyond the end of the academic year, as we will use this to contact you about your application.

  Important: If an agent's email address is on the application form, we will not be able to contact you directly about your application. We can only communicate with the email address on the application form.

• 3. Complete your application

  The application form contains multiple sections you need to complete before you can submit your application. You can see each section on the left of the screen.

  Uploading documents:
  Check the admissions statement for the documents you need to support your application.
  Upload your references to the Referees section if you already have them. Or, tell us your referee's email address and we will email them to submit the reference online.

  Documents must:
  

  • include the file extension appropriate to its format,
  • not be password protected,
  • not contain macros.
• 4. Check your application
  Check each section in your application carefully. Make sure you have answered all the questions and uploaded all the documents required in the admissions statement for the programme.
• 5. Submit your application

  You may need to pay an application fee before you submit your application. If a programme requires an application fee, it is noted on the first page of the application and in the funding section. You are required to pay this fee to submit your application, or you can request an application fee waiver if you are eligible.

  When you submit an application, your responses will become the official property of the University of Bristol and we will base our admission decision on the information you provide.

  You will receive an email confirmation of your submission and a link to your applicant portal, where you can track its progress.

  Take a look at our After you apply pages to understand what the process is once you have submitted your application.