Professional Translation (Extended, with Université Grenoble Alpes), MA

Course Overview

This Double MA in Specialised Translation, offered through a unique partnership between the prestigious Translation schools of Swansea University and Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA), France’s third-largest university, gives you the opportunity to study and train for professional practice in two different academic environments, building your translation networks in both countries.

Only available to applicants with native or near-native competence in both English and French, the Double MA combines key elements of Swansea’s MA in Professional Translation (Year 1) and UGA’s Master LEA parcours Traduction spécialisée (Year 2), both of which are designed to deliver the full range of professional competences set out in the EMT Competence Framework 2017. The Double MA is open to outstanding linguists, whether their qualifications are languages-related or in other subject areas in which they plan to develop a translation specialism. On successful completion, students graduate with the Master’s degrees of both Universities. In addition to English and French, students may also choose to pursue translation with either German or Spanish, in combination with English in Year 1 and French in Year 2.

Places are strictly limited and are allocated on merit by a joint Board of Studies, based on the application form and transcript(s), references and (as necessary) interview. Fees are paid at the prevailing rate for UK, European or International students to the institution at which you are studying at the time (i.e. in Year 1 to Swansea, in Year 2 to UGA).

Why Professional Translation (Extended, with Université Grenoble Alpes) at Swansea?

Swansea University has an internationally respected profile in professional translation and interpreting. We were founder-members of the European Master’s in Translation (EMT) Network (2009-2020), a quality label established by the European Commission to foster the dissemination of best practice in translator training. Our postgraduate programmes have undergone continuous development and updating since the launch of the MA in Translation with Language Technology in the year 2000. We have state-of-the-art facilities (translation labs with the latest software, an industry-standard Conference Interpreting suite). We belong to the academic programmes of industry-standard CAT tool companies Trados, Memsource, memoQ and Lilt, the first two of which provide our students with free Certification tests on their software, as well as the Translation Automation User Society and the Globalization and Localization Association. We collaborate closely with UK professional bodies the Chartered Institute of Linguists (our interpreting Health module prepares you to take their Diploma in Public Service Interpreting) and the Institute of Translation and Interpreting. We also work with many large and small LSPs in the UK and Europe to set up and monitor student internships.

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is based on our energising Singleton Park campus, set in attractive parkland overlooking Swansea Bay with its five-mile beach. Outstanding accommodation options, sports facilities and social opportunities make Swansea the complete postgraduate experience.

UGA’s Master Langues étrangères appliquées, parcours Traduction spécialisée multilingue is also an EMT Network founder-member. The UFR de Langues Etrangères comprises around 2,500 students of all levels studying for a range of degrees in languages, literature, civilisation, international business etc. in addition to translation, and some 170 teaching staff. The Department has excellent technical facilities for Translation Studies, and a Modern Languages library with extensive Translation holdings. It also maintains strong working relations with the Société Française des Traducteurs, and with many translation companies in the Grenoble area and elsewhere in France.

The Department is located on the University’s green and spacious campus in Grenoble, rated as one of the 10 most beautiful in Europe, surrounded by the mountain ranges of the Alps, Chartreuse and Vercors and just 30 minutes from the ski slopes. International students are looked after by a very active International Students and Scholars Office, while the iCampus website gives useful practical information about accommodation and daily living. A guide to navigating the University’s administrative formalities can be found here.

Your Professional Translation (Extended, with Université Grenoble Alpes) Experience

Year 1, Swansea (120 Credits/60 ECTS)

Compulsory modules: Advanced Translation work in French and English (optionally also German or Spanish and English) is complemented by training in industry-standard Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools (MLTM03). The ‘Foundations’ module (MLTM05) covers translation and interpreting theory and provides an up-to-date overview of the language services industry and its professional roles.

Options: You can choose to specialise in public service interpreting (MLTM07), audiovisual translation (MLTM19), translation technologies including software localisation tools (MLTM11), or terminology management (MLTM18). In the Simulated Translation Bureau module (MLTM17) you set up and run a realistic translation company, working with a local language service provider (LSP) and other MA students around Europe in the INSTB network. You may also take an intensive language course at Beginner’s or Intermediate level. Alternatively, Technology Enhanced Language Teaching and Learning (ALEM28) provides in-demand language pedagogy skills.

Year 2, Grenoble (60 ECTS/120 Credits)

Compulsory and optional courses come from UGA’s year 2 (M2) programme (students without a second foreign language substitute M1 courses for those translation classes). UGA’s specialisms are Technical, Legal and Business translation and terminology, supported by seminars on Science and Law. Other highlights include:

• 3-day collaborative Translation Project (December);
• Atlas student-run translation company, performing real translation work for NGOs, charities, and other clients;
• Partnership on terminology with the UN’s World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Geneva;
• Compulsory Semester 2 mémoire (research project) that may include translating patent terminology (projects co-assessed by WIPO staff and student work may be incorporated into the WIPO Pearl terminology portal);

3-6 month part-time work placement (from April), assessed at UGA by an internship report and oral exam (in French or English).

Professional Translation (Extended, with Université Grenoble Alpes) Employment Opportunities

The vocational MA in Professional Translation will significantly enhance your prospects for a career in translation. Over the course of your studies, or your internship, you may make important connections for your future work.

Graduates from this course enter a range of different translation and interpreting roles. Many also undertake research degrees and pursue a career in academia.