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:
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.
Modules
You will study a set number of compulsory and optional 20-credit modules on advanced translating and interpreting, before undertaking a 60-credit module on two extended translations, or an academic dissertation, or a 13-week internship at a translation company.
Modules cover advanced translating and interpreting of numerous different languages in different contexts and industries. There are specialist modules for interpreting business, health and law.
Modules
FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert
Students choose 120 credits from the following:
Compulsory Modules
None found.
Optional Modules
Compulsory modules
Choose Maximum Of 80 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : ALL STUDENTS MUST TAKE MLTM03 AND MLTM05. You MUST TAKE ONE Advanced Translation Module. You may if you wish take a SECOND Advanced Translation module, as an OPTIONAL MODULE. ( You would therefore only select two modules from the optional module box below)
Choose Maximum Of 80 credits from the following Modules:
NOTE : ALL STUDENTS MUST TAKE MLTM03 AND MLTM05. You MUST TAKE ONE Advanced Translation Module. You may if you wish take a SECOND Advanced Translation module, as an OPTIONAL MODULE. ( You would therefore only select two modules from the optional module box below)
The typical entry requirement is 2.1 degree in (French - English) Translation, (French - English) Language or a related subject (or overseas equivalent). Must be Fluent French speaker or able to demonstrate French language abilities.
For applicants whose first language is not English, we require IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English test.
This programme is not available in part-time mode.
Year 1 – Students take three 20-credit (10 ECTS) modules in each of two academic semesters. There are three compulsory modules: Foundations of Translation and Interpreting, Translation Tools, and one Advanced Translation module from the range of language pairs listed above. Students then choose three optional modules.
Year 2 – Students take four courses at UGA totalling 30 ECTS in each semester.
As part of the Technology-enhanced Translation module, you will learn to use key computer-assisted translation programs such as Trados Studio and Phrase.
Unfortunately, there is currently no formal Welsh-medium provision on this
course. If you would like to let us know that you are interested in pursuing an
element of your course through the medium of Welsh, please email astudio@abertawe.ac.uk to indicate
your interest along with your year of entry and we will do our best to see what
is possible.
Whilst this course does not offer academic content delivered in Welsh, the
University can provide you with the following, and Academi Hywel
Teifi is here to support you:
An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The opportunity to create and submit your coursework or sit your exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
The opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.
You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.
Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies.
To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's
scholarships and bursaries
page.
Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually.
For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.
Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.
You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):
Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your
personal tutor, the Centre for Academic
Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas
such as:
Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).
In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability,
mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have
Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and
requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.
We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application
deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can
find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.
We are normally able to admit students on the basis of their application form and references alone, but we reserve the right to conduct an additional interview (remote or in person) as necessary.
