An MA in Translation Studies is recognised as a valuable qualification by both The Institute of Translation and Interpreting and the Chartered Institute of Linguists. There are now courses on offer at numerous universities up and down the country, but the programme at Aston University in Birmingham is one of the oldest, having celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2008.

Modules are offered in French, German and Spanish translation with students working on a variety of texts. As well as focussing on practical skills for translation, the MA at Aston University also offers students the opportunity to take a European Studies module, which provides an understanding of the functions of key EU institutions for those hoping to make a career of translation in Brussels. In addition, guest lectures are given by leading academics and representatives from the translation industry, and workshops are held together with local translator groups. As well as being a useful networking opportunity, this enables students to gain a realistic insight into the translation profession, from building a client base, pricing and deadline expectations, to taking advantage of the latest translation memory tools and keeping up to date with advances in software technology.

Account Manager Natasha Williams said “the MA course at Aston gave me the opportunity to not only improve my translation skills, but also gave me an understanding of how to put these into practice in a business setting. I choose the programme at Aston because of its academic record and industry connections and feel that it’s given me a great start in the translation business.”