University of Central Lancashire(UCLAN)

What you'll study

This master's blends theoretical foundations with intensive practical training. Core study areas include interpreting modes (consecutive, simultaneous and liaison), sight translation and note-taking techniques, and advanced translation practice across legal, medical, technical and commercial domains. You will also study translation and interpreting theory, terminology management, and quality assurance for multilingual work.

• Interpreting skills and practice – consecutive and simultaneous practice in realistic scenarios, short- and long-term memory development, and booth work where available.
• Translation practice – translating texts of increasing complexity, editing and reviewing translations, and working with subject-specialist material.
• Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) and localisation – hands-on use of industry-standard tools, terminology databases, and an introduction to software localisation workflows.
• Research methods – research design, corpus methods, and preparing for a dissertation or major applied project.
• Professional practice and ethics – business skills for freelancers and agencies, professional ethics, certification and quality frameworks.
• Capstone project or dissertation – a substantial research or practice-based project that demonstrates specialist competence in an interpreting/translation area of your choice.

Teaching methods typically include practical workshops, simulated assignments, seminars, one-to-one coaching, and assessed live interpreting sessions. The programme often offers part-time and full-time routes and may include opportunities for placement or work-based learning with partner organisations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as languages, translation, linguistics or another discipline with extensive language study. Candidates with substantial professional experience in interpreting or translation may also be considered. You will usually be asked to demonstrate proficiency in your working languages and to provide samples of translation or interpreting work.

• Language competence – ability to work to a postgraduate level in the chosen language pair(s); evidence can include degree transcripts, employer references or a language test. Many applicants provide an English language qualification if English is not their first language (for example, an internationally recognised test at a level commonly accepted for postgraduate study).
• Selection elements – some applicants are invited to a short test or interview, which may include sight translation or a recorded interpreting sample and discussion of experience and goals.
• Other documents – academic references, CV, and a personal statement outlining your reasons for applying and your proposed focus within the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates from MA Interpreting and Translation commonly enter a range of language service roles. The programme prepares you for professional practice across sectors and work settings.

• Conference and community interpreting, including work with public services, courts, healthcare and NGOs.
• Translation for agencies, publishing, legal and technical sectors, and multimedia localisation (subtitling, dubbing and software localisation).
• Project management, terminology management and quality assurance roles within translation companies and multinational organisations.
• Freelance practice, building a client base, or working as an in-house translator/interpreter.
• Further academic study or research, such as a PhD in translation studies, interpreting studies or applied linguistics.

Why study at University of Central Lancashire(UCLAN)

UCLan offers a practical, career-focused approach with facilities and teaching designed for language professionals. The programme emphasises supervised practice, exposure to professional tools and workflows, and opportunities to engage with real-world assignments.

• Professionally oriented teaching – staff bring a mix of academic and industry experience and provide hands-on coaching in interpreting and translation techniques.
• Practical facilities – access to interpreting practice rooms, recording equipment and CAT tool labs supports a skills-led learning experience.
• Industry links and employability support – connections with local and national language service providers, combined with the university's career services, help students prepare for freelancing, agency roles or in-house positions.
• Flexible study options – a choice of full-time or part-time study routes to suit working professionals and those combining study with other commitments.