Kharkiv National University

What you'll study

This two-year master's programme combines advanced translation theory, practical interpreting and specialist subject knowledge. Teaching balances classroom-led modules, lab practice and independent research, culminating in a dissertation or applied translation project.

• Translation and Interpreting Practice — advanced consecutive and simultaneous interpreting; sight translation; liaison interpreting; practice sessions with recorded and live input.
• Translation Theory and History — contemporary approaches to translation studies, ethics, translator visibility and translation criticism.
• Contrastive Linguistics — comparing Chinese, English and Slavic structures at syntactic, lexical and pragmatic levels relevant to translation.
• Specialised Translation — legal, medical, technical, business, literary and audiovisual translation methods and terminology management.
• Computer-Assisted Translation and Localisation — use of CAT tools, translation memory, terminology databases, subtitling and software localisation workflows.
• Corpus Linguistics and Terminography — building and exploiting parallel corpora, concordancing and producing glossaries for specialised fields.
• Research Methods — qualitative and quantitative methods, designing empirical translation studies and preparing a master's thesis or applied project.
• Professional Practice and Internship — project work with external partners, client-facing translation projects and opportunities for internships with agencies, publishers or public institutions.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in translation, linguistics, philology, area studies with language specialism, or a closely related discipline. Selection typically considers previous academic performance, language competence and professional potential.

• Completed undergraduate degree (or recognised equivalent) in a relevant subject.
• Proven language proficiency in Chinese and English: demonstrated through recognised certificates (such as HSK for Mandarin) or by internal assessment/interview; level expected is advanced (typically approaching C1 in at least one language and B2–C1 in the other, depending on the programme pathway).
• Evidence of prior translation practice is desirable: samples of translations, portfolio or relevant professional experience.
• Supporting documents: academic transcripts, curriculum vitae, a personal statement outlining study aims and two academic or professional references.
• Admission may include an entrance interview and a short translation test; applicants whose first language is neither Ukrainian nor Russian should check any additional language requirements for administrative tuition or coursework communication.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a broad range of roles in language services and international communication. The programme emphasises employable skills such as specialised translation, interpreting, project management and the use of industry-standard CAT tools.

• Freelance or in-house translator (specialising in legal, technical, medical, literary or audiovisual fields)
• Conference, institutional or liaison interpreter
• Localisation specialist or project manager in software and multimedia companies
• Terminologist, corpus developer or quality controller in translation agencies and corporate language departments
• Language teacher, trainer for translators and interpreters, or curriculum developer
• Roles in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, media and publishing where advanced language and intercultural skills are required
• Further academic research leading to doctoral study in translation studies, applied linguistics or area studies

Why study at Kharkiv National University

Kharkiv National University has a long tradition of humanities and language studies and offers experienced academic staff with expertise in translation studies, applied linguistics and area studies. The university provides dedicated language and interpreting laboratories, access to digital resources and hands-on training designed to mirror professional workflows.

• Interdisciplinary teaching that connects translation theory with practical application and research.
• Opportunities for internships and collaborative projects with public institutions, media and private sector partners.
• Support for professional development, including workshops on CAT tools, terminology management and entrepreneurship for freelance translators.
• Pathways to further research or careers in multicultural and international contexts, supported by supervisory expertise in Chinese and English linguistics and translation.