Objectives
Recent developments in translation technology have given rise to a growing professional demand for translators trained in the use of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools. This programme is specially designed to provide extensive training on such tools, ranging from translation memories and terminology management systems to localisation software, alongside high quality training in scientific and technical translation. Languages currently on offer (subject to demand): Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish, all paired with English. Hands-on training on CAT tools is the core of the programme and about 40 per cent of your study time will be spent practising and developing your skills under the guidance of experienced tutors using dedicated facilities. Regular seminars in our Professional Aspects of Translation series - held throughout the year - provide additional insights from a range of experienced professionals. The programme offers 24/7 access to computer labs and the latest professional computer-assisted translation software. Work on the dissertation begins towards the end of the Spring semester and is normally completed over the summer.
Course description
MSc/PGDip/PGCert in Specialist Translation and Translation Technology Module overview
Compulsory Modules
Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) Issues
The purpose of this module is to contextualise developments in translation-oriented technologies and to assess the impact these developments have had on translation as a profession at various levels.
Translation Issues
This module focuses on the major approaches to translation studies. It offers students the opportunity to develop a framework for analysing and discussing translation activity. The issues discussed in class are organised chronologically, examining the most recent trends in translation studies, and thematically, offering a problem-focused strand (equivalence, register, humour and so on).
CAT Tools 1
The purpose of this module is to introduce theoretical and practical principles regarding terminology research for translation purposes, terminology management systems (for storage and retrieval), translation memory systems, and also text alignment with a view to creating a functional translation memory.
CAT Tools 2
The purpose of this module is to introduce practical issues relating to the translation of documents of non-standard formats (.html, .xls, .ppt, .exe), the conversion of data from variable resources into a format that can be handled by CAT tools, terminology extraction, and also project management of translation/localisation projects.
Introduction to Localisation
The purpose of this module is to introduce practical issues relating to website and software localisation, by providing hands-on practice with software tools designed specifically for localisation purposes.
Scientific and Technical Translation (language-pair specific)
This module provides students with no previous experience of specialist translation in science/technology with the opportunity to reach an acceptable professional level of translation competence. It combines regular translation practice in smaller groups with lectures on underlying principles of science and technology.
Dissertation
This module allows students to focus on an aspect of the programme of particular interest by writing a topic-based dissertation, doing a translation with commentary or compiling an electronic termbase with a commentary. Successful completion of the module requires close collaboration with a supervisor and good planning and organisation skills.
Optional Modules
In addition to the compulsory modules, you will be able to select optional modules according to your specific interests. Options are normally available in Technical Writing, Project Management, and also in Information Systems Development (subject to availability and demand).
The Postgraduate Certificate, which is offered on a part-time basis, focuses on specialist translation and CAT tools.
Programme length
9 months part-time for PG Certificate, 9 months full-time for PG Diploma, 12 months full-time for the MSc.
