MA Applied Translation Studies Part-time

Programme overview

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

Programme specification

Globalisation has continued to grow at a rapid pace, and with this growth comes an even greater reliance on the translation of content between languages The language services industry was recently estimated to reach $90.8 billion by 2027. Furthermore, it is estimated that only 5%-10% of current world demand for translation services is met. However, translation is not as simple as transferring words in one language to another. With the growth in web-based services and multimodal content platforms, transcreation, website localisation and game localisation have never been more important. These developments have been buoyed by exponential progress in language and translation technology and software to support and enhance interlingual translation, the management of complex multilingual and multimodal projects, and competing demands for high-quality, value-for-money multilingual products delivered in short turnarounds. 

This situation certainly augurs well for those planning a career as a translator. Experience has shown that students who have completed the MA Applied Translation Studies (MAATS) programme have had no difficulty entering the profession; with the skills which they acquire at Leeds, graduates are well equipped for work in this fascinating and dynamic field. The range of core and optional modules allows students to tailor the programme to their own interests and future career aspirations. They benefit from the diverse and innovative teaching methods employed. For example, the use of team translation projects in the Computer-Assisted Translation modules allows them to gain experience of a range of roles in modern language services, beyond simply translating. The knowledge and skills acquired from modules related to machine translation equip students with the know-how to meet the challenges and opportunities brought about by the surge of AI and large language models. The electronic tools available at Leeds (translation memory tools, machine translation, subtitling software, corpora) represent an exceptional opportunity for students to acquire skills in high demand and short supply in today's translation and localisation industries.

The programme is well suited for students with different interests and career ambitions. In addition to core modules such as the Computer-assisted Translation modules and Specialised Translation, you can choose between a localisation pathway and a machine translation pathway. This allows you to focus on what you are truly passionate about, and develop the knowledge and skillsets you need to progress in your professional career in translation. You can either focus on crafting your translation and localisation skills, or dive into the world of language technologies if you are more ‘tech-savvy’.

Year 1

Part-time

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MODL5026M	Methods and Approaches in Translation Studies	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)	PFP
MODL5210M	Introduction to Computer-Assisted Translation	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)	PFP

Optional Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules

Candidates will be required to study one of the following modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MODL5910M	Specialised Translation, Domains A	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MODL5920M	Specialised Translation, Domains B	15	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Candidates will be required to take a minimum of 30 and may study up to-45 credits from the following baskets of optional modules. Candidates will be advised on appropriate choices of optional modules at the introductory meeting for all MAATS students.
BASKET 1: Translation and culture

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MODL5722M	Language and Communication in the Digital Age	30	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL5723M	Managing Business Across Cultural Contexts	30	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL5724M	International Organisations: Context, Theory and Practice	30	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MODL5911M	Specialised Translation, Domains A (additional language direction)	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MODL5921M	Specialised Translation, Domains B (additional language direction)	15	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it

Basket 2: Translation skills

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MODL5017M	Introduction to Interpreting Skills	15	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL5051M	Genres across Media Cultures in the Digital Age	15	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL5240M	Introduction to Dubbing and Voice Over	15	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL5250M	Respeaking: Reporting And Live Subtitling	15	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL5700M	Corpora, Data Science and AI	15	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it

Basket 3: Management and Professional skills

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MODL5006M	Introduction to Screen Translation	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MODL5019M	Introduction to Legal Translation	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MODL5030M	Literary Translation	15	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MODL5095M	Easy-to-Read Translation	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MODL5930M	English for Translation and Editing	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it

Beginners’ Language Modules

Students may only study a maximum of one 15-credit module from this basket.

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
LANG5010M	British Sign Language and Intercultural Studies	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LANG5050M	Czech and Intercultural Studies	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LANG5070M	Egyptian Arabic and Intercultural Studies	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LANG5080M	Modern Standard Arabic and Intercultural Studies	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LANG5090M	French and Intercultural Studies	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LANG5100M	German and Intercultural Studies	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LANG5110M	Italian and Intercultural Studies	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LANG5120M	Japanese and Intercultural Studies	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LANG5130M	Korean and Intercultural Studies	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LANG5140M	Mandarin and Intercultural Studies	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LANG5150M	Portuguese and Intercultural Studies	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LANG5160M	Spanish and Intercultural Studies	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LANG5190M	Persian and Intercultural Studies	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
LANG5220M	Urdu and Intercultural Studies	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it.

Year 2

Part-time

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory module

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MODL5235M	Advanced Computer-Assisted Translation	15	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)	PFP

Optional Modules

Candidates will be required to study at least 15 credits from two of the following optional modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MODL5190M	Machine Translation and AI	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)	PFP
MODL5245M	Localisation and Project Management	15	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)	PFP

Please note that optional modules run subject to enrolments. An optional module may not run if only a low number of students choose it

Candidates will be required to study 15 credits from two of the following module. Candidates cannot study the same modules that they studied in Year 1

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MODL5910M	Specialised Translation, Domains A	15	Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MODL5920M	Specialised Translation, Domains B	15	Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Candidates will be required to take one of these project modules:

Code	Title	Credits	Semester	Pass for Progression
MODL5420M	Dissertation: Translation Studies	45	1 Jan to 31 Aug	PFP
MODL5421M	Extended Translations	45	1 Jan to 31 Aug	PFP

Last updated: 08/05/2026 16:50:27

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team