Translation Studies with TESOL

The Master’s in Translation Studies with TESOL provides a distinctive opportunity for those wishing to work with languages. Unusually, it enables students to combine training in practical translation with the skills to Teach English to Speakers of Other Languages. The Master’s thereby offers a powerful preparation for future employment in languages.

Course objectives

The Master’s in Translation Studies with TESOL is a distinctive degree, combining and training in two key areas of employment for linguists: translating and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. We offer the following languages in translation studies: French, Spanish, and (subject to demand and availability) Chinese, Russian and Polish.

The programme provides extensive practical translation work on a theme or topic of your choice. It looks at some major debates on the opportunities and problems that arise when people from different cultures communicate and translate. At the same time, you will be trained in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. You will build up a portfolio of translations with your tutor, as well as undertaking translation as part of your dissertation.

If you wish to study for a PhD subsequently, you have the opportunity to demonstrate you have attained a level that prepares you for a higher research degree. For candidates of a suitable level, there is an opportunity to continue in Stirling with a practice-led doctorate involving translation.

Entrance requirements

Usually, a first or upper second class single or combined Honours degree, or its equivalent in a relevant subject from a university recognised by the University of Stirling. You must have near-native fluency in a language (other than English) for which tuition is provided on this programme.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your  proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6 in each skill), or  TOEFL: Listening 23, Reading 23, Speaking 23, Writing 23.

Funding

A variety of scholarships and bursaries may be available in any given year, including scholarships in Languages, Cultures & Religions.

information on possible sources of funding

Modes of study

Full-time
MSc: one year
Diploma: nine months
Certificate: nine months

Part-time
MSc: 27 months
Diploma: 21 months
Certificate: nine months

Course start date

September

Application procedure

Use the online enquiry service to find out more or to request a prospectus.

To apply, please contact the department directly.

Structure and content

The teaching year follows the two semesters, which run from mid-September to late December and from mid-February to the end of May.

• Research Skills: Our innovative training for graduates enables students to build up a portfolio of skills that prepare them for academic and professional life. All graduate students will work with their supervisors to select what’s right for them from a menu of activities. Each student will build up a portfolio of skills every year. In the taught postgraduate degree, you may be given specific guidance on what activities you need to undertake for those qualifications
• Portfolio of Translation: During autumn and spring semesters, you will develop, with your tutor, your own portfolio of practical translation exercises, relating to your own interests. You will also discuss and comment on the issues arising in translating your portfolio, relating these to some of the key debates in Translation Theory through seminars and workshops
• Cultural Translation and Transfer: You will engage in seminar discussions with experts in the area of cultural translation and transfer: the opportunities and problems that arise when information is communicated across cultures. You will write essays reflecting both on a major topic of debate and on the relevance of these questions to work-based or practical situations
• Methodology I: Presents an overview of current theory and practice in the teaching of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing
• Classroom Observation: Develops critical awareness and theoretical understanding of current classroom practice through observation of experienced English language teachers
• Methodology II: Provides an overview of current theory and practice in the teaching of grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation
• Microteaching: Develops critical awareness and theoretical understanding of current classroom practice through planning, teaching and reflection on lessons taught to peers

Dissertation

In the spring and summer, students will undertake an extended piece of translation and related research, and commentary on it.

Delivery and assessment

You will attend seminars and workshop sessions which will focus on cultural translation and transfer, but also on the practical activity of translation. Each semester will also include a site visit to an institution which engages in cultural translation, broadly construed. Assessment will include essays, reports (which may take the form of written documents, websites or Powerpoint presentations), and the portfolio of translation which will be developed in spring and autumn semesters.

Preparation

Contact the School for information on your timetable and reading lists.

Why study Translation Studies with TESOL at Stirling?

Course Director

Dr Cristina Johnston

RAE rating

Three-quarters of the research in the Languages, Cultures and Religions was rated of international quality in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) and represents a quarter of the research capacity in Scotland in its unit of assessment.

Find out more

http://www.slcr.stir.ac.uk/

Career opportunities

As well as employment opportunities in translation, employers’ organisations and economic analysts have indicated the value of high-level language skills to a wide-range of global business. The full Master’s is a particularly appropriate qualification for those intending to pursue subsequent doctoral and practice-led research.