Conference Interpreting and Translation Studies

Develop high-level interpreting and translation skills on this challenging course, where you’ll use state-of-the-art technology to gain the knowledge base and practical skills to succeed in the language services industry.

You’ll gain essential skills in interpreting, analysis, active listening and note-taking, then build on this foundation by practising specialised consecutive and simultaneous interpreting in our conference interpreting facilities. At the same time, you’ll deepen your theoretical and practical understanding of translation, exploring how interpreting and translation interconnect in professional practice. Additionally, you can tailor your learning experience by selecting from a range of optional modules, such as genre analysis, corpus linguistics, computer-assisted translation and machine translation.

As a programme included in the AIIC Interpreting Schools & Programmes Directory, the Leeds interpreting programme follows best practices that are recommended by AIIC (the International Association of Conference Interpreters). The University of Leeds is also a partner university of the Directorate-Generale for Interpretation of both the European Parliament and the European Commission. We enjoy close ties with international organisations including the UN.

Centre for Translation and Interpreting Studies

As a proud member of CIUTI (Conférence internationale permanente d'instituts universitaires de traducteurs et interprètes), the most presitigious international association for universities with established translation and interpreting programmes, the Centre for Translation and Interpreting Studies benefits from excellent facilities and resources to support your studies. Our conference interpreting facilities are equipped with single and double interpreter booths, and a video link to practise remote interpreting. The Electronic Resources and Information Centre (ERIC) will be the centre of your translation work, complete with 59 high-spec PCs and a wide range of specialist software for translation and subtitling.

As a member of the prestigious University Contact Group (UCG) for International Organisations, we enjoy close ties with the UN and other global institutions.

This programme is regulated by a Memorandum of Understanding between the University and The European Parliament – a testament to our success in training conference interpreters.

It’s a great opportunity to prepare for a career in the language services industry in a city that’s full of cultural and linguistic diversity.

Additional highlights

The opportunity to study at a centre for research into the application of new technologies in interpreting, such as AI

Insights into how interpreters use new technology, including AI, in preparing for meetings and delivering interpreting

Intensive 'hands-on' teaching of interpreting geared to domestic and international practices

Market-oriented training with high level of participation of practising professional interpreters and translators

Practice in both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting

Training in real-life scenarios and mock conferences

Practice in state-of-the-art interpreting conference suits

Opportunity to gain professional insight through a study visit to the European Parliament and European Comission in Brussels, or to the UN (Geneva or Vienna)

Close contact with various industry partners through the "Professionalisation Talks" series and the opportunity to develop a Personal Career Development Plan