Interpreting and Translating (Chinese path)

Acquire the skills to become a professional interpreter and translator between Chinese (Mandarin) and English on this practical and respected master’s course.

Our MA in Interpreting and Translating course will equip you with a joint qualification in both disciplines. This will prepare you to work as a conference interpreter and professional translator.

You’ll learn from highly experienced tutors who work or have previously worked as professional translators and interpreters. Some have interpreted for heads of state and government ministers, and most work for international organisations alongside teaching. You'll benefit from their wealth of experience and contemporary knowledge.

A course designed for linguists

Bath has offered this master’s for more than 50 years and has built longstanding links with international organisations like the United Nations and European Union. We make use of these links to keep our course up to date with the professional world and to set up external training opportunities where possible.

You will have access to our professional-grade interpreting labs. These are equipped with interpreter consoles and microphones, interpreter booths, and online conference facilities. Access to these labs is exclusive to students studying interpreting courses.

As well as the labs, you may also use the on-campus TV studio for some units and tasks.

What you’ll learn

You'll develop key skills in professional translation and both conference interpreting (consecutive and simultaneous) and public service interpreting.

To help you achieve these skills, you will:

have access to our professional-grade interpreting labs for classwork and independent study. This is exclusive to students studying interpreting courses with us

participate in ‘mini conferences’ to put your skills into practice. You’ll take part in debates about political and societal topics, acting as both delegate and interpreter

choose from a host of optional and extra-curricular units tailor the course to your own strengths or to explore new areas of study

Gain important career skills and experience

Upon completion of this course, you will have acquired:

the written and verbal skills to work with varied and challenging texts and speeches to a professional standard

experience of working to deadlines and using style guides

contacts with potential employers and colleagues from your external training

access to our close-knit alumni network of linguists who work in international organisations, private bodies and independent agencies

practical translation skills, which you’ll demonstrate during the dissertation/project you complete at the end of the taught part of the course

a greater level of intercultural awareness, which is important for working in an international role

Graduate prospects

The MA Interpreting and Translating is a vocational course with an excellent international reputation. Many of our graduates have gone on to work in a range of interpreting and translating roles, while others have used the transferable skills gained to pursue further study or careers in teaching, publishing, and design.

Recent graduates have gone on to roles such as:

Interpreter and Translator, Universal Studios Beijing Theme Park and Resort

Freelance/In-House Conference Interpreter, United Nations

Relationship Manager, Citi Bank

Simultaneous Interpreter, Ping An Insurance

Chinese Linguist, Morningside