Our MA Translation and Intercultural Communication is designed to equip you, as a linguist, with the knowledge, skills and technological expertise you will need to succeed in the diverse and evolving global language industry.
The programme will prepare you for careers as a professional translator, interpreter or intercultural communication specialist, as well as for emerging roles, including localisation and transcreation expert, language project manager, language technology specialist or content adaptation professional.
You will work with English and one or more additional languages (subject to demand):
Arabic
Chinese
French
German
Italian
Spanish
Welsh
Flexible study pathways allow you to select the Professional Translation/Technology pathway, the Interpreting pathway, or a blend of both, with additional options such as Audiovisual Translation, Simulated Translation Bureaux, Information Mining and Specialised Translation to further enrich your learning experience.
A unique aspect of this MA is that you can undertake a 12-week internship instead of a traditional dissertation, a special opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting. Alternatively, you may choose to complete a traditional dissertation or an extended translations option.
This MA also includes options to study full or part-time, and opportunities to undertake a Standard, Extended or a Double MA with Grenoble.
The Extended MA allows you to enhance your experience and employability by:
Completing additional specialisation credits at Swansea or
Spending a semester abroad at one of our partner universities, among other options
A double MA in Translation and Intercultural Communication is available for students with native or near-native competence in both English and French. Students graduate with two master’s degrees and invaluable cross-cultural experience.
Why Translation and Intercultural Communication at Swansea?
Choosing the MA in Translation and Intercultural Communication at Swansea University means joining a future‑focused programme designed to launch your global career. Whether you’re passionate about translation technologies, interpreting, or a blend of both, you’ll shape a pathway that fits your ambitions.
You’ll study in outstanding facilities and gain hands‑on experience with industry‑standard tools, media‑localisation workflows, and international collaboration platforms. With options for internships in the UK or abroad, multiple flexible study modes, and opportunities for free professional software certification, the degree is built around employability and real‑world relevance.
You’ll learn from expert staff, benefit from exceptional academic and wellbeing support, and connect with industry leaders through events, workshops and research groups. Set on Swansea’s inspiring Singleton Park Campus and aligned with respected European standards, the programme offers a dynamic, supportive environment where your skills, confidence and professional profile can truly thrive.
Enrol on a Technological Pathway, an Interpreting Pathway, or a mixture of both
Choose a 12‑week internship in the UK or abroad as an alternative to a traditional dissertation, boosting your real‑world experience and employability
Choose a study mode that suits you—Standard (1 year) or Extended (2 years), part-time (2 years or 3 years) or full-time
Access Welsh-medium study opportunities, with eligibility for the Ysgoloriaeth Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarship if you complete at least 40 credits in Welsh
Gain free, industry‑recognised software certifications directly from developers of leading CAT tools such as RWS Trados Studio, Phrase TMS, memoQ, ZOOsubs and ZOOdubs (subject to availability)
Work with professional subtitling and dubbing workflows used in the global media localisation industry through Swansea’s membership of the ZOO Academy Partner Network
Learn in exceptional facilities, including dedicated Translation Labs with the latest industry software, superb library resources, and a fully accessible Conference Interpreting Suite with state‑of‑the‑art interpreting booths
Receive outstanding academic and wellbeing support, including a personal tutor, dedicated postgraduate resources, and the Centre for Academic Success
Join professional events, talks and workshops run by STING, the Swansea Translation and Interpreting Research Group, connecting you with industry and research leaders
Study a programme shaped by European standards, with Swansea continuing as an observer of the European Master’s in Translation (EMT) network and upholding its rigorous quality benchmarks
Collaborate internationally through INSTB, the International Network of Simulated Translation Bureaus, gaining hands-on experience of global translation workflows
Study in an inspiring location on our vibrant Singleton Park Campus, overlooking Swansea Bay and minutes from the breathtaking Gower Peninsula
Benefit from over a decade of proven excellence in professionally focused translation training, with outstanding outcomes achieved by generations of Swansea graduates
Access exclusive courses, resources and career opportunities thanks to Swansea’s active membership of GALA (Globalization and Localization Association)
Your Translation and Intercultural Communication Experience
This MA offers exceptional flexibility, with two study routes—Standard or Extended—both available full‑time or part‑time. You can even transfer between routes during your first two semesters.
Standard MA: 1 year full-time; 2–3 years part-time
Extended MA: 2 years full-time; 4 years part-time, following the European Bologna model
The Extended MA enhances your experience with extra specialisation credits, the option to study abroad for a semester, or opportunities to deepen your language expertise.
Your Pathway, Your Choice
You can choose the Professional Translation/Technological Pathway, the Interpreting Pathway, or a mixed route tailored to your goals.
Professional Translation/Technological Pathway
Develop advanced translation skills and master industry technologies, including CAT tools, MT post‑editing, localisation, transcreation, AI‑driven workflows and prompt engineering. Modules include:
Technology-Enhanced Translation
Localisation and Transcreation in the AI Age
Audiovisual Translation
Interpreting Pathway
Gain the linguistic precision and intercultural competence needed for professional interpreting across various settings. Modules include:
Conference Interpreting
Healthcare Interpreting
Mixed Pathway
Combine modules from both pathways to build a personalised programme.
Build Specialised Expertise
Optional modules allow you to replicate real translation environments and develop sought‑after skills:
Simulated Translation Bureau
Information Mining
Specialised Translation
Extended MA students can also begin learning a new language (Catalan, Italian or Portuguese) or further develop French, German or Spanish.
Specialise and Complete Your MA
In the second part of the degree, you can choose one of three routes:
A 12‑week internship (counts as your dissertation)
Two extended translations with commentary
A traditional research dissertation
Extended route students complete an additional 120 credits—60 for one of the dissertation options, plus a further 60 credits made up of:
Another dissertation
Extra taught modules
A semester abroad
Double MA with Université Grenoble-Alpes
If you are a native or near‑native speaker of both English and French, you can pursue a prestigious Double MA:
Year 1: Swansea University
Year 2: Université Grenoble-Alpes, with modules taught in French
Translation and Intercultural Communication Employment Opportunities
Graduates of this MA enter a global job market where multilingual expertise, cultural intelligence and technological skills are in high demand. The programme is designed to open doors to a wide range of careers, giving you the flexibility to shape a professional path that suits your interests and ambitions.
Students selecting the Professional Translation Pathway will be equipped for careers as professional translators, interpreters and localisation specialists, working with multilingual content across business, public sector, creative industries and international organisations. Training in CAT tools, machine‑translation post‑editing, audiovisual translation, subtitling, dubbing and AI‑driven workflows prepares you for rapidly expanding roles in the language and technology sector, including language technology specialist, transcreator, content adaptation expert, and project manager in translation and localisation companies.
For students choosing the Interpreting Pathway, the programme provides the knowledge and practical experience needed for roles in conference interpreting, healthcare interpreting, and community interpreting, where intercultural competence and professional ethics are essential.
The degree’s strong professional orientation also supports careers beyond traditional language roles. Skills in intercultural communication, information mining, terminology management, multilingual content creation and digital communication prepare graduates for positions in NGOs, global marketing teams, international education, diplomacy, cultural institutions and multinational companies.
A major strength of the programme is its emphasis on real-world experience. You may choose a 12‑week internship in the UK or abroad, giving you valuable industry exposure and the chance to build a professional network. Through Swansea’s partnerships—such as the ZOO Academy Partner Network, INSTB, and the Globalization and Localization Association (GALA)—you gain direct insight into sector expectations and emerging trends.
Free, industry‑recognised software certifications (including RWS Trados Studio, Phrase, memoQ, ZOOsubs and ZOOdubs) further enhance your employability and give you a competitive edge. Students with English and French at near‑native level can also pursue a Double MA with Université Grenoble‑Alpes, graduating with two degrees and valuable cross‑cultural experience.
Whether you aim to specialise in translation, interpreting, localisation, transcreation, audiovisual translation or intercultural communication, the MA provides the expertise, confidence and professional connections to thrive in a fast‑evolving global language industry.
Modules
We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.
We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.
Entry Requirements
Note for international and European applicants:
details of how your qualification compares to the published academic entry requirements can be found on our Country Specific Entry Requirements page.
Note for international and European applicants:details of how your qualification compares to the published academic entry requirements can be found on ourCountry Specific Entry Requirementspage.
The typical entry requirement is a 2:2 degree with a minimum of 55% overall (or overseas equivalent). For applicants whose first language is not English, we require IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English test. Please see further information about ourEnglish Language requirements.
At Swansea, you will benefit from a high-quality, research-informed education that combines a range of effective and inclusive teaching methods, carefully tailored to suit the needs of your course. This course is taught in person, on campus, giving you the opportunity to actively engage with other students, academic staff, and the wider university community.
On the Professional Translation/Technological pathway, you will spend much of your time in our dedicated Translation Labs, working with industry‑standard tools such as Trados, Phrase, memoQ, ZOOsubs and ZOOdubs. These sessions feel like stepping into a real translation studio: you’ll complete translation briefs, practise MT post‑editing, experiment with localisation and transcreation, and take part in simulated translation bureau projects that mirror the workflows of professional language service providers.
On the Interpreting Pathway, your days will often take you into our state-of the art Conference Interpreting Suite. Here, you will train in simultaneous and consecutive interpreting using conference booths, practising with authentic materials from conferences, healthcare settings, and multilingual institutions. These classes are immersive, fast‑paced, and highly collaborative.
Across both pathways, you will also take part in small-group seminars that explore translation theory, intercultural communication, and the role of AI in shaping the language industries. These sessions give you space to discuss ideas, debate case studies and reflect on the ethical and cultural challenges translators and interpreters face today. Your learning is supported by regular workshops, guest talks and events organised by STING—the Swansea Translation and Interpreting Research Group—bringing you into contact with practising translators, interpreters, project managers and localisation specialists.
Throughout your studies, you will be guided by experienced academics and industry practitioners, and supported by a strong wellbeing network, including your personal tutor and the Centre for Academic Success. The rhythm of your week is varied, practical and intellectually rich, designed to prepare you not only for assessment, but for the realities of a dynamic global language industry.
There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this course through the medium of Welsh but
there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year*.
Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea
University. We can offer you:
Access to generous Welsh-language study bursaries.
An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to
study in English), and your work will be marked in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
One-to-one support through the medium of Welsh to improve your academic skills.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence
of your Welsh language ability for future employers, namely the WJEC and Coleg Cymraeg's Welsh Language
Certificate.
* For the majority of scholarships, the standard benchmark is completing at least 40 credits per year through the
medium of Welsh.
Opportunities to study and/or practice Translation from English to Welsh and Welsh to English are available on this programme. If you complete at least 40 credits in Welsh, you may also be eligible for the Ysgoloriaeth Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarship. In accordance with the policy for Assessment in Welsh/Another Language, students can choose to submit assessments in either English or Welsh unless they are pursuing modules in which proficiency in another language must be demonstrated.
Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.
You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.
Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies.
To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's
scholarships and bursaries
page.
Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually.
For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.
Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.
You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):
Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your
personal tutor, the Centre for Academic
Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas
such as:
Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).
In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability,
mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have
Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and
requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.
We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application
deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can
find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.
The University will seek to deliver each course in accordance with the
descriptions set out in the relevant course web pages at the time of
application. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable
or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision,
either before or after enrolment.
The information below is for students starting their courses in 2016 or
later.
The University will not normally make very substantial changes to courses
(for example, a change to the course title, significant restructuring,
substantial change in course content, or the introduction of a progression
hurdle) which would impact on students who have already begun their course.
In exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary for the University to make
such a change after acceptance of a place by an offer-holder. This will not
happen less than 5 months before enrolment. The offer-holder will be
notified of the change and will have the opportunity to withdraw their
application and apply elsewhere.
Other changes could be made to course content, study location, delivery and
teaching provision because of developments in the relevant subject,
enhancements in teaching or assessment practice, requirements of external
accreditation processes, changes in staffing, resource constraints or
changes in the availability of facilities. Such changes will take account of
the reasonable expectations of prospective and current students.
