Who is this course for?  

The MA in Translation Studies is designed for individuals with a strong interest in languages, accessibility and intercultural exchange. Whether you're a recent graduate seeking to specialise in translation, a language professional looking to deepen your expertise, or someone considering a new direction in a multilingual career, this programme provides the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to help you succeed. 

This course welcomes applicants with a background in languages, linguistics, literature, or related fields. Applicants are required to demonstrate high proficiency in English alongside at least one of the programme's working languages (French, Gaeilge, German, Italian and/or Spanish). The course is particularly suited to those who want to develop their practical translation abilities while also exploring the theoretical, social, cultural and ethical dimensions of translation. 

This programme prepares graduates for a wide range of career paths, including professional translation, localisation, subtitling, editing, publishing, and roles in international organisations, public service and NGOs. It also provides a strong foundation for those who wish to pursue doctoral studies in Translation.  

What will I study?  

The MA in Translation provides comprehensive training in translation theory and practice, computer-assisted translation (CAT) and machine translation (MT) tools, and intercultural communication. You will develop advanced language skills, research abilities, and professional expertise.  

The MA in Translation studies comprises six taught modules (three core modules and three electives) and a dissertation. The programme is structured as follows: 

CORE MODULES (Mandatory for all students in the programme) 

OPTIONAL MODULES (Students choose THREE)

MINOR DISSERTATION (Mandatory for all students in the programme)

Curriculum Information

• Dual Focus: Theory & Practice
  Balance deep academic insight with hands-on translation training, and develop your competence as both a critical thinker and a professional translator.
• Diverse Modules & Language Pairs
  Choose from our five working languages (French, Gaeilge, German, Italian and Spanish), and a wide range of optional modules, from Language, Gender and Power to Applied Multilingualism, and from Audiovisual Translation to Translation Technologies.
• Industry Tools & Technology
  Gain practical experience with CAT tools, terminology management, machine translation and subtitling software used across the global language services industry.
• Intercultural Communication Skills
  Develop the cultural sensitivity and awareness needed to navigate and mediate meaning across languages, regions, and communities.
• Collaborative Learning Environment
  Be part of a supportive and vibrant research community under the umbrella of the Anderson Centre for Translation Research and Practice, and take advantage of a variety of opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue.
• Internationalize Your Learning Experience
  Tailor your studies to your interests and internationalize your experience by applying to join one of our Enlight Blended Intensive Programmes. Past participants have taken part in Language for Environmental Futures and Connecting Cultures: Sustainability, Travel, Translation & Migration.
• Career-Ready Expertise
  Graduate with the skills to succeed in a range of professional contexts from translation and localisation to international organisations and media. Learn how to present your work clearly, justify your decisions and communicate with confidence across audiences and industry sectors. 

The MA in Translation Studies at the University of Galway combines academic depth with hands-on training to prepare our graduates for a successful career in the language services sector. 

A Professionally Oriented Curriculum 

Throughout the programme, students develop essential practical skills and gain industry awareness through a curriculum that reflects current professional standards and expectations. From computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools and terminology management to subtitling software, students work hands-on with technologies that are central to the modern translation workplace, giving them a competitive edge in the job market. 

The programme also encourages our graduates to see translation as both a craft and a business. Students explore project management, client communication, and the ethical responsibilities of professional translators. Workshops and seminars regularly feature guest speakers from the industry, providing real-world insights and valuable networking opportunities. 

Career Pathways 

Our graduates pursue diverse careers in: 

• Freelance and in-house translation
• Subtitling and other forms of audiovisual translation
• Media localisation 
• Project management
• Editing, post-editing and quality control
• Language consultancy
• Academic research in Translation Studies

• Tamara de Inés Antón
• Pilar Alderete Diez
• Maire Àine Mannion
• Bianca Cataldi
• Andrea Ciribuco 

How will I learn?   

The MA in Translation is an intensive, full-time, one-year programme that offers a dynamic blend of lectures, practical workshops and independent research. Designed to not only challenge students academically but also prepare them for a professional career in translation, the programme encourages active participation in the vibrant and interdisciplinary community of the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures and the Anderson Centre for Translation Research and Practice.  

Teaching takes place through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops, with each module involving two contact hours per week. Independent study plays a central role in the programme, and full-time students are expected to devote around 30 hours per week to reading, research, translation practice, and assignment preparation. 

The academic year is structured around two teaching semesters followed by a dedicated period for independent research and dissertation writing. Semester One runs from September to December, with assessments held at the end of the term. Semester Two begins in January and continues through April, with further assessments taking place between April and May. From May to August, students focus on their dissertation, which is normally submitted in early August. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Assessment methods vary across modules and are designed to reflect the range of skills required in professional translation. Students may be asked to manage translation projects, produce translation portfolios, write essays and critical reflections, deliver individual/group presentations, or complete practical assignments using computer-assisted translation tools, machine translation or subtitling software. Some modules may also include formal end-of-semester examinations. Clear guidance and marking criteria will always be provided by module coordinators. 

The minor dissertation represents the culmination of the programme. Under the guidance of a supervisor, students will either complete an extended piece of independent research or carry out a substantial translation project with an accompanying critical commentary. LLC6100 has been designed to guide students through the process of writing a dissertation, by introducing research design methods, project planning, and academic writing. This minor dissertation (approx. 20,000 words) should be submitted by early August. 

Events 

Join the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at the University of Galway in welcoming outstanding translator and translator trainer Scheherezade Surià for a two-day series of events exploring the art of literary and audiovisual translation. With over 100 published translations across genres, including works by Dan Brown, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and John Green, Scheherezade brings a wealth of experience in navigating the translation market. She has translated novels, comics and nonfiction from English into Spanish and Catalan, and has worked extensively in subtitling, dubbing, and voice-over. 

Open to all students, staff, and translation enthusiasts! 

Course queries: 
tamara.deinesanton@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s):  

Dr. Tamara de Inés Antón  
Lecturer in Spanish and Translation Studies 
School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies 
E: tamara.deinesanton@universityofgalway.ie 

Applicants who do not have the required academic qualifications for entry purposes, but have relevant work experience in translation and the wider language service sector, may also be entitled to apply under the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy. Further, students may apply for exemption(s) from some programme courses based on equivalent courses already completed. Further information is available on the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning website 

The MA in Translation is not just about language, it is about turning your skills into a global career. You will graduate with: 

Expert Translation Skills 
Translate complex texts, across different genres, with confidence, accuracy and cultural insight. 

Sharp Critical Thinking and Creativity 
Solve translation problems creatively and make strategic choices  backed by both theory and awareness of the expectations of the industry. 

Intercultural Competence 
Work across cultures with ease, giving yourself a competitive edge when pursuing international careers in global communication. 

Advanced Language Proficiency 
Master the nuances of tone, style, and meaning in all your working languages. 

 Knowledge of Professional Tools & Translation Technologies 
Get hands-on experience with industry-standard CAT tools and translation software used by professionals worldwide. 

Project & Time Management Skills 
Manage large-scale translation projects from start to finish, independently and efficiently.  

Confidence & Independence 
Graduate ready to lead, adapt, and grow in a fast-moving, multilingual world. 

Minimum Entry Requirement

Candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 primary degree in at least one of the following languages (French, Gaeilge, German, Italian or Spanish) or hold a primary degree in a related area (which is acceptable to the college) without honours and have three years’ relevant practical experience in translation. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents 

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships 
University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process. 

Our School 

If you choose to join our programme, we will encourage you to stay curious, creative, and collaborative. At the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, you’ll find a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment where your ideas and ambitions can grow. 

A Supportive Translation Community 

As a student on the MA in Translation Studies, you’ll be part of a vibrant academic and professional community, centered around the Anderson Centre for Translation Research and Practice. The Centre hosts talks, workshops, and networking events that connect you with experts and peers in the field of translation. 

Moreover, many of our graduates choose to join organisations such as the Association of Translators and Interpreters Ireland (ATII) or the European Society for Translation Studies (EST) that further support professional recognition and networking.