Course Summary
This MA in Translation Studies programme is a one-year, full-time course that provides advanced training in language and translation skills. Completing this programme leads to a postgraduate degree in Translation Studies. Students also consider how emerging technologies, including AI-assisted translation tools, are influencing contemporary translation practice and the profession.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Requirements
For admission to the MA in Translation Studies, successful applicants will have -
A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent,
Or
Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.
This Programme requires a high level of Language Competence:
1. Applications are invited from graduates normally with at least a Second Class Honours degree in any one (for the one-language route) or two (for the two-language route) of the following language(s): Irish, Chinese, French, German, Japanese or Spanish.
2. In addition, applicants should preferably have spent a total of at least 12 months in a country/countries where the language(s) they wish to study are spoken.
3. Consideration will be given to other subject specialists with appropriate linguistic competence.
4. International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme
Application Details
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Queries
Queries from EU applicants should be directed to [email protected]
Queries from non EU applicants should be directed to [email protected]
To apply for this programme:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal - view Application Weblink above
• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
• Provide a Personal statement of 500-750 words maximum. The statement should include:
(i) Why you wish to study this programme.
(ii) What in your record and experience makes you suitable for the MA programme.
(iii) The impact which you expect the MA would have on your future.
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
Irish language fees subvention/support
• DCU may award subvention of up to 50% of fees for applicants studying Irish, based on the quality of MTS applications received. Successful candidates will be notified in August. Applicants who intend to study Irish in both semesters should notify the Programme Chair when submitting their application.
• Under the Higher Education Authority /Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Irish Advanced Skills Initiative, all postgraduate candidates wishing to study Irish translation at designated centres around the country are now required to sit the TEG B2 exam before being accepted onto programmes. Deadlines and exam dates for the TEG B2 test are available from http://www.teg.ie/english.167.html
• Those who fail to take the TEG B2 exam in time and are accepted onto the MTS are required to sit the TEG exam at the first available opportunity thereafter. Students of Irish will be required to pass TEG C1 before completing their studies.
The programme commences in September 2026
Fees
Full time:
EU Status Fee €8,100
Non EU Fee €17,200
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Bilingual and Irish language media
Diplomatic Services
EU and International Advisory bodies
EU Institutions
European Institutions
International organisations
Self Employed
Social media
Starting Your Own Business
Translating and Interpreting
The technology and translation skills taught on this course are an essential part of practising as a translator, and they improve employability, both within large organisations and as a freelance translator.
Many graduates from the MA in Translation Studies become professional translators, working on a freelance basis for agencies or in the translation departments of large companies.
Graduates may also be eligible for the competitive examinations leading to employment in the Translation Divisions of the Institutions of the European Union or other international organisations.
For more information on translating for Europe see: https://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/translation
For information on the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union see: https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/agencies/cdt_en
Some graduates follow careers in related fields such as:
Publishing
Broadcasting
Information Technology (IT)
Where graduates may take up positions such as:
Terminologists
Technical writers
Lexicographers
Subtitlers
Software localisers
Others opt for careers in the public service, in teaching, at secondary or tertiary level, or undertake research.
Some graduates may wish to continue their studies to doctoral level at DCU or elsewhere. For more information on continuing research in the area of Translation Studies see Research in the School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies (SALIS): https://www.dcu.ie/salis/research.shtml