MA/MS in Translation

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: To train professional translators and interpreters, able to apply modern methods of translation/interpreting as well as state-of-the-art technologies in developing scholarly research abilities and professional translation/interpreting skills. Learning outcomes: After completing MA studies in Translation, a post-graduate is able to analyse and synthesize a written and oral text, adequately transfer the content and form of a source text in a target language, use the most modern information technologies, lexicographic sources, find, analyse, evaluate and apply the necessary information and theoretical methods of translation in practical work and scholarly research activities. Activities of teaching and learning: The methods applied in the programme include lectures, seminars, practical classes, professional practice and individual assignments. Classroom learning combines traditional informative methods, such as lectures, audio-visuals, handouts, with methods of active learning, such as inclusive lectures, problem-based learning, etc. Seminars and practical classes are held in small groups (approx. 8 to 10 students). At those, the methods are student-oriented: brain-storming, group discussions, translation analysis and evaluation, peer assessment, reports and presentations. Much attention is paid to individual guided studies; those include written assignments, translations, and reports – all of which imply application of different IT and CAT tools and, last but not least, professional feedback, both by the teacher and by the peers. The practice (or placement) is organized with social partners in translation agencies, publishing houses, editors’ offices, public institutions. On completion of the practice students provide their reports on competences acquired. The Master’s paper is based on an authentic empirical research Methods of assessment of learning achievements: The learning achievements of the students are evaluated applying continuous and cumulative assessment. The written (or written and oral) examination constitutes only part of the final grade. The student accumulates the remaining part by submitting research papers, taking (mid-term) tests, delivering presentations as well as doing other assignments. The specific proportions and the grade calculating formula depend on the learning outcomes of each course. In the case of the final thesis, the assessment covers the thesis itself, its presentation during the defence and meaningful discussion with peers and the defence committee. To assess the student's achievements, the grading scale from 1 (very poor) to 10 (excellent) is used. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: The programme consists of two module blocs, that of professional translation/interpreting subjects (Methods of Translation / Methods of Interpreting, Editing of Translation, Consecutive and Simultaneous Interpreting, etc.) and that of theory subjects (History and Theories of Translation, Terminology, etc.) and academic research. The latter enables the alumni of the programme to enter doctoral studies and continue their academic career. Under the umbrella of Methods of Translation or Methods of Interpreting a few specific translation-related modules are located. For instance, Methods of Translation cover those subjects which help to develop competences in translation, in the application of computer assisted translation (CAT) tools, in language and translation services. Under the umbrella of Methods of Interpreting competences related to the development of skills in consecutive and simultaneous interpretation, also competences in language and interpreting services. Besides, special professional competences, such as language or translation, are developed in a set of electives. Researcher’s competence is developed in lectures on History and Theories of Translation, Terminology, Seminar of Academic Research and in the process of writing the Master’s degree paper. The competence provides for individual research in the field or further doctoral studies. Specialisations: The curriculum of the Translation and Interpreting Programme offers one of the two specialisations: translation or interpreting (conference interpreting). Optional courses: Optional subjects in literary translation, language and literature-specific courses allow students to individualise their studies and acquire additional knowledge and skills. Distinctive features of a study programme: The programme curriculum is oriented toward the two major objectives: practical training of translators / interpreters of broad qualification in the fields of economics, law and politics and the development of research abilities of the students during the process of writing an MA thesis. The programme is tailored to fit the needs of the European institutions and those of international language services market. Also, it provides for students who would be interested in academic research and further doctoral studies. Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: Graduates can work as professional interpreters or translators in the European Union institutions, state institutions, private companies or translation/interpreting agencies, coordinate international projects, work as lecturers or reseachers in higher education institutions and research institutes. Access to further study: Graduates can enrol in doctoral studies in the Humanities.