Who is this course for?

The MA (Léann an Aistriúcháin) is designed for students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who are intent on becoming professional translators. Whether you are a recent graduate of Irish or a related course aiming to build specialist knowledge or a professional looking to obtain an advanced qualification to progress your career, or someone with underutilised language skills considering a new direction in the translation field, this programme offers the diversity and expertise to help you reach your goals. 

While an in-depth knowledge of written Irish is highly desirable for any aspiring translator, the nature of the course enables students from differing academic backgrounds to progress rapidly in developing their language skills. This course welcomes applicants from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, including RPL applicants. If you have a keen interest in written Irish and grammar, becoming a translator is an exciting and fulfilling career choice.  

Applicants should have a proven competency in both Irish and English.  

Admittance to the programme is dependent on applicants satisfactorily completing an entrance exam. The entrance exam will include: 

• A short essay on a topical issue to be undertaken in Irish;
• Translation of a short article from English to Irish. 

What will I study? 

The full-time programme comprises four teaching semesters over two years (September to December and January to April).  

The summer period in the second year of the programme will be used to complete a 20,000-word research dissertation. 

This is a part-time course and is run over two years. There are two 10 ECTS modules on the programme in first year which are dedicated primarily to giving students a grammatical foundation. The other two modules are devoted to attaining the practical translation techniques to ensure that students can produce translations of a high standard. In second year, students will undertake more specialised modules covering areas as diverse as Editing, translating European Texts. A 10 ECTS module spread over 2 semesters will focus on translating and editing Textbooks. Students will also undertake two modules related to choosing and honing their dissertation topic.  

Enrolment on a part-time programme means a commitment to at least 25 hours of total student engagement per week throughout all the weeks of each semester. Such levels of engagement and activity will increase the possibility that students will acquire a high level of proficiency and understanding of their chosen subjects, feel comfortable in their abilities, experience less stress while undertaking assessments, and be better prepared for managing their time effectively as full-time translators in the future. 

Curriculum Information

• Unique: This programme includes a module on the translation of European Texts which is a unique and highly sought-after area of modern translation given that Irish is now an official language of the European Union.
• Range of modules: This programme includes various practical text-based modules covering different areas of translation like European texts, textbooks, annual reports and newspaper articles. There is also an editing module which finetunes students’ editing and proofreading skills. This all helps students learn from professional translators and editors who have decades of experience working in the field. 
• Connections: This programme enables strong connections with EU institutions, translation companies, state bodies and local authorities: offering real-world exposure to the translation profession.
• Master core concepts: Develop a sound foundation in translation theory and practise, helping apply these skills to contexts in specialised settings. Learn to effectively present and articulate your thoughts to staff members and other students.
• Enhance technology skills: Develop the ability to fully utilise translation aid packages like Matecat in translation texts.
• Develop professional expertise: A postgraduate qualification in translation is essential in attaining the skills necessary to apply for highly sought-after positions available to Irish translators both in this country and internationally. Key to this is undertaking assignments and examinations that simulate professional testing requirements.

With a focus on real-world application, career-relevant modules, and opportunities in the field of translation, the MA (Léann an Aistriúcháin) prepares students for a wide range of exciting roles in the sphere of translation. 

Students who complete this course can avail of considerable employment opportunities in Europe as well as in Ireland. Many graduates end up working with EU institutions. Opportunities are also available in various state bodies, local authorities, translation companies and as freelance translators. 

International Field Trip 

As part of the MA (Léann an Aistriúcháin), students can take part in a study visit to Brussels that bridges theory and practice. 

Over the course of the trip, students liaise with industry professionals, visit the institutions, and attain a unique insight into the day-to-day work of translators employed by the EU. 

The course meets international standards as regards coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards necessary to become a professional translator.  

All lecturers are qualified, accredited and display expertise in their specific fields of excellence relating to translation and research. 

The programme meets all the essential standards necessary for translators: 

1. The course results in a master's qualification at Level 9 in the NFQ model
2. Potential students take an aptitude test before admission
3. The programme has been running for at least 1 academic year
4. Schools don't benefit financially from assignments undertaken by students
5. Students are trained in both translation and editing
6. Courses are designed and translation classes taught by professional translators and editors 

• Tomás Ó Maolalaidh
• Dr Áine Nic Niallais
• Belinda McHale
• Róisín Masson
• Dr Rose Ní Dhubhda 

How will I learn? 

The MA (Léann an Aistriúcháin) combines innovative pedagogical methods, with practical, outcome-based education and the most up-to-date technological aids to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. You will learn through a mix of interactive classes, workshops and individual meetings with lecturers.  

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Throughout the programme, your progress is assessed through assignments, analytical tasks and presentations. 

1. Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework, including translation and grammar assignments. Students receive regular feedback on their progress in all modules.
2. Examinations - Practical grammar and translation exams account for at least 40% of the marks for each module. Assessments are completely in line with the curriculum and take place before Christmas, with the final examinations taking place in April.
3. Thesis - An independent research dissertation of 20,000 words is undertaken in the second year of the programme. (30 ECTS) 

Course queries: 
aistriu@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie 

Programme Director(s):  

Tomás Ó Maolalaidh,  
MA Director 
E: tomas.omaolalaidh@universityofgalway.ie 
Phone: +353 91 492 734 

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

This programme is designed to provide graduates and mid-career linguists with the skills and knowledge needed to access the profession of transaltion at the highest levels. 

Applicants who do not have the required academic qualifications for entry purposes, but have demonstrable professional experience as equivalent are eligible for consideration by the academic programme director.

Beyond linguistic ability, translators require a comprehensive knowledge of cultural context, idioms, and subject matter to convey meaning accurately. 

Graduates of the MA (Léann an Aistriúcháin) will be able to:  

• Demonstrate Language and cultural expertise: a breadth of understanding of a range of topics in each of their languages and the associated technical vocabulary and cultural understanding  
• Translate nuanced ideas from one language to another with a deep appreciation for both the source and the target audience 
• Apply enhanced critical thinking and analytical skills to their chosen field, building upon continuous feedback on their performance 
• Plan, manage, and execute a substantial project, highlighting their ability to self-assess and self-direct to meet deadlines

Minimum Entry Requirements

Candidates must hold at least a Second-Class Honours Level 8 primary degree in a related subject area 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 the subject area. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirement

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

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 2026 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2026. 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.