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Translation Studies (MA)
Course Overview
Watch course video presentation here.
This is an interdisciplinary MA programme, which explores and critiques the importance of translation in contemporary society. Students with a background in two languages—French, German, Irish, Italian or Spanish—will consolidate and extend their translation skills between these languages and English, and will also gain an appreciation of the centrality of translation in critical debates on intercultural communication.
Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.
Applications and Selections
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.
Who Teaches this Course

Dept. of Spanish
Room AMB-2019
Arts Millennium Building
NUI Galway
View Profile
Requirements and Assessment
Language work, including translation into and from two of Spanish, French, Italian or German, will be assessed throughout the year. Other modules will be assessed through exams and/or by essay. A dissertation must also be submitted.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Second Class Honours NQAI Level 8 degree or equivalent, with Second Class Honours Grade 2 or equivalent in each language.
Additional Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In other circumstances, those with a lower degree grade or who have relevant work experience in the field of Translation Studies will be considered. Further information is available on the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning website.
Duration
1 year, full-time
Next start date
September 2024
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
10
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
You are advised to apply early, which may result in an early offer; see the offer round dates
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
90
Award
CAO
Course code
MA-TRS
Course Outline
In Semester 1, the programme introduces students to the field of Translation Studies, providing a strong theoretical focus and a history and development of this field through seminars. Alongside this, students develop the skills of translation, focusing on any two of French, German, Irish, Italian and Spanish, and may select from cognate subjects dealing with Intercultural Communication or Translation Methodology and Text. In Semester 2, students continue to work on their translation skills, and subsequently complete a dissertation broadly related to any of the theoretical or social issues broached throughout the year and relevant to the field of Translation Studies, focusing on one of their languages.
As there is a genuine need for professional translators, this postgraduate programme in Translation Studies will be an important qualification for graduates wishing to add specific professional skills to their primary qualification. An important aspect of the programme will be the exploitation of new language technology, utilising the multimedia facilities available on campus.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in a range of fields, including the civil service, teaching, translation and human resources. Beyond the honing of translation skills, students will develop a range of transferable skills through collaborative tasks and presentations at various stages of the course.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2024/25). 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.
Postgraduate fee breakdown = Tuition (EU or NON EU) + Student levy as outlined above.
Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here.
Find out More
Dr Mary Mannion
E: mary.mannion@universityofgalway.ie
Quick Links
What Our Students Say

Angela Kennedy |
For me, the M.A. in Translation Studies is the ideal route to a language-related career. The course's practical elements, including training in interpretation and use of translation software, offer real, hands-on experience. My oral and written skills in both languages are improving consistently, and one also has the opportunity to delve into the more theoretical aspects of translation.

Claire Murphy | MA in Translation Studies (Spanish and Italian)
I found the M.A. in Translation Studies a really important way of developing my language skills and language awareness. The combination of practical and theoretical issues provided an important framework for both my dissertation and my subsequent work as a language teacher. Few courses in Ireland allow me to combine my two languages with an intensive study of the field of Translation Studies.