Skip to main content

Come to study interpreting and translating at Bath

Explore our range of master's courses and discover why Bath is internationally renowned for training interpreters and translators.

MA Interpreting and Translating (MAIT)

Acquire the skills needed to work as a conference interpreter and professional translator. Our European pathways develop your skills in interpreting and translating from two chosen languages into English. You can also choose to specialise in only Russian or Mandarin, which will allow you to work in both directions (from English and into English, respectively).

MA Translation and Professional Language Skills (TPLS)

Gain the sought-after skills you need for a career in specialist language work. You'll mostly work with the written word to provide translations and specialised language services, such as editing, proofreading, and précis-writing. You can choose to specialise in one language, or build your skills across two languages.

A wide range of language pathways

Both of our courses in interpreting and translating are available in a variety of language combinations.

MA Interpreting and Translating pathways

MA Translation and Professional Language Skills pathways

Rebekah Gatling standing in front of a range of country flags.
‘The course really prepares you for working life. Bath definitely equipped me with the business skills to navigate the sector and I feel more confident about working with agencies or institutions.’
— Rebekah Gatling MA Translation and Professional Language Skills (2020)

50 years of teaching excellence

MA Interpreting and Translating at Bath has been running for over 50 years and is highly respected internationally for our quality of the training. It covers professional translation and different types of interpreting; including simultaneous and consecutive interpreting, and liaison interpreting in public and commercial settings.

MA Translation and Professional Languages Skills started in 2003 in response to requests from employers for linguists trained in translation, editing and proofreading. It's one of few courses in the UK to train students in such a variety of sought-after skills, which can be used immediately in the professional market.

Both courses give you access to our professional-grade interpreting labs.1 You'll also, where possible, be able take part in training opportunities with external organisations.2

United Nations and European Parliament links

Bath has a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations and European Parliament for training interpreters and translators.

Trainers from the UN and EP visit us regularly, giving our students an excellent insight into the skills needed to work there. The partnerships also help create job opportunities and we have a successful track record of previous graduates going on to work at both organisations.

Watch the video to hear from senior staff at the EP on their experiences working with Bath graduates and their advice on getting into the profession.

Learn from professional translators and interpreters

Our lecturers all work or have previously worked as professional translators, editors, translation managers or professional interpreters.

They'll share a wealth of experience with you and provide useful connections, including potential job opportunities.

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of our scholarships to help you study MA Interpreting and Translating or MA Translation and Professional Language Skills at Bath.

Find out more about our scholarships
A man teaching a group of students while stood in front of a whiteboard.

Specialise in Chinese-English interpreting and translation for business

If you want to work as a professional English and Chinese (Mandarin) translator or interpreter working in a business context, we also offer our MA Translation with Business Interpreting course. This will prepare you for a range of roles in mainland China, Taiwan, the UK, and other regions.

Find out more about this course
A person working on translations while wearing headphones.

  1. Access to our professional-grade interpreting labs is limited to selected optional units. ↩

  2. External training opportunities are not compulsory or guaranteed. Your language combination and your progress on the course will be considered, along with any other relevant information, when matching you with potential training opportunities. ↩