How to apply

Overview

The details

Course: Audiovisual and Literary Translation

Start date: October 2025

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 1 year

Location: Colchester Campus

Based in: Language and Linguistics

Should translated literature be entirely faithful to the original text, or should the translation be free and creative not to lose the poetic elements of the text? How can translation account for wordplay, complex metaphors, untranslatable idioms, and unique literary styles? How to translate experimental literature that ignores grammatical rules or defies stylistic conventions? How to effectively convey social and cultural contexts when translating literary, audiovisual, and multimodal texts? How to make the most of the creative challenges and possibilities associated with subtitling, dubbing, and voiceover?

Building on the internationally recognised expertise of both our Departments of Language and Linguistics, and our Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies, our MA Audiovisual and Literary Translation course will allow you to further specialise in literature and literary translation, audiovisual translation, and general translation. We combine translation theory with practice, allowing you to develop an in-depth understanding of the linguistic, stylistic, and cultural aspects of translation. You will develop your own personal translation skills, allowing you to translate a literary work accurately and creatively from one language to another.

Our course is offered with the combination of English and one of the following languages: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. You can be a native or near-native speaker of any of these languages, as you learn to translate to and from both languages. You work with native speakers in developing your ability to move accurately and quickly between your chosen language and English.

Explore our hands-on, practical modules in the Department of Language and Linguistics, covering areas including:

Audiovisual Translation
Translation Portfolio
Subtitling Principles and Practice

Learn about connections between different literatures and cultures attending wide-ranging topics in the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies, including:

Crossing the Boundaries: Literature and Translation in a Global Context
The Modern City: From Modernism to Postmodernism
African American Literature
Continental Crossings: Caribbean and US Literature and Culture
Documentary and the Avant-garde: Film, Video, Digital
Queer: History, Literature, Politics

We are 1st in UK for research impact in modern languages and linguistics (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021).

Top 25 in the UK for linguistics in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

If you want a global outlook, are interested in human communication, and want to study for a degree with real-world practical value in a world-class department, welcome to Essex.

Why we're great.

We offer interdisciplinary studies from our Departments of Language and Linguistics, and Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
We are 1st in UK for research impact in modern languages and linguistics (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021).
Our lecturers come from all corners of the world – they impart their expertise in areas of professional translation

Our expert staff

Our lecturers are skilled interpreters and translators, experienced in training students with the necessary skills for professional practice. We maintain excellent student-staff ratios with capped language-specific seminars.

Our lecturers come from around the world including France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Spain, Cuba, China, and the UK. They will share their expertise with you in the areas of professional translation.

Within our Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies, Professor Karin Littau specialises in book and film history, reception, adaptation and translation studies, and is especially interested in the effects of print, cinematograph, and computers on practices of reading, writing, and translation. Dr Joanna Rzepa is a specialist in literary translation and researches the complex interface between literary production, print culture, and politics, as well as Holocaust writing in translation. Dr Mary Mazzilli is an expert in theatre studies, playwright, and dramaturg, and researches comparative drama with a focus on intercultural and global performance practices.

Specialist facilities

24-hour self-access to our translation lab dedicated to translation students
Use specialist software such as SDL Trados Studio 2019
Meet fellow readers at the student-run Literature Society or at the department's Myth Reading Group
Access the University's Media Centre, equipped with state-of-the-art studios, cameras, audio and lighting equipment, and an industry-standard editing suite
Weekly multilingual workshops led by internationally renowned experts from the industry
Our Languages for All programme offers you the opportunity to study an additional language alongside your course at no extra cost

Your future

If you love literature and languages and would like to acquire professional translation skills, then our MA Audiovisual and Literary Translation is for you. Takers of our courses in translation can use the skills gained to further their future career in this area.

You develop a range of key employability skills including researching, writing for specific purposes, and translation. Our course typically leads to a career in translation, but could also lead to a career in education, publishing and administration.

We work with the University's Careers Services to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Within our Department of Language and Linguistics, we also offer supervision for PhD and MPhil. We offer supervision in areas including language acquisition, language learning and language teaching, culture and communication, psycholinguistics, language disorders, sociolinguistics, and theoretical and descriptive linguistics.

Within our Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies, we offer MPhil and PhD programmes in Literature, Creative Writing, Film Studies, and Theatre Studies. We offer supervision in a wide range of areas, including literary translation, modern and contemporary literature, postcolonial literature, creative writing, documentary film and media, travel writing, Caribbean literatures, nature writing, literature and law, experimental theatre and performance, and African American literature, and feminist writing.

Our graduates are successful in a wide variety of career paths. They leave Essex with a unique set of skills and experience that are in demand by employers.

Entry requirements

UK entry requirements

A 2.2 degree or international equivalent in any discipline taught in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish.

You may also be considered with a lower-class degree taught in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish, if you have translation, linguistics or interpreting experience. We may also consider a 2:2 degree not taught in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish if you have translation, linguistics or interpreting experience.

Any offers made for this course are subject to satisfactory performance at a remote interview.

International & EU entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Graduate Admissions team at pgquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in all components.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.

Structure

Course structure

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

Dissertation

(60 CREDITS)

Want to consolidate your practical language skills by conducting a project investigating translation, interpreting or subtitling? Work with a supervisor to define specific research questions. Search existing studies for information about your topic. Reflect on the processes involved and learn how to write an extended report on your findings.

View Dissertation on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY

Translation Portfolio I

(15 CREDITS)

In this module, students will be engaged in weekly translation of texts belonging to different domains and genres, such as socio-political, medical, and promotional texts, in order to familiarise themselves with the specific requirements of general and specialised translation. Students will learn to analyse the source texts at various levels, identify translation challenges and overcome them by applying different strategies and translation techniques. In line with current translation practices, they will be trained in both direct and inverse translation (B?A and A?B). This will ensure that they are equipped to enter the translation market and have an edge over their competitors. They will also be fully prepared to work both at home and in B-language countries.

View Translation Portfolio I on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY

Audiovisual Translation

(15 CREDITS)

What is audiovisual translation? This module will introduce you to the key theoretical concepts and professional practices in audiovisual and multimodal text translation. You will explore key theories and current trends in the field and develop a critical awareness of the practical, linguistic, social and cultural issues associated with audiovisual translation. Practical assignments in subtitling, dubbing and voiceover will help you to apply your knowledge and develop the technical skillss required to work in this specialised field.

View Audiovisual Translation on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY

Translation Portfolio II

(15 CREDITS)

In this module, students will be engaged in weekly translation of texts belonging to different domains and genres, such as literary, academic, and scientific-technical texts, in order to familiarise themselves with the specific requirements of general and specialised translation. Students will learn to analyse the source texts at various levels, identify translation challenges and overcome them by applying different strategies and translation techniques. In line with current translation practices, they will be trained in both direct and inverse translation (B?A and A?B). This will ensure that they are equipped to enter the translation market and have an edge over their competitors. They will also be fully prepared to work both at home and in B-language countries.

View Translation Portfolio II on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY

Subtitling: Principles and Practice

(15 CREDITS)

Want to produce accurate and reader-friendly interlingual subtitles? How do you recognise good subtitling? What skills does it require? Develop your understanding of the subtitling process. Learn to use the spotting and word-processing functions of professional subtitling software, while building your proof reading and editing skills.

View Subtitling: Principles and Practice on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: OPTIONAL

(20 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 07: OPTIONAL

(20 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 08: OPTIONAL

(20 CREDITS)

Teaching

Postgraduate students of English Language and Linguistics would typically attend a two-hour teaching event for each module every week. Seminars would usually have about 20 students.

Postgraduate students of translation modules typically involve two hours of classes per week. Interpreting modules typically involve four hours of classes per week. Classes usually contain up to 20 students within each group.

We use a variety of teaching methods including lectures, workshops and demonstrations
Courses include both compulsory and optional modules, so the course can be tailored to fit your interests and aspirations
Lab sessions using translation software

Assessment

Your eight one-term modules are assessed by coursework
You are also assessed on your dissertation

Dissertation

Your 16,000-word dissertation allows you to focus i- depth on your chosen topic from April onwards

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£10,500

You have the opportunity to take part in seminars delivered by DG Interpretation (DG SCIC) and DG Translation at the European Commission during our optional annual trip to Brussels. The additional cost for this is £250, depending on your mode of travel.

International fee

£22,750

Masters fees and funding information

Research (e.g. PhD) fees and funding information

What's next

We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing tours@essex.ac.uk and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.

You can apply for this postgraduate course online. Before you apply, please check our information about necessary documents that we'll ask you to provide as part of your application.

We aim to respond to applications within two weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.

For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘how to apply' information.

A sunny day with banners flying on Colchester Campus Square 4.

Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.

Find out more

View from Square 2 outside the Rab Butler Building looking towards Square 3

If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360 degree virtual tour allows you to explore the Colchester Campus from the comfort of your home. Check out our accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.

At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

Find out more

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.