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MA in Interpreting, Technology and AI (Chinese pathway), University of Surrey

Guildford,

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12 Months

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About this course

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The MA in Translation and AI (Chinese Pathway) is the world’s first program of its kind, focusing on the intersection of translation practice and artificial intelligence. Taught in collaboration with KL Communications Ltd and Dr Kevin Lin OBE, the course offers a skills-rich, practical curriculum that combines traditional translation techniques with modern technological tools, including neural machine translation, generative AI like ChatGPT, and other AI applications. Students will gain experience through simulated real-world translation scenarios, work placements, and industry collaborations. The program is rooted in the university’s strong research background in translation and technology, supporting the development of problem-solving, analytical, and digital skills tailored for the evolving language services industry. Emphasising China’s role as a major global power, the course prepares students to address communication needs across the Chinese market, incorporating intercultural training and responsible technology use.

Why this course is highly recommended

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This course is perfect for students looking to enter the modern language services industry with a competitive edge. Its unique combination of traditional translation skills and advanced AI training, taught by leaders in the field, makes it highly relevant for today’s fast-changing digital landscape. The collaboration with industry and the strong professional network, including work placements, ensure practical experience and employability. Additionally, the focus on China’s emerging global significance offers strategic advantages for those interested in working in or with the Chinese market. The program’s research-led teaching and excellent graduate employment rates further bolster its reputation as a forward-thinking choice for aspiring translators and language technologists.

Specialisation

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This program provides a dedicated focus on translation between English and Chinese, emphasizing both practical translation skills and the integration of AI technology. Optional modules allow students to explore creatively, technologically, and linguistically, with options to study areas like audiovisual translation, corpus linguistics, machine translation, natural language processing, and translation as human-computer interaction. The course aims to develop expertise in translating creative and specialised texts, managing terminology, localisation, transcreation, and multimodal translation, all within a technology-enhanced framework.

Course fees

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Application fees

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1st year tuition fees

23.01L

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Living cost

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Degree requirements

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Applicants should have a minimum 2:2 degree in arts, humanities, social sciences, or related fields. Alternative subjects may be considered on a case-by-case basis. The course also requires an English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in other components, unless alternative qualifications or exemptions apply. International students who do not meet these requirements can consider pre-sessional English courses or other pathways offered by the university.
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English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

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PTE

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DUOLINGO

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Want to learn more about the admission process, eligibility criteria, and acceptance rates for international students? Visit the University of Surrey admission page for complete details.

Career prospects

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Graduates of this program can look forward to a variety of roles, including in-house and freelance translation, multilingual content creation, localization specialist positions, terminology management, transcreation, and language service management. Recent Surrey graduates have secured positions in international organizations, government agencies, private companies, or have launched successful freelance careers. Some students continue with academic research or pursue a PhD, further expanding their career options.

FAQs

What is the duration of the course?

The course is designed to be completed in one year full-time.

What are the fees for international students?

The international fee is £21,800 for the September 2025 intake.

Are there industry placements?

Yes, students have opportunities to engage in work placements and industry collaborations to gain real-world experience.