MA in Translation and AI, University of Surrey

12 Months

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About this course

This MA in Translation and AI is designed for students who want to combine advanced translation skills with cutting-edge AI technologies. The course offers both multilingual and Chinese pathways, preparing students for the evolving language industry by blending practical translation training with a solid understanding of AI applications like neural machine translation and generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT). Students will develop expertise in post-editing, prompt writing, and integrating AI tools responsibly in professional translation practice. The program emphasizes industry-relevant skills, including working with translation technologies, real-world internships, and professional portfolio development. Taught at Surrey’s Centre for Translation Studies, supported by research on translation and AI, the course aims to equip students with future-proof knowledge and practical skills to thrive in a technologically advancing industry.

Why this course is highly recommended

In an industry where AI and translation increasingly intersect, this course prepares students to be future-ready professionals. While AI tools can assist, they lack the nuanced understanding human translators bring, especially for complex, sensitive, or creative texts. The program balances theoretical understanding with hands-on experience with tools like neural machine translation and generative AI, making graduates highly employable in a competitive market. Its strong industry links, internships, and professional development activities ensure students gain practical experience and build valuable networks, equipping them for diverse roles across the language services sector.

Specialisation

The course features a multilingual pathway with regularly offered languages such as Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Greek, Italian, Korean, Polish, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish, as well as a dedicated Chinese pathway. Students can select optional modules focusing on creative, technical, business, and research aspects of translation. The program aims to develop translation practice in both general and specialized fields, including legal, medical, scientific, audiovisual, and creative industries, integrating the latest AI tools and techniques.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

23.01L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants need a minimum 2:2 UK honours degree or equivalent in relevant languages or related subjects. Native speakers of a language from the list require a degree in arts, humanities, or social sciences. English language proficiency is required, with IELTS Academic scores of 6.5 overall, and 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in other elements. The course also considers relevant work experience and recognition of prior learning on a case-by-case basis.

English language test

PTE

TOEFL

DUOLINGO

IELTS

6.5

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

Graduates can pursue roles as in-house or freelance translators, multilingual content writers, language-services managers, localisation specialists, terminology specialists, transcreation experts, or language and translation tutors. The program’s industry connections, internship opportunities, and practical training prepare students for employment at international organizations, government agencies, private companies, or to develop successful freelance careers. Some students may also choose to continue with PhD research, forging academic careers.

FAQs

What languages can I choose for the course?

The course offers regularly available languages such as Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Greek, Italian, Korean, Polish, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish, with other languages available upon request.

What practical experience will I gain?

You will participate in translation workshops, industry simulations, internships, and work on projects involving AI tools like ChatGPT, neural machine translation, and post-editing, enhancing your practical skills for the industry.