MA Interpreting

Queen's offers a range of postgraduate programs, including the MA Interpreting. This program is designed to equip aspiring professional interpreters with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the field of interpreting, bridging communication gaps across languages and cultures.

Curriculum: The MA Interpreting curriculum at Queen's is structured to provide a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the theory and practice of interpreting. Students develop advanced skills in consecutive interpreting, simultaneous interpreting, sight translation, and other specialized interpreting techniques. The curriculum also covers areas such as interpreting ethics, professional practice, conference interpreting, public service interpreting, and the interpreting profession in a globalized world. A strong emphasis is placed on practical training through simulated interpreting scenarios, language-specific exercises, and exposure to real-world interpreting settings.

Research Focus: Queen's is renowned for its world-leading research across a wide range of disciplines. While the MA Interpreting is a practice-oriented degree, it benefits from the research environment within the School of Modern Languages and related departments. Research strengths might include areas such as interpreting studies, translation studies, sociolinguistics, intercultural communication, and language technologies. The university fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, which can be particularly relevant to research in interpreting, exploring its intersection with other fields.

Industry Engagement: Queen's recognizes the importance of practical experience and industry connections for students in interpreting. The MA Interpreting program often incorporates opportunities for students to engage with professional interpreters, interpreting agencies, international organizations, and other relevant stakeholders. These connections can be invaluable for career development and provide students with insights into the real-world demands and challenges of the interpreting profession. Internships, guest lectures by professional interpreters, and participation in conferences are often integrated into the program.

Global Perspective: Queen's cultivates a global outlook through its diverse student body and international partnerships. The MA Interpreting program inherently emphasizes a global perspective, as interpreting itself is fundamentally about bridging communication across cultures and languages. The program often incorporates diverse language combinations, explores intercultural communication dynamics, and prepares students for working in international settings. Exposure to different interpreting styles and practices from around the world is often a key feature, and students are encouraged to develop a deep understanding of the cultural contexts that influence communication.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

• Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
• English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90, with at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Queens University Belfast offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, diversity, and financial need. 

Queens Loyalty Scholarship: The Queen's Loyalty Scholarship is available for Queen's University Belfast graduates who pursue a postgraduate program at the university. It offers a 20% tuition fee reduction for eligible students.

Queens University Belfast International Scholarships: The university provides a range of scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amount, and application requirements. Examples include the International Office Undergraduate Scholarship, International Office Postgraduate Taught Scholarship, and International Office Postgraduate Research Scholarships.

Vice-Chancellors International Attainment Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship is aimed at international students with exceptional academic performance. It provides a significant reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Queens University Belfast offers scholarships that are specific to certain countries or regions. These scholarships are designed to attract talented students from these areas and promote diversity within the university community.

Research Council Funding:For postgraduate research students, there are opportunities to secure funding through research council scholarships. These scholarships are competitive and cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses.

Sports Scholarships: Queens University Belfast also offers sports scholarships for students who excel in sports. These scholarships provide financial support, training facilities, and other benefits to help athletes balance their sporting commitments with their studies.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may vary each year. 

Graduates of the MA Interpreting program are well-equipped for a wide range of fulfilling career opportunities.

Conference Interpreter: Provide real-time interpretation during international conferences, meetings, and events.

Legal Interpreter: Facilitate communication between non-English-speaking individuals and legal professionals within legal proceedings.

Medical Interpreter: Assist healthcare providers in bridging language gaps between patients and medical staff, ensuring accurate communication.

Diplomatic Interpreter: Support diplomatic and international relations by interpreting for government officials and dignitaries.

Community Interpreter: Serve as a liaison between limited-English-speaking individuals and service providers in community settings.

Freelance Interpreter: Work independently as a freelance interpreter, collaborating with clients across various industries.