Translation and interpreting job-oriented postgraduate courses

Translation and interpreting studies is a discipline which has witnessed unparalleled changes over the past ten years. The world market barely satisfies a fraction of the demand created by a global economy.

New technologies are rapidly transforming the profession, and localisation is becoming essential. Translation/interpreting studies have pioneered a number of key ideas and concepts, which have proven to be invaluable in the study of cultural exchange in areas as diverse as social sciences, science, literature, drama, history, media, law, comparative religion and philosophy.

The University of Malta MA programme in interpreting and translation, launched in October 2003 as a part-time evening course, has been designed and reviewed to open new avenues, while providing a firm foundation in the discipline.

The course is now being given an enhanced structure, with full-time lecturers in distinct areas of translation and interpreting studies. As from academic year 2007-2008, undergraduates coming from any faculty may register for a postgraduate course that is exclusively job oriented.

The area of study combines theoretical issues involved in literary, technical, screen, legal, scientific and commercial translation, publishing, localisation and management with the practical aspects of the translation process.

The programme caters for a wide range of students who wish to acquire a critical understanding of contemporary issues in translation, alongside practical skills required in today's fast evolving translation industry. Versatililty and employability are thus enhanced. Recent graduates have found work as freelance or permanent translators and interpreters for the EU.

The university will now offer full-time postgraduate day courses leading to a diploma and master's level.

The translation component of the course is primarily focused on working with two main languages - Maltese and English. However, there are opportunities for studying other languages such as French and Italian.

The courses offer a range of translation-related modules, including subtitling, computer-assisted translation, editing and interpreting skills, and linguistics modules such as translation theory, written discourse analysis, sociolinguistics and semiology.