Translatology MA

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent undergraduate degree, or a qualified diploma from a state or state-recognised vocational academy
• Certification of proficiency in the chosen B language (language to be studied in the core area) and the second B language or C language, equivalent to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or equivalent verification of proficiency, for one of the following foreign languages: Arabic, English, French, Galician, Catalan, Portuguese or Spanish

Acceptance to this degree programme requires the successful completion of an aptitude test. More information about this test is available on the Institute’s website. The faculty will ascertain whether the above requirements have been met and then issue an official notification. This serves as verification that the candidate has met the relevant admission requirements.

Besides offering content in applied linguistics, the master’s programme focusses on specialised translation. Students must choose a main language (Arabic, English, French or Spanish).

In addition, for the elective area it is recommended that students choose another translation language.

The master’s degree programme aims to teach methodological and theoretical knowledge for effectively tackling typical problems in translation and in intercultural technical communication. This spectrum of knowledge includes in particular:

• specific strategies for the acquisition and transfer of knowledge, including the cultural factors relevant to translation
• the production of specialised texts for particular purposes and target audiences
• terminological, lexicographic and translational methods
• tools and technologies
• quality and project management.

The Master’s degree programme entails a student workload of 120 credits, of which 30 credits will be granted for successful completion of the Master’s thesis. In the core subject area, 60 credits will be acquired in compulsory courses and 30 credits will be earned by successful completion of elective  translatology courses in a second working foreign language as a B-language or C-language (compulsory elective modules) selected from the following languages:

• Arabic (-AR)
• English (-EN)
• French (-FR)
• Galician (-GL)
• Catalan (-CA)
• Portuguese (-PT)
• Spanish (-ES)

Galician, Catalan, and Portuguese may only be selected as elective (not compulsory elective) modules. Upon application to the Examinations Committee of the Institute for Applied Linguistics and Translatology, 30 credits may be earned in the acquisition or expansion of a working foreign language not offered as part of the translatology degree programme. The Examinations Committee will render a final decision on such applications

• German as the primary translation language (A language)
• Studies in one working foreign language (Arabic, English, French or Spanish), or
• Studies in two working foreign languages (Arabic, English, French or Spanish, as well as in combination with Galician, Catalan or Portuguese), or
• tudies in one working foreign language and acquisition of a new language ( Basque, Galician, Catalan or Portuguese may be studied at the Institute of Applied Linguistics and Translatology and additional languages may be selected from the range of offerings at the Sprachenzentrum)
• Studies in one working foreign language and digital humanities, or
• Studies in one foreign language and advanced modules (e.g. courses in specialised text types or software localisation)
• An authentic working environment, including relevant technical equipment (work stations with professional software for translation, terminology work and translation management)
• Opportunities for internships, for which students can receive credit
• A period of study abroad is possible

The Master’s degree programme in Translatology prepares students for a career in professional practice, teaching or research in the field of intercultural technical communications.

Some specialist translators work as freelancers (often from home) or at small translation agencies, while others are employed as in-house translators for language service providers, or with companies, public authorities or international organisations. They primarily translate specialist texts from the fields of technology, law, business, finance and life sciences, and to a much lesser extent, texts from the humanities and social sciences or literature. Other areas of work that are becoming increasingly important include, for example, terminology and knowledge management, software and video game localisation, and the conceptualisation of marketing materials. In every field of work, there has been a marked increase in the number of multimedia applications being used, e. g. in the field of subtitling. The expansion of the use of digitally driven work processes has resulted in specialist translators also being able to take on translation management roles in larger companies or organisations. This requires knowledge of basic project management and business principles as well as the ability to curate large amounts of data for linguistic and translation computer applications.

Translators may also find career opportunities in related fields, such as teaching foreign languages, documentation, or in intercultural communication – e. g. as language specialists or technical editors. Graduates with German as a native language are often able to find interesting opportunities for working abroad.

The Master’s degree in Translatology also qualifies graduates to enter a doctoral programme.

• An internship is possible and students can receive credit for it
• A period of study abroad is possible

• Study regulations (SO) and examination regulations (PO), curricula and module descriptions (in German)

Course start: Winter semester
Admission restriction (NCU): no
Application period: 2 May–15 September
Application portal: AlmaWeb

Please ensure that you read and take note of the further information provided on the pages “Online application” and “Applying for a master’s programme”.

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the page “International”.

Options in the winter semester: 3rd semester – without restrictions on admission
Options in the summer semester: 2nd semester and 4th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Application period: 2 May–15 September for the winter semester; 1 December–15 March for the summer semester
Application portal: AlmaWeb
Special enrolment requirements: Credits form (Anrechnungsbescheid)

You can find more information on our page for “Applying for higher semesters of study”.

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the page “International”.

An aptitude test is required for the first semester of this degree programme. Please go to the institute’s webpage to find information about the registration process for the aptitude test and the deadlines that apply! The application for the degree programme must be submitted separately to the registration for the aptitude test.

Only for the degree programme variants “Traduction Specialisée – METS” and “Integriertes Curriculum mit Université de Strasbourg, FR”:
Two semesters of study at foreign partner universities

Only for the degree programme variants “Traduction Specialisée – METS” and “Integriertes Curriculum mit Université de Strasbourg, FR”:
Award of a double degree with an international partner university