The master’s degree programme in Translatology typically follows on from a translation-related bachelor’s degree, but it is possible to enter the programme from any degree programme if you have the relevant foreign language skills. You will gain in-depth knowledge of theory and methods while strengthening your skills in applying that knowledge for specialist translations in selected topic areas and in related areas such as terminology and linguistic and translation technology.

At a glance

  • Field of study

    humanities and linguistics
  • Degree type

    postgraduate
  • Degree

    Master of Arts
  • Language of instruction

    German, some foreign language
  • Full/part-time

    full-time, part-time
  • Course start

    winter semester
  • Admission restriction

    without admission restriction, aptitude test
  • Standard period of study

    four semesters

  • ECTS credits

    120

Requirements

  • A first academic degree, or a degree from a state or state-recognised university of cooperative education
  • Proof of knowledge of the chosen B language (language option in the core area) and the second B language or C language equivalent to C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or equivalent proof, for one of the following foreign languages: Arabic, English, French, Galician, Catalan, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish

This degree programme requires applicants to pass an aptitude test. More information is available on the institute website. The faculty will check whether the above requirements have been met and then issue an official notification. This serves as proof that the candidate meets the relevant admission requirements.

Contents

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.
  • German as the primary translation language (A language)
  • Studies in two working foreign languages (Arabic, English, French, Spanish) or
  • Studies in two working foreign languages (Arabic, English, French or Spanish in combination with Galician, Catalan, Portuguese or Russian) or
  • Studies in one working foreign language and learning a new language (at the Institute of Applied Linguistics and Translatology: Basque, Galician, Catalan or Portuguese)
  • Studies in one working foreign language and learning a new language or
  • Studies in one working foreign language and digital humanities or
  • Studies in one foreign language and advanced modules (e.g. subject for specialised text types, software localisation)
  • Appropriate technical equipment for practical courses in an authentic environment (working stations with professional software for translation, terminology work and translation management)
  • An internship is possible and students can receive credit for it
  • A period of study abroad is possible

The master’s programme in Translatology prepares you for a career in practice, teaching or research in the field of intercultural technical communication.

Some specialist translators work as freelancers or in small translation agencies while others are employed as in-house translators in companies, public authorities and international organisations. They primarily translate specialist texts from the fields of technology, law and business, and to a much lesser extent texts from the humanities and social sciences as well as literature.  Other areas of work are becoming more important, for example terminology or terminological knowledge management, software and video game localisation, or conceptualising marketing material. All fields have seen an increase in the number of multimedia applications used. In larger companies or organisations, specialist translators can take on a translation management role. For this, they need to know basic business principles and how to curate large amounts of data for linguistic and translation applications.

Translators can also find career paths in related fields such as teaching foreign languages, documentation, lexicography, or in communication – e.g. as a language consultant or technical editor.

With a master’s degree in Translatology, graduates can also being a doctoral programme.

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

Application

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.

Internationality

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