Compulsory Modules

Pre-Masters short course (Preparatory course)
The first stage of the programme is a 10-week pre-Masters course focusing on the development of three sets of skills: interpreter skills including, for example, self-discipline, organisation skills, working to tight deadlines and professional conduct; high-level professional English skills and knowledge relating to British/Anglophone culture; research skills for interpreters, presentation and public speaking skills, effective team work and interpersonal communication. Following successful completion of this course, you will progress to the PG Diploma and MA stage of the programme.

Further information about this preparation course is available on the School of English and Languages pages.

Consecutive Interpreting Chinese<>English
The first part of the module (semester 1) focuses on the core skills of the use of notes, delivery and projecting the speaker. The second part (semester 2) will focus on applying the training received to practical tasks including simulated assignments.

Simultaneous Interpreting Chinese<>English
The first part of the module (semester 1) focuses on the key skills of a Chinese Simultaneous Interpreter: research, preparation, sight interpreting, specialist bi-lingual skills and multi-tasking. The second part (semester 2) provides extensive simultaneous interpreting practice using our state-of-the-art interpreting labs and integrating simulations of interpreting practice.

Interpreting Studies
This module provides a systematic framework for understanding the major principles and challenges of interpreting, the role of the interpreter and the nature of comprehension, decision making and production processes involved in interpreting. It enables you to apply this framework to practical interpreting tasks.

Economics/Business Translation English-Chinese
This module provides students who have no previous experience of specialist translation in economics/business with the opportunity to reach an acceptable professional level of translation competence and contributes to improving the students’ language and interpreting proficiency. It combines regular translation practice in smaller groups with basic research skills for translation/interpreting and lectures on the underlying principles of economics and applied economics.

Dissertation
This module allows you to specialise in an aspect of the programme of particular interest by writing a topic-based dissertation or doing a commentary based on an interpreting assignment. Successful completion of the module requires close collaboration with a supervisor as well as good planning and organisation skills.

Optional Modules

In addition to the compulsory modules, you will be able to select optional modules according to your specific interests. You may, for example, extend your specialist interpreting expertise into the area of Public Service Interpreting (PSI) or complement your interpreting and translation skills with expertise in the use of electronic corpora of spoken and written language.