PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Translation Theory and Practice
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
MA
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
From 2004 intake onwards
(e.g. from 2008 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Arts and Humanities
Parent Department:
Centre for Multidisciplinary and Intercultural Inquiry (CMII)
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
(if applicable)
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/translation-studies/prospectivestudents/translation-theory-and-practice-ma
Method of study:
Full-time or part-time
Departmental web page address:
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
1 calendar year full-time, 2 calendar years part-time
Length of the programme:
Masters Level (Level 7)
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Languages and related studies
Languages and related studies
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/
default.asp
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
The programme consists of taught modules with a total
value of 120 credits, and a 12,000 word dissertation worth
60 credits. The taught modules cover a compulsory core
module in translation theory, and a substantial number of
optional modules drawn from SELCS, A&H and Psychology
& Language Sciences, including language-specific
translation practice (including sign language), electronic
publishing and/or translation technology, interpreting
studies, comparative literature and other translationrelated themes. The dissertation consists of either an
annotated translation or a theoretical discussion of
translation issues. Assessment is by examination,
coursework, project, presentation and dissertation.
Name of Board of Examiners:
Translation Theory and Practice
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The programme aims to develop an understanding of translation in its social and cultural contexts, a grasp of the
technological environment in which modern commercial and/or literary translating takes place, and, if applicable,
practical translation skills.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1 the nature and the social and cultural
significance of translation;
2 translation techniques;
3 technological aspects of the modern
translator’s working environment;
4 (where applicable) how to translate
different kinds of texts to an advanced
level of competence;
5 (where applicable) how to set up a
translation project;
6 IT tools for information retrieval.
Acquisition of 1 through the course on translation studies
and additionally through that on language and
translation, through regular translation practice where
applicable, and through the dissertation, whether it
consists of an annotated translation or of a more
theoretical discussion.
Acquisition of 2 through regular translation practice
where applicable, through case studies in courses on
translation studies, interpreting studies, language and
translation and translation technology, and through the
dissertation
Acquisition of 3 through the courses on electronic
communication and publishing, translation technology
and/or language and translation. The courses involve
both theoretical insight into digital media and hands-on
exercises to bring about an appreciation of the
principles, design, value and implications of the
technology in question.
Acquisition of 4 and 5 through regular and intensive
translation practice in a language-specific translation
course and additionally through the dissertation in those
cases where it consists of an annotated translation. The
language-specific translation course involves a range of
texts and requires students to plan and organise their
work, critically assess both printed and digital translation
aids and other resources, evaluate their own and other
people’s translations, judge the effectiveness of
translation routines and meet deadlines.
Acquisition of 6 through preparation and attendance at
all taught modules, optional Library sessions, online
support and everyday usage of UCL learning technology
in a virtual learning environment (Moodle).
Assessment:
Students’ knowledge and understanding is assessed by
a variety of methods: unseen examination, essay, project
work, oral presentations, coursework and a dissertation.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1 assess the nature and scope of
individual translation tasks;
2 appreciate the interface between
translation and information and
communication technology;
3 appreciate strengths and weaknesses
of a range of printed and digital translation
aids;
4 place translations in their appropriate
context.
Acquisition of 1 is fostered through regular translation
practice in language-specific translation courses, through
ongoing reflection on the practical and intellectual
aspects of individual translation assignments in the
language-specific translation courses and additionally
through the dissertation in those cases where it consists
of an annotated translation.
Acquisition of 2 and 3 through research accompanying
and reflection on individual translation assignments in
the language-specific translation courses, through the
courses on electronic communication and publishing
and/or translation technology; acquisition of 2 also,
where appropriate, through the course on translation
studies.
Acquisition of 4 through the language-specific translation
courses and through the courses involving theoretical
aspects of translation.
Assessment:
Students’ intellectual skills are assessed by means of
translation assignments and projects, oral presentations,
unseen written examinations, and the dissertation.
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1 (where applicable) plan and carry
through a variety of larger and smaller
translation assignments in situations
resembling real-life translation
environments;
2 communicate effectively, both orally and
in writing, about practical and theoretical
aspects of translation;
3 engage with others in discussion about
issues of translation and its contexts
4 maintain a constant rhythm of learning
and critical reflection on learning;
5 make judicious and effective use of IT
tools where appropriate.
Acquisition of 1 and 4 though regular translation practice
in language-specific translation courses and through the
dissertation where the latter consists of an annotated
translation.
Acquisition of 2 to 4 through regular translation practice
in language-specific translation courses, through
ongoing reflection, presentations and class discussion
on individual translation assignments in the languagespecific translation courses and as part of courses on
translation studies, publishing and/or language and
translation, and additionally through the dissertation.
Acquisition of 5 through language-specific translation
courses, through courses on electronic communication
and publishing, language and translation, publishing
skills and/or translation technology, and through optional
Library sessions, online support and everyday usage of
UCL learning technology in a virtual learning
environment (Moodle).
Assessment:
Students’ practical skills are assessed through
translation assignments and projects, essays and oral
presentations, unseen written examinations, and the
dissertation.
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1 design and independently manage
projects of varying size;
2 improve language and translation skills
in a planned way;
3 critically assess one’s own learning and
take appropriate action;
4 engage pragmatically in practical and
intellectual problem-solving;
5 communicate effectively both orally and
in writing;
6 participate effectively in intellectual
debates;
7 explore and assess a broad variety of
ideas and approaches to practical and
intellectual issues;
8 make effective use of both printed and
IT resources as and when appropriate.
The programme requires regular written work and oral
contributions and presentations, both assessed and nonassessed. Feedback is given orally and in writing and in
personal tutorials to help students develop transferable
skills 1 to 8.
Assignments and especially the dissertation foster 1.
Class discussion, report writing and hands-on
experience in the courses on electronic communication
and publishing, and on translation technology foster 7
and 8 especially.
Assessment:
The dissertation and the assignments and project work
associated with the language-specific translation courses
test 1, 2, 4, 5 and 8.
Effective communication of and engagement with ideas
(5 to 7) are key criteria in assessing all aspects of
students’ work throughout the programme.
8 is assessed especially in the courses on electronic
communication and publishing and on translation
technology.
3 is not formally assessed.
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by
UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Geraldine Horan / Geraldine Brodie (from 1 September 2014)
Name(s):
Date of Production:
April 2013
Date of Review:
June 2014
Date approved by Head of
Department:
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee