Arabic-English-Arabic Translation MA

This course is for you if you're proficient in English and Arabic and want to begin a career in translation or undertake further research in translation. 

Course structure

The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.

Our specialist Arabic modules focus on translation practice in Arabic creative sectors. You'll enhance your analytical skills, develop your understanding of different theories of translation, and gain practical translation experience. On this course you'll access software and technology used in the English – Arabic translation industry so you're ready to work in the sector. 

• We’re a member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), the Association of Programmes in Translation and Interpreting Studies, UK and Ireland, and the Association of Translation Companies.
• Learn from specialists in both Arabic-English and English-Arabic translation, allowing you to practice working in both directions.      
• Access translation software, including translation memory tools, corpus and text analysis tools and post-editing tools, plus SDL Studio Freelance licences.
• We're one of the top 100 Modern Languages departments in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024).

Build your networks from day one

Alongside the practical skills you'll develop on this course, you'll build your networks in the translation industry from day one.

We host talks on 'The Translation Profession' where guest speakers from industry come and talk to our students. You'll hear from speakers across the translation sector, such as employers, freelancers and publishers.

Then you'll get to put your skills into practice through the mentoring and internship opportunities we advertise. Whether you want to work as a freelancer or for an in-house agency, you'll get help from our staff to develop your professional profile, helping you secure employment after your MA.

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation. 
• Seminars – modules are mainly taught by online small group teaching. 
• Dissertation - you will undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you. This can be a traditional written dissertation or an extended translation project, translating a 7,500-word text of your choice, plus a 7,500-word commentary on the text.

Facilities

You'll access a variety of tools and software used in the translation industry, such as translation memory tools, corpus and text analysis tools and post-editing tools.  There's a variety of specialist software available, such as SDL Trados: Phrase (We would like to thank Phrase for granting us free access to their platform); Wordfast (courtesy of Wordfast LLC and Yves Champollion); and the Sketch Engine corpus manager and text analysis.  

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

2025/26 Session

The following must be taken:

Students must take one of the following dissertation modules:

Students will take two 20-credit optional modules. This may include two 10-credit Language for All modules. Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints.

The language you intend to translate into needs to be your mother tongue language or a language you use regularly. If you want to translate into a language that you use regularly, but isn't your mother tongue, you may need to provide evidence of your language proficiency.

We usually expect you to be trained at degree level in the language(s) you intend to translate from. If you don't hold a degree in your ‘second’ language, you may need to provide other evidence of proficiency. This needs to be equivalent to a minimum of level C1 on the Common European Framework for Languages.

If you don't hold a languages or humanities-related degree, you may need to provide evidence of relevant work experience.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification. You'll need to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band or equivalent.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 22 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 67 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 176 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Our Modern Languages graduates enter many roles, including:

• Translation project manager
• Translator
• Secondary school teacher
• Copywriter

Employers our Modern Languages graduates have worked for include:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Morningside Translations
• Secondary schools

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.