Why Study Translation at Manchester?
At a glance
- Study at the most targeted university by the UK's top 100 recruiters, according to the High Fliers report (on The Graduate Market 2026).
- Learn from the largest group of translation and interpreting specialists in the UK, with expertise spanning translation, interpreting and intercultural communication.
- Put your learning into context in Manchester, one of the UK’s most multicultural and multilingual cities, with opportunities to engage with diverse communities and perspectives.
- Build practical skills using technologies such as translation memory, terminology management, subtitling, machine translation and generative AI.
Video: Why Study a Humanities Degree at The University of Manchester?
Frequently asked study questions
Translation Studies explores how meaning is transferred between languages and cultures, and how translation works across different social, professional and cultural contexts.
At Manchester, postgraduate study can cover areas including:
- commercial, technical and literary translation;
- audio-visual translation;
- localisation;
- transcreation;
- translation project management;
- interpreting;
- intercultural communication.
You can develop practical expertise alongside critical and research skills, giving you a strong foundation for work in the language services sector or further academic study.
Translation usually involves transferring written content from one language to another, while interpreting involves communicating spoken language between people in real time or in dialogue.
Our MA Translation and Interpreting Studies brings these areas together while allowing you to explore specialist pathways such as:
- commercial translation;
- audio-visual translation;
- localisation;
- transcreation;
- technical translation;
- interpreting for business and public services.
You will also develop the intercultural awareness needed to communicate effectively across languages and contexts.
To study the MA Translation and Interpreting Studies at Manchester, you would normally need a First or Upper Second class honours degree, or an overseas equivalent, in a humanities-based subject area.
If English is not your first language, you will also need to meet the University’s English language requirements.
Check your course’s entry requirements for the latest information, as requirements can vary by programme and year of entry.
No. You do not necessarily need a degree in Translation to become a translator, however, a postgraduate degree in Translation Studies can help you build the practical skills and industry knowledge needed for a career in translation.
At The University of Manchester, you can develop expertise in areas such as commercial, technical and audio-visual translation, while gaining experience with technologies and practices used by professional translators. You can also develop your understanding of intercultural communication, helping you work effectively across languages, cultures and professional contexts.