Programmes

Master of Arts in Translation

  • Master of Arts in Specialised Translation
  • Master of Arts in Translation and Technology
  • Master of Arts in Translation and Specialised Multilingual Communication

Combining a strong academic foundation with professional experience

  • Are you fascinated by cultural diversity?
  • Would you like to help these cultures communicate with one another?
  • Are you open to exploring various business sectors in our society?
  • Do you have a gift for languages?

Our MA in Translation programmes are made for you.

These programmes will help you find your place in the fascinating world of translation and confront the challenges related to technological developments. You'll be able to explore various specialised fields under the guidance of our lecturers, who are professional translators and scholars. When you graduate, you will have the skills you need to begin a career as a language professional.


The programme

  • Study programme of three semesters (one B language) or four semesters (two or three B languages)

  • Two to four languages that form your language combination (up to three B languages and one A language, which is your mother tongue or language of education).

  • Different programmes and concentrations that you will decide on in your second semester: specialised translation (legal and institutional, economic and financial, and translation studies), translation technology, and specialised multilingual communication

  • Seven areas of study:
    • Translation and revision
    • Translation studies
    • Fields of expertise (law and economics)
    • Specialised translation (legal, economic and financial, technical, literary)
    • Translation technology
    • Specialised multilingual communication
    • Professional skills and experience (mandatory internship)

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Objectives shared by our three MA in Translation programmes

  • Acquire the necessary abilities to become a professional translator
  • Specialise in a particular field
  • Improve your language and methodology skills
  • Further strengthen your written skills in your native language
  • Carry out multilingual projects in various contexts
  • Strengthen your intercultural skills
  • Master the latest translation and language management tools
  • Reflect on the notion of translation
  • Experience firsthand the professional world of translation (mandatory internship and practical seminars)

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Description of the different concentrations

  • The Master of Arts in Specialised Translation provides in-depth training in professional methods and approaches to translation. It covers a variety of specialised fields, including law and economics ("Legal and Institutional Translation" and "Economic and Financial Translation" concentrations). The Master of Arts in Specialised Translation also can lead to an academic career (“Translation Studies” concentration).

  • Master of Arts in Translation and Technologies: This programme produces versatile translators who are specialised in new translation technologies and multilingual engineering. It is based on three major topics: IT tools for translators, terminology, and localisation and project management (with the possibility of specialising in terminology , or localisation and project management).

  • Master of Arts in Translation and Specialised Multilingual Communication: This programme will help you develop your analytical, linguistic, intercultural and group work skills, providing you with the tools to successfully carry out projects in specialised multilingual communication.  Combines translation with skills in various different fields: a) corporate communication (multilingual finance and marketing); b) multimedia communication (web, localisation and audiovisual translation); and c) language management (Language Policy and Planning and diversity management).


These three MAs share certain courses, which help develop the necessary skills to become a professional translator. Students are required to complete 90 or 120 ECTS credits, depending on the number of B languages they have. The entrance exams and admissions process are the same for all three programmes. You do not need to select your concentration before being admitted. You will only have to decide in your second semester of studies. The programme begins in the Autumn semester of each year, and takes three to four semesters to complete. Classes are taught in the languages in your combination. Courses that are common to all language units are taught in French (or English in some cases).


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Curriculum

90 ECTS credits (one B language) or 120 ECTS credits (two or three B languges) distributed as follows:

  • Mandatory courses common to all concentrations:
    • 44, 60 or 68 credits distributed as follows: Practical translation and revision seminars, translation studies, specialised fields, translation technology, specialised translation
  • Mandatory courses, depending on your concentration:
    • 12 to 24 credits in specialised translation, translation technology or specialised multilingual communication
  • Electives:
    • 2 to 12 credits from the FTI and/or other UNIGE faculties, or another university in Switzerland or abroad
  • Master's thesis:
    • 24 credits

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Prospects

Our MA programmes prepare students for a career in translation, revision, localisation and other related fields. Our grads have the option of finding in-house positions or setting up a freelance career. These degrees open the doors to many different types of professional activities and careers: international organisations, NGOs, associations, sports federations, publishing houses, translation agencies, public administration, documentation centres, research institutes, banks, insurance, courts, media, teaching, etc.

Future students: : please register from September.


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Useful links and documents


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Contacts


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