Translation

Master of Arts in Translation or Master of Arts in Translation (Interpreting).

Overview

The Master of Arts in the field of Translation or Interpreting aims to broaden students' theoretical interests in translation and interpreting and to encourage further research. Independent study forms a large part of the workload for these programmes, although there is also a strong emphasis on continued professional translation training. Applicants should have already obtained an Honours degree in Translation or Interpreting or equivalent qualification.

The programme (either in the field of translation or interpreting) is a one-year full-time, or two-year part-time programme.

Curriculum

The Master of Arts in the field of Translation consists of the following modules:

  • TRAN7006A: MA Translation Research Report
  • TRAN7071A: Research Topics in Translation Studies
  • TRAN7072A: Critical Approaches to Literary Translation
  • TRAN7073A: Advanced Practical Translation
  • TRAN7079A: Selected Topic in Translation Studies
  • TRAN7085A: Professional Translation Practice

The Master of Arts in the field of Interpreting consists of the following modules:

  • TRAN7006A: Translation Research Report (in the field of Interpreting)
  • TRAN7080A: Specialised Conference Interpreting Skills
  • TRAN7081A: Advanced Interpreting Practice
  • TRAN7082A: Professional Language Enhancement
  • TRAN7083A: Professional Interpreting Practice
  • TRAN7084A: Research Topics in Interpreting Studies

Entry Requirements

Master of Arts by Coursework and Research Report:

Bachelor’s degree with Honours (Translation and Interpreting Studies or equivalent) from Wits or another university, with a 65% aggregate pass mark.

Master of Arts by Dissertation:

  • A Bachelor’s degree with Honours (Translation and Interpreting Studies or equivalent) from Wits or another university, with a 65% aggregate pass mark;
  • A pre-arrangement for supervision within the Faculty of Humanities.

Applicants for both the translation and the interpreting track are required to complete a pre-assessment in the relevant language combination and submit (1) a letter of motivation (750 - 1,000 words in English) on the reasons for applying to our department; and (2) a concept paper on the intended research project (1,000 - 1,500 words in English, excluding the reference list), including provisional research questions, research objectives and methodology, as well as a detailed reference list.  

There may be a further interview for applicants who perform satisfactorily.

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process. Refer to Wits Postgraduate Online Applications Guide for detailed guidelines. 
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.