SALIS - Frequently Asked Questions

SALIS

Frequently Asked Questions

MA in Translation Studies (DC615)
MSc in Translation Technology (DC700)

Before Applying

  1. What languages are offered on the MA in Translation Studies?
  2. Possible language combinations include English with one or two of the following: Irish, German, French, Spanish or Japanese. All translation practice is conducted into English. Please note that the Irish stream may not be offered every year.

  3. What is the level of proficiency expected for a selected (foreign) language on the MA in Translation Studies?
  4. We expect the candidate to have reached the level equivalent to C1 or above for French, German and Spanish according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. For Japanese, we expect the proficiency level to be equivalent to N2 or above according to the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).

  5. Apart from English I only have language(s) not offered on the MA in Translation Studies. Am I eligible to apply for the MA?
  6. Unfortunately you cannot be considered for the MA in Translation Studies. However, you are eligible to apply for the MSc in Translation Technology if you meet other conditions (e.g. you have the required level of English).

  7. Do I study a language on the MSc in Translation Technology?
  8. You do not have to take any language-specific practical translation modules although you could opt to do so if you have an appropriate language (e.g. French, German, Spanish or Japanese) at an expected level. The way the MSc is designed is to give students, whose language combination is not offered on the MA in Translation Studies, the opportunity to gain a qualification in translation with a focus on technology.

  9. What language level is required for the MSc in Translation Technology?
  10. Please refer to the How to Apply/Entry Requirements section on the MSc in Translation Technology page for the specified level of English proficiency.

  11. Are non-native speakers of English eligible to apply for the MA in Translation Studies and the MSc in Translation Technology?
  12. Yes, they are, provided that their level of English proficiency meets our required standard. This is specified on our website under How to Apply/Entry Requirements (MA Translation Studies) and How to Apply/Entry Requirements (MSc Translation Technology).

  13. Which English language exams are accepted as proof of English language ability?
  14. Please refer to the English language requirements on the Registry page.

  15. I have spent less than a year in the country of my foreign (target) language. Am I still eligible to apply?
  16. Yes, you are still eligible to apply for the course. We recommend that students spend at least 12 months in the country of the chosen foreign language as an indicative guide to ensure that the required level of language proficiency is reached. In cases where we consider it necessary to assess further the candidate´s level of language proficiency, we will arrange a short test and/or an interview.

  17. Can I be accepted onto either the MA in Translation Studies or MSc in Translation Technology without having a relevant undergraduate degree?
  18. All students applying for the MA in Translation studies are normally expected to have a background in a language-related discipline or relevant work experience. An undergraduate degree is usually a requirement to be accepted onto either of the Masters programmes; however, applications may be considered subject to the discretion of the Programme Chair, usually following an interview and/or a test.

    If you do not have an undergraduate degree in a language, you should have excellent knowledge of a relevant language. Unless you have demonstrable evidence of the relevant knowledge we may ask you to attend an interview and do a test to assess your language ability and level.

    Students applying for the MSc in Translation Technology are expected to have a strong interest in technologies and their applications in translation but formal technology qualifications are not essential.

  19. What is the difference between MA in Translation Studies and the MSc in Translation Technology?
  20. The MA in Translation Studies offers language combinations limited to one or two languages of: Irish, French, German, Spanish or Japanese aside from English. Please note that the Irish stream may not be offered every year. All translation practice is conducted into English. Therefore students, who do not have these languages, are not eligible for the MA in Translation Studies.

    The MSc in Translation Technology is suitable for students whose language combination is not offered on the MA in Translation Studies, and who have a strong interest in technologies and their applications in translation.

    Please see FAQ No. 13 for details on course modules.

  21. Do any modules overlap between the MA in Translation Studies and the MSc in Translation Technology?
  22. Yes, there is an overlap with modules. However, the MSc in Translation Technology is focused more towards technology-oriented subjects and you do not have to take any language-specific translation practice module unlike the MA programme.

  23. How do I find out about course content?
  24. You will find the information under the Structure tab on the MA in Translation Studies page and on the MSc in Translation Technology page.

  25. What are the core modules for the MA in Translation Studies and the MSc in Translation Technology?
  26. The table below outlines the modules offered on the MA in Translation Studies and the MSc in Translation Technology (please note these may be subject to change):

    MA in Translation Studies MSc in Translation Technology
    Core Modules Core Modules
    Translation Theory Translation Theory
    Research Methods Research Methods
    Translation Technology Translation Technology
    Computerised Terminology Computerised Terminology
    Mandatory Optional Module(s) Localisation
    Language-specific Translation Practice modules in opted language(s) Audiovisual Translation
    Corpus Linguistics for Translators
    Mandatory Module
    Introduction to Computer Programming
    Optional Modules Optional Modules
    Corpus Linguistics for Translators Translation as a Profession
    Audiovisual Translation Language-specific Translation Practice modules in French, German, Spanish or Japanese
    Localisation
    Translation as a Profession
  27. How do I find out about module choice?
  28. Module choices will be explained in detail at the programme-specific Induction Session usually planned a week before the start of the course in September of the given year. Students are able to change their module options until a specified time after the start of the course.

  29. Can I study two language pairs with the MA Translation Studies?
  30. Yes, you have the choice of studying one or two language-pairs with English as the target language regardless of your mother tongue. If you decide to study two language-pairs (e.g. French-English and German-English), you would study one language-pair in semester one, and the second language-pair in semester two within the translation practice modules.

  31. What tools are covered on the MSc Translation Technology?
  32. Students are given the opportunity to use a variety of Computer-aided Translation (CAT) tools, including Translation Memory, localisation tools and online Machine Translation as well as key applications used for corpus analysis and subtitling.

  33. Is the MA in Translation Studies or MSc in Translation Technology offered in part-time mode?
  34. No, both these programmes are available in full-time mode only. The School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies offers the part-time postgraduate degree Graduate Diploma in Applied Language and Intercultural Studies with which the student can specialise in translation.

  35. Is the MA in Translation Studies or MSc in Translation Technology offered in e-learning mode?
  36. No.

Application Process

  1. Is there a closing date for applications?
  2. The closing date for applications to both programmes is 9 September 2011 for EU applicants and 15 July 2011 for non-EU applicants. Please refer to the MA in Translation Studies page and the MSc in Translation Technology page and click on How to apply to find out more information about application deadlines.

  3. Do I have to apply to PAC (Postgraduate Applications Centre) and to DCU separately?
  4. No, all applications are centralised and you should apply only through PAC.

  5. What documents should I include in my application?
  6. Please refer to How to Apply and also www.pac.ie.

  7. Should I include references in my application (send to them to DCU or PAC)?
  8. Yes, you should send references and any relevant supporting documentation to PAC. Do not send them to DCU.

  9. What information should the personal statement contain and what length should it be?
  10. The personal statement can be used to explain the motivation for applying for the programme with any relevant information which will indicate your commitment and thus strengthen the application. Please indicate if you wish to pursue one-language or two-language track and in which language(s). It should normally be no longer than one A4 page.

  11. I am a non-EU student. How do I apply for the course?
  12. Non-EU Applicantsmay apply online through the Postgraduate Application Centre (PAC) by 15th July 2011. Applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of gaining entry into Ireland are advised to apply for their visa as early as possible.

    Applications will normally be considered within three weeks of receipt by DCU of the full application where all required documentation is supplied.

    When applying online for M.A. in Translation Studies use PAC code DC615.
    When applying online for M.Sc. in Translation Technology use PAC code DC700.
    Queries on completed applications to be emailed to registry.pac@dcu.ie

  13. I am a non-native speaker of English. What is the application procedure?
  14. For non-native speakers of English, in addition to applying through the PAC system, you must also provide evidence of competence in the English language. Please refer to the procedure outlined by Registry.

  15. How much are the fees for MA Translation Studies and MSc Translation Technology?
  16. Please refer to Fee information for the most up to date information. In addition to this information, you can send an email to fees@dcu.ie with any further queries related to fees.

  17. Are scholarships offered to students who apply for this course?
  18. There are no specific scholarships offered to students for these Masters courses. However, both these programmes are currently supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) under their Graduate Skills Conversion Programme, resulting in a substantially reduced fee for European Union citizens. Please refer to Fees section for further information.

After Applying

  1. What happens after submitting the application?
  2. The University checks the application to ensure that the entry requirements are met. Once verified, it goes to the programme Chair for consideration. The length of time it takes depends on the number of applications to be processed. Candidates may be called in for an interview and/or translation tests as appropriate.

  3. Are the courses filled up on a first-come first-served basis?
  4. All applications meeting the entry requirements are considered as long as the applications are received by the closing date. If there are more eligible applicants than places, then places are allocated on the basis of merit.

  5. If I am called for a language interview, when will this interview take place?
  6. Interviews will usually take place any time between May and September of the year of proposed entry.

  7. How many places are available on the MA in Translation Studies and the MSc in Translation Technology?
  8. These numbers can vary from year to year but are typically in the range of 30 - 40 places. In some years this number may be in excess of 40. All decisions on places available are at the discretion of the DCU and SALIS.