(Full time) 2019 start
Conference Interpreting PGDip
Overview
Develop high-level interpreting and translation skills on this challenging course, where you’ll use state-of-the-art technology to gain the knowledge base and practical skills to succeed in the language services industry.
You’ll gain essential skills in interpreting, analysis, active listening and note-taking, then build on this foundation by practising specialised consecutive and simultaneous interpreting in our conference interpreting facilities. You can also choose from optional modules informed by the leading research of our staff such as genre analysis, corpus linguistics, computer-assisted translation and machine translation.
As a programme included in the AIIC Interpreting Schools & Programmes Directory, the Leeds interpreting programme follows best practices that are recommended by AIIC (the International Association of Conference Interpreters). The University of Leeds is also a partner university of the Directorate-Generale for Interpretation of both the European Parliament and the European Commission. We enjoy close ties with international organisations including the UN.
Centre for Translation Studies
We have excellent facilities and resources to support your studies. Our conference interpreting facilities are equipped with single and double interpreter booths, and a video link to practise remote interpreting. The Electronic Resources and Information Centre (ERIC) will be the centre of your translation work, complete with 59 high-spec PCs and a wide range of specialist software for translation and subtitling.
The Centre for Translation Studies benefits from close links with organisations such as the Institute for Translation and Interpreting as well as the EU and UN (in Geneva and Vienna). This programme is regulated by a Memorandum of Understanding between the University and the Directorate General for Interpretation and Conferences of the European Parliament – a testament to our success in training conference interpreters.
It’s a great opportunity to prepare for a career in the language services industry in a city that’s full of cultural and linguistic diversity.
Course content
As a distinctive professional interpreter programme well-known for its long history and fine tradition, this programme will provide language specialists, from the UK and abroad, who meet the entry requirements and pass the aptitude tests, with conference interpreting training in both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills and in acquiring subject matter knowledge of a wide range areas such as international affairs, politics, international business and science and technology.
The intensive professional training will enable students to develop professional interpreting competence that are highly valued in major international, governmental and non-governmental organisations as well as in commerce, diplomacy, industry and the academic world.
It will also provide specialised translation training as well as an introduction to translation theory and research methods. If you’re studying with English and two passive foreign languages (ACC), all your interpreting modules will provide training INTO English. If you’re training with English and a single, active foreign language (AB), you will train to interpret INTO and FROM English. We don’t offer training in any combination of languages that doesn’t include your first language.
Please see our admissions web pages for a list of available language pairs.
The Conference Interpreting programme has two language combination pathways: Conference Interpreting (ACC) and Conference Interpreting (AB). Depending on your language combinations, please specify your pathway in the Application system under Supporting Documentation. Please input your pathway choice in the text box. For example, ‘Conference Interpreting (AB), Chinese/English’, or ‘Conference Interpreting (ACC), English/French/Spanish’.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Interpreting Skills: Consecutive and Simultaneous 15 credits
- Retour Interpreting: Consecutive (AB students only) 15 credits
- Advanced Retour Interpreting: Consecutive and Simultaneous (AB students only) 15 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Simultaneous Interpreting: Portuguese 15 credits
- Simultaneous Interpreting: German 15 credits
- Simultaneous Interpreting: Italian 15 credits
- Simultaneous Interpreting: Spanish 15 credits
- Simultaneous Interpreting: Chinese 15 credits
- Simultaneous Interpreting: French 15 credits
- Consecutive Interpreting - Portuguese 15 credits
- Consecutive Interpreting - German 15 credits
- Consecutive Interpreting - Italian 15 credits
- Consecutive Interpreting - Spanish 15 credits
- Consecutive Interpreting - Chinese 15 credits
- Consecutive Interpreting - French 15 credits
- Advanced Consecutive Interpreting - Portuguese 15 credits
- Advanced Consecutive Interpreting - German 15 credits
- Advanced Consecutive Interpreting - Italian 15 credits
- Advanced Consecutive Interpreting - Spanish 15 credits
- Advanced Consecutive Interpreting - Chinese 15 credits
- Advanced Consecutive Interpreting - French 15 credits
- Translation for International Organisations (English-Arabic) 15 credits
- Methods and Approaches in Translation Studies 30 credits
- Principles and Applications of Machine Translation 15 credits
- Introduction to Screen Translation 15 credits
- Corpus Linguistics for Translators 15 credits
- English for Translators 15 credits
- Rhetoric and Public Speaking 15 credits
- Genres in Translation 15 credits
- International Organisations: Context, Theory and Practice 15 credits
- Literary Translation 15 credits
- Writing for Professional Purposes 15 credits
- Introduction to Translation Technologies and Workflows 15 credits
- Specialised French-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised German-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Italian-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Portuguese-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Russian-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Spanish-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised English-Arabic Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised French-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised German-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised Italian-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised Portuguese-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised Russian-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised Spanish-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised English-Arabic Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised Arabic-English Translation 15 credits
- Specialised English-Chinese Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Arabic-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised English-Chinese Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised English-Japanese Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Chinese-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Japanese-English Translation A 15 credits
- Specialised Chinese-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised Japanese-English Translation B 15 credits
- Specialised English-Japanese Translation B 15 credits
Learning and teaching
Our interpreting trainers are practising professionals with experience of working in international organisations, as well as on the private market. We use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from their expertise including workshops, lectures, seminars, practicals and other supervised practice. Independent study is also an important part of the programme.
Assessment
For interpreting modules, live interpreting performance will be the primary means of assessment. For translation and other modules, you will be assessed using a wide range of methods. Translation tests are an important element, as are essays together with individual and team projects.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (Hons), as well as an excellent command of English and one or more foreign languages. If you don’t have a degree, equivalent experience will be considered.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the Centre for Translation Studies admissions team.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in reading and writing and 7.5 in speaking and listening.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.How to apply
This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Documents and information you'll need
When you have decided which course to apply for you will need to register for a University of Leeds Applicant Portal account to begin your online application. https://application.leeds.ac.uk/sign-up/
You must upload the following supporting documents before we assess your application:
- Official degree certificate(s) and transcript of marks
Applicants who have not yet graduated may provide an enrolment certificate and partial transcript of marks. You should provide copies of your documents in their original language and where this is not English, you must also provide an official translation of these documents. - Evidence of English language proficiency
Ordinarily for non-native English speakers only. See the individual course descriptions for exact requirements.
Please read the instructions in the Supporting Statement section of the Applicant Portal, as you will also be required to submit the following:
- Translation Tests
You must submit a translation for each language combination you wish to study and in each direction you wish to study. Ensure that you sign and complete each declaration form to confirm that the translations are your own work. You may use dictionaries to help you with your translation.
If you require any further information, please contact the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Taught Postgraduate Admissions Office.
Email: lcspg@leeds.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)113 343 0233 or +44 (0)113 343 3234
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy
Fees
- UK/EU: £6,500 (total)
- International: £13,000 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Career opportunities
Postgraduate qualifications from the Centre for Translation Studies are prestigious and respected. They equip you with valuable skills to succeed in a thriving and competitive industry, as well as advanced communication, research, IT and analytical skills.
Graduates from our interpreting programmes are working in some of the world’s leading government bodies, media organisations, NGOs, private companies and international political organisations. These include the BBC, UN, EU, World Bank, World Trade Organization, SAP and translation companies such as thebigword and SDL.
Careers support
We work alongside you to support you in developing and then achieving your career goals. You’ll discuss your customised personal development plan with your personal tutor.
In addition you’ll have the chance to attend our Research and Professionalisation Talks by visiting speakers, many of whom are currently practising translators, interpreters, project managers and subtitlers for some of the world’s largest organisations.