In recent years, the simultaneous interpretation profession has become more attractive. What is simultaneous interpretation? Which universities in the UK are the best in simultaneous interpretation? How do I apply for this profession?
What is Simultaneous Interpretation?
Firstly, translation is a generalisation of any form of linguistic transformation of information. There are two types: written translation and oral translation (interpretation).
Secondly, interpreting has two types: simultaneous interpreting and consecutive interpreting. The difference between the two is that simultaneous interpreting is a type of translation in which the simultaneous interpreter interprets the content to the listener without interrupting the speaker’s speech using specialised equipment. On the other hand, consecutive interpreting means waiting for the speaker to finish his speech and then interpreting orally alone, which takes longer than simultaneous interpreting.
So, in fact, simultaneous interpreting is only a part of interpreting study. As far as I know, all UK universities that offer simultaneous interpreting teach consecutive interpreting. Therefore, this profession is always interpreting, not just simultaneous or consecutive interpreting.
What are the Career Prospects for Interpreters?
Simultaneous interpretation has developed into the most commonly used mode of conference interpretation. At present, almost all official international multilingual conferences and international organisations use simultaneous interpretation as the standard mode of interpretation.
Consecutive interpreting, on the other hand, is for occasions that are smaller in scale and involve only two working languages. For example, diplomatic meetings, bilateral negotiations, study tours, small consultations, interviews with journalists, judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings, banquet speeches, press conferences, and some small seminars.
Graduates of the programme can either work as freelance translators, directly undertaking all kinds of simultaneous interpreting tasks or join companies and work as full-time translators.
What are the universities in the UK that offer interpreting?
University of Bath
The University of Bath has a long history and is as one of the world’s top three colleges of advanced translation. It has been offering translation programmes for nearly 30 years. It was one of the first schools in Europe to provide a translation programme. Over the years, it has produced numerous translation specialists and is one of the leading universities in the field of translation.
Programme: MA in Interpreting and Translating
The University of Bath greatly emphasises the practical aspects of translation and interpreting. Courses are practical and not purely theoretical. Students have the opportunity to observe United Nations conferences in Europe. The University of Bath also invites renowned translators and interpreters to lecture and talk. Classes are small. With such strength, the entrance requirements are, of course, relatively high.
Newcastle University
The University of Newcastle is home to some of the world’s leading teachers. Its overall specialisms and teaching staff are as strong as those at the University of Bath. Students can choose from the following four areas according to their expertise and interests: MA Translating, MA Interpreting, MA Translating & Interpreting, or MA Translation Studies.
Majors offered:
1) Translating and Interpreting MA
2) Interpreting MA
3) Translating MA
4) Translation Studies MA
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a comprehensive university with many departments and faculties. It is one of the most famous and popular universities in the UK and one of the UK’s leading red-brick universities. It has a tradition of innovation as a leading idea in teaching and academic research.
The University’s School of Translation and Intercultural Studies launched its MA programme in Translation in 1995. Since 2007, the programme has incorporated training courses in interpreting, evolving into the current MA in Translation and Interpreting. It has grown to become one of the UK’s leading institutions in translation and interpreting.
Programme: Translation and Interpreting Studies MA
University of Leeds
As a world-renowned university, the University of Leeds is currently one of the largest universities in the UK and one of the most prestigious in the country. The University of Leeds is recognised worldwide for its research achievements and is one of the 10 best research universities in the UK. The Centre for Translation Studies, part of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Leeds, is renowned worldwide.
The Centre for Translation Studies is actively involved in two projects funded by the European Union’s Leonardo Project. It also provides state-of-the-art translation resources and training for students of the programme. The university’s aim is to train qualified translation professionals, and it is hoped that the knowledge gained by students will help them in their future careers.
Majors offered:
1) Applied Translation Studies MA
2) Translation Studies and Interpreting MA
3) Conference Interpreting and Translation Studies MA
4) Interpreting: British Sign Language-English MA
5) Screen Translation Studies MA
University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is not well known for its translation and interpreting programmes. However, its Translation Centre has existed for over 20 years since 1985. It provides translation and interpretation between more than ten languages. The university arranges translation courses that combine theory and practice intending to train professional translators. The textbooks are highly specialised, and students can also train as translators for business, finance, science, and technology.
Since 1985, the Translation Centre has offered graduates the opportunity to find employment in the UK and worldwide. The university’s teachers are highly experienced and have the expertise to teach both practical and academic skills. What stands out is the university’s distinctive translation programmes, which highlight different types of specialisms. These include business, audiovisual, technical expertise or public service, which is not common in other universities.
Courses offered:
1) Business Translation with Interpreting MA
2) Translation MA
3) Audiovisual Translation MA
4) Specialist Translation and Translation Technology MA
5) Monolingual Subtitling and Audio Description MA
University of Warwick
The University of Warwick was granted a Royal Charter in 1965 and is a renowned British university. Ranked among the top ten famous British institutions, the University of Warwick has been a leading research university in the UK for many years. Domestic students are very much in favour of this school, and many majors are really super strong.
The University of Warwick does not offer interpreting majors, and its translation master’s degree programme focuses on the study of cultural differences and translation skills. It emphasises the application of the language of translation and the links between different cultures. Students can choose two out of more than ten subjects for in-depth practice, such as translating theatre, children’s literature and religious culture.
Majors offered:
1) MA in Translation Studies
2) MA in Translation, Media and Cultural Transfer
3) MA in Translation, Writing and Cultural Difference
University of Nottingham
Features of the programme at the University of Nottingham: It is centred around the theory and practice of translation, and is tailored to the characteristics of Chinese and English languages and cultures. Training in interpreting and translation using the technical tools of translation.
Majors offered:
1) Chinese/English Translation & Interpreting
2) Translation Studies -MA
3) Literatures in English Translation
University of Essex
Majors offered:
1) MA Chinese-English Translation and Interpreting
2) MA Translation and Literature
3) MA Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling
University of Westminster
Majors offered:
1) Translation and Interpreting MA
2) Interpreting MA
3) Bilingual Translation MA
4) Technical and Specialised Translation MA
What are the entry requirements for an MA in Interpreting in the UK?
Interpreting majors have no requirements for an undergraduate degree and do not require a hard English primary background; any major can apply. Howerer, the universities appearing here basically require an undergraduate degree with an average score of 70% or above.
For a instance, the University of Bath, have mandatory requirements on whether the undergraduate degree is from a TOP school. Please refer to the official website of each school for IELTS requirements.
How to apply for Interpreting in the UK?
The first: submitting materials
This step is the same as applying for other majors. Go to the school’s official website to register for the application. And then according to the school’s requirements submit their undergraduate transcripts (juniors to provide the first three years; graduates should submit a diploma), IELTS scores, a PS, two letters of recommendation submitted to the school. Some schools will charge an application fee. For example, the University of Bath will charge a £50 application fee before processing the materials.
Second level: Translation test
The school processes the documents. If you successfully enter the next level, the school will send translation test questions to examine the applicant’s basic skills in translation (only Newcastle does not have this link in the UK interpreting schools; directly let the interview). The requirements for this test vary slightly from school to school; for example, the University of Bath’s test consists of two translations and two interpretations, which must be completed within 48 hours—the University of Leeds tests applicants in the form of a generalisation. The University of Westminster gives ten days to complete the given translation test questions. After submitting the translation test questions, applicants are asked to wait patiently for the interview notification.
Interview
If you have received the interview notice, then congratulations. You have already had the chance to communicate directly with the interpreting lecturers of the UK schools! I take the interview process of the University of Bath and Newcastle University as an example. Interview time is about 30-40 minutes, all in English, including self-introduction and impromptu speeches. Newcastle gave the topic after the time to prepare; Bath gave the topic directly after the start, with visual interpretation and improvisation questions and answers. Self-introduction is to highlight your characteristics.
An impromptu speech covers many topics and usually lasts three to five minutes. Sight translation is the main event. The interviewer will give two articles, one in Chinese and one in English. The interviewer will provide two articles, one in Chinese and one in English, and let the applicant do a trial translation of one or more of the paragraphs, basically starting as soon as he/she gets it. Finally is free chat, where the interviewer and the applicant are free to communicate. This link is, relatively speaking, the most relaxed.
If all three pass, then congratulations, one step closer to simultaneous interpretation.
How to take a course in interpreting at a UK university
What are the interpreting courses like at the University of Bath?
This aspect is not quite the same from one school to another, so today, I’d like to introduce you to the format of classes at the University of Bath:
Firstly, let’s take a look at what courses are included:
Consecutive interpreting (compulsory throughout the year)
Simultaneous interpreting (compulsory throughout the year)
Liaison/Public service interpreting (compulsory throughout the year)
Public speaking (first-semester elective)
Professional Translation I (first semester elective)
Professional translation II (second-semester elective)
Using technology in the T & I industry (second-semester elective)
Dissertation: 15,000 words, annotated translation or project
Interpreting Programme at the University of Bath
Bath is a school that focuses more on translation practice. Simultaneous and consecutive interpreting are the most important, and the teachers will take the students to begin, improve and refine step by step. PSI is mainly aimed at social service interpreting in countries with a lot of immigrants, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, where there are usually courtrooms, police stations, hospitals, immigration offices, social security centres, and so on. So, it means that students must work hard to master a lot of professional terminology. A MINI-Conference, which is a speciality of the University of Bath, has to be mentioned.
In the curriculum of the University of Bath, it is obvious that the proportion of translation and translation theory is not very large. Because the core of the course is practice, the teachers are also very up-to-date. Almost every lesson is based on material they have worked on before. Moreover, students basically have the opportunity to go to the United Nations or the European Union for internship.
Other interpreting colleges may have a slightly different curriculum than Bath. However, in terms of interpreting exercises and practice, there is not much difference in the way any institution teaches.
FAQ
While not all UK universities may have in-house interpreting services, most will facilitate access to such services as required, either through a dedicated Disability Services team or via external agencies.
Becoming an interpreter typically requires fluency in at least two languages, training in interpreting, and gaining experience in the field. Many interpreters also hold specific certifications or degrees in interpreting or a related field.
Interprer can help businesses to break down language barriers, enabling them to communicate effectively with clients and partners worldwide. It is also a valuable tool for international conferences and meetings, facilitating real-time translation for participants.
