MA in Linguistics - Translation

Leiden University

The specialisation Translation of the master's in Linguistics at Leiden University is best characterised by linguistic and cultural mediation.

Linguistic and cultural mediators

Language and culture cannot be separated. Interpreters and translators are linguistic and cultural mediators, whether they are translating a notarial document for a foreigner, subtitling an episode of Game of Thrones, or translating the latest novel by Nicci French.

Why study Translation at Leiden University?

You will learn how to translate from English to Dutch and vice versa. At Leiden, we believe there is as much demand for translators from Dutch to English, so we teach translation “both ways”. You will also acquire the skills to translate texts on a wide variety of topics, with a focus on one of three fascinating areas of specialised translation: legal, literary or Multimedia translation. At the end of your studies, you will earn a qualification that will give you entry to the national register of sworn interpreters and translators.

Career prospects

Create a world of opportunities with a master's degree from Leiden University.

What our graduates do

As a graduate of the MA Translation, you will have access to a wide range of jobs and you may enter the national register of sworn interpreters and translators. The master’s programme in Translation is now also a member of the prestigious European Masters in Translation (EMT) Network, an initiative of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Translation. Our graduates will now have even greater access to the international translation profession.

According to our survey, our graduates have gone on to pursue successful careers in a range of professions. Examples include:

• Project manager for subtitling at a translation agency
• Freelance interpreter and legal translator
• Documentation officer at a software company
• Technical translator at a translation agency
• Translator at a software and consultancy firm
• English teacher at a secondary school
• Communications officer at a consultancy firm
• PhD candidate at a European university

Your qualifications

Your communicative and practical competences, your translation skills, and your editorial talents, will put you in demand. As a graduate of a research master's programme you are qualified to work as a junior academic researcher within an institute or company, or carry out PhD research.

Teacher qualification

If you are interested in a career in teaching, you can apply for the Dutch-taught teacher-training MA at the ICLON Graduate School of Education after graduating from the master’s programme. To be admitted, you need to have a master’s degree in the relevant discipline. Fluency in Dutch is mandatory, and additional entry requirements may apply.