Introduction

This course is designed for practising translators, teachers and academics interested in Translation as an area of study. The central philosophy behind the programme is that you, as a translator, teacher or academic, should be able to apply the linguistic concepts and theories of translation which you encounter during your course of study to your own situation as a professional of the area. With this in mind, we have written a set of interactive course materials to be completed in part-time, self-study mode over a minimum period of 30 months, and a maximum of five years.

Following a Masters Course at a distance has many advantages, not least that it allows you the flexibility to study when you wish and at times when you feel at your best. If you follow a traditional MA course there are classes at set times and you know that you have to prepare for them and attend at fixed times, but, even if you are ill, the class goes on without you and is irrecoverable. As a Distance MA student you choose when to study and thus, if you are ill one day, you miss nothing, because you can catch up the next day. However, this very advantage can become a disadvantage, because distance study does demand a greater amount of self-discipline; you will be the only person who knows how much time you are devoting to the course and whether you are keeping up on a weekly basis or slipping behind.

Course tutors

Five members of academic staff work on the Distance MA programme in Translation Studies:

• Dr Nicholas Groom (Coordinator)
• Dr Carmen Rosa Caldas-Coulthard
• Dr Jeannette Littlemore
• Dr Gabriela Saldanha
• Dr Crayton Walker

Programme aims

The long term goals of the course are to enable you to develop a knowledge and understanding of linguistic theory, in particular as it relates to the practice of translation theory and to improve your skills in the area. The notion of critical awareness is fundamental, and for this reason, much of your work on this programme will involve looking at how languages work, and at how the translator should be conscious of linguistic and cultural difference.

The programme aims can be summarised as follows:

• to develop a knowledge and understanding of linguistic theory, in particular in relation to lexis, grammar and discourse as it relates to the practice of translation;
• to develop critical awareness of how languages work and are different from each other;
• to develop a knowledge of translation theories and of current translation practices;
• to introduce new technologies that aid the translation process;
• to understand issues relating to the politics of translation and issues of translation and culture;
• to improve expertise in translation.

More specific statements at the level of objectives are given in the course descriptions.