Focusing on translation and interpreting between two of the world’s major languages, Chinese and English, this exciting master programme provides well-balanced practical training in translation and interpreting in different modes across a wide range of topics such as literature, science, business, law and medicine./p>
Through this master’s programme, you will gain hands-on skills in practical translation and interpreting, covering different modes (written translation, sight translation, simultaneous, consecutive and public service interpreting) and across subject areas. You will explore major theoretical approaches and core methodologies in translation and interpreting as well as acquire useful transferrable skills (e.g. public speaking, intercultural communication, academic writing, active listening, critical thinking and analytical skills) for a successful career in translation and interpreting and beyond.
You will be able to draw on the interdisciplinary expertise of staff members from the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film and its strong links with the Liverpool Confucius Institute.
This master’s programme is designed for graduates and professionals from a variety of humanities and social sciences backgrounds who speak Chinese as a first or second language, who are seeking to specialise in a subject area where they can develop transferrable skills which are valuable to a wide range of industries in an increasingly global world.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
The modules cover significant theoretical elements concerning major trends, themes and methodological approaches in translation and interpreting, as well as essential practical elements that equip you with hands-on translation and interpreting skills.
The practice-oriented modules span across a variety of modes and specialised text genres and topics.
The modules will prepare you for your individual final project.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| THEORIES AND APPROACHES IN TRANSLATION STUDIES (MODL511) | 15 |
| PRACTICAL TRANSLATION (CHIN512) | 15 |
| LIAISON INTERPRETING AND CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETING (CHIN513) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The modules cover significant theoretical elements concerning major trends, themes and methodological approaches in translation and interpreting, as well as essential practical elements that equip you with hands-on translation and interpreting skills.
The practice-oriented modules span across a variety of modes and specialised text genres and topics.
The modules will prepare you for your individual final project.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The Final Project will be taken over the summer vacation period.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| FINAL PROJECT (MODL507) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching for this course is dependent on two key areas, theory and practice, and will be varied in ways that reflect the skills that graduates following this career path will need to succeed. As well as regular lectures, seminars, workshops, practical language lab sessions and one-to-one supervision of varying class sizes, practical modules employ authentic real-world materials and use of relevant digital technology in line with industry best practice.
There is also supervised elements of the course, including the feasibility study and final project.
In addition, this course will be supported with other specialist library resources and one-off workshops which utilise tools and facilities such as language labs, enabling directed study and independent theory and practical learning.
Assessment in this course will be varied, and focus on both written and oral assignments. These include essays, written translations, oral interpreting examinations, conference-style presentations, a project proposal and an annotated bibliography.
These varied assessments are designed to assess all areas of this course, from theory and practice, different modes, to knowledge of specialised themes and topics.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
The Department of Languages, Cultures and Film is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, with departments steeped in history and disciplines which have been taught for over a century. You will join a lively community with colleagues from all disciplines collaborating through institutional research groups and forums.
Dr Aiquing Wang, Programme Lead and Professor Anna Saunders, Head of Department for Languages, Cultures and Film discuss the opportunities that the MA in Chinese-English Translation and Interpreting offers to students.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
My course has helped me gain real-world experience. I’ve translated subtitles for videos on the University of Liverpool’s website and worked on translation projects for the University’s museum.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
This course prepares graduates to pursue a successful career as translation and interpreting trainers or language teaching professionals in the education sector. This MA also helps prepare students wishing to conduct postgraduate research (e.g. PhD) in translation and interpreting studies.
After MA level study, students may also choose to sit professional qualification and certification examinations, for example, with the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) and the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) and join professional organisations, bodies and networks in translation and interpreting (e.g. ITI, NWTN, IATIS, ETS).
Some common career pathways include translating and interpreting in industries such as publishing, media, film and localisation, in the commercial and business sectors, in the field of public service (e.g. schools, hospitals and police stations), or on a freelance basis.
The transferrable skills students will develop are also valuable for careers in fields such as:
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £12,500
Part-time place, per year - £6,250
Full-time place, per year - £28,000
Part-time place, per year - £14,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
If you've graduated with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, and you've accepted a place on a master's course, you could be entitled to a £10,000 contribution towards your tuition fees. Please note your master's can be in a range of subject areas, and is not restricted to Chemistry. This award is available to one student per academic year who's considered to be from a widening participation background.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree can be in any subject discipline relevant to the proposed field of research. Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered. Chinese as a first or second language is also required for this course. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MA, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience, living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Programme Lead: Dr Ting Guo
Last updated 5 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions