The University of Bristol’s Masters in Translation (MAT) programme has gained formal Recognition by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) , making it the first translation programme in the world to receive proof of alignment with the UK’s premier professional organisation for languages.
With its decision, CIOL confirms that the MAT’s “professionalism, standing, purpose, values and practices” are in line with those held by the Chartered Institute itself. “We are very pleased to achieve this status,” says Lucas Nunes Vieira, outgoing Director of Translation Studies at the School of Modern Languages. “For our graduates, CIOL Recognition of their programme offers yet another way of underlining their knowledge and skills. We hope that many of them will now take even more pride in their degree.”
Recognition is the first step in the CIOL’s Recognition, Validation and Certification (RVC) Scheme, and preparations are already afoot for the MAT to move up the ladder. “We are now beginning work on Validation,” explains Carol O’Sullivan, the new Head of Subject in Translation at Bristol. “It is really to see the CIOL offering this new opportunity for university programmes to add value to their degrees and thereby support new graduates as they enter the language industries.”
“Bristol is ahead of the curve,” adds Christophe Fricker, the MAT’s incoming Programme Director, “and we want it to stay that way.” He says present and future MAT students are welcome to get in touch with him as well as Carol O’Sullivan if they have questions about the scheme.
The University of Bristol’s Masters in Translation is a long-established distance-learning programme for aspiring or practising translators in French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Students hone their translation skills and develop expertise in translation theory and cutting-edge translation technologies. Graduates work as freelance or in-house translators, translation project managers, language teachers, and language professionals or pursue further academic work at PhD level.
The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) is the pre-eminent UK-based professional membership body for language practitioners. It aims to enhance the recognition and promote the value of languages and language skills in the public interest. Founded in 1910, CIOL has over 7,000 members.