Overview

The MA Chinese-English Audiovisual Translation is designed to prepare you for work in the fast-growing audiovisual sector of the language industries. The driver for this industry growth is the ubiquitous availability of video content. Audiovisual translation accounts for up to one third of language services activity both in China and internationally.

The programme focuses on technological competence and building practical skills in a range of audiovisual translation modes. The programme also offers a broader grounding in key concepts and audiovisual industry dynamics. You will build your core skills through compulsory units in translation practice and analysis, CAT tools, and audiovisual translation theory. You can then take options in subjects such as subtitling, videogame localisation, audio description, and advanced CAT tools. You will then complete either a research-based or a practice-based dissertation on a topic related to audiovisual translation.

Tutors include specialists in translation technologies, videogame localisation and subtitling. Bristol is a UNESCO City of Film and film and media culture is very lively here. Bristol is also a hub for game developers and publishers. The training offered by the programme is practical and industry-oriented in nature.

Programme structure

In the first teaching block, units will include three compulsory units:

  • Translation Practice and Analysis I (20 credits)
  • Theories of Translation (20 credits)
  • Computer-Assisted Translation (20 credits)

You will also take a non-credit-bearing Academic Language and Literacy unit.

In the second teaching block, you will take the dissertation unit and three of the following optional units which have previously included CAT Tools 2, Subtitling, Audio Description, Translation Industry, and Games Localisation.

The dissertation can be a practice-based or research-based dissertation but must be on a topic relating to audiovisual translation.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MA Chinese-English Audiovisual Translation.

Entry requirements

For native Chinese speakers, an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in any subject is required.

For non-native Chinese speakers: an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in Chinese Studies (or similar); or completion of a full undergraduate or postgraduate programme at a prestigious Chinese institution.

Non-native Chinese speakers who have not completed a Chinese/Mandarin bachelors may be required to demonstrate proficiency through a translation test.

Non-traditional qualifications/routes may also be considered.

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of significant, relevant work experience;
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£12,700 per year
UK: part-time (two years)
£6,350 per year
Overseas: full-time
£31,300 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

This programme is designed to prepare students for future careers. For example, students may go on to be in-house interns or new hires at post-production or localisation companies, or do freelance work. A number of our students each year consider progressing to doctoral study after their MA. Many of the skills are transferable to other careers such as editing, marketing or social media. Audiovisual translation helps students to learn key attributes such as creativity and close attention to detail.