Translation Science and Technology (M.A.)

The M.A. programme focuses particularly on new methodologies in language technology and on empirical research. Graduates are well qualified for modern work processes involving multilingual communication. In addition, students on the programme receive intensive training in the research methods currently used in empirical language and translation science.

Two other key aspects of the M.A. programme are interdisciplinarity and a strong emphasis on practical applications. General linguistics, corpus linguistics and computer linguistics are all part of the course, as are compulsory modules covering career-related issues and the option of writing the final-year thesis in an external company, institution or organization. A voluntary supplementary examination also provides students with the option of sharpening their own personal skills and professional profile.

Areas of employment for graduates include translation agencies, globally active language service providers, industrial companies, government agencies and public authorities. There is also a high demand for skilled translators in large international organizations and the European Union.

Learn more about the programme (YouTube video)

Testimonials from master students

Possible language combinations

The following language combinations can be chosen in the Master's programme:

• A language (= native speaker competence) as the basic or source language: German
• B language (= very good active and passive competence in the foreign language, cultural and translational competence): English (BI) and/or a Romance language (BII) (French, Italian, Spanish)

Programme content

The study programme comprises a more theoretical-methodological stage (stage 1) and a stage that focuses on developing translational competence (stage 2). In addition to acquiring specialist knowledge in the relevant academic disciplines (translatology, linguistics), students also acquire knowledge and skills regarding the technology now being used in both these fields.

Stage 1 (42 ECTS credits for two B languages, 57 credits for one B language)

In the theoretical-methodological stage, students address questions in the following areas:

• Fundamental questions and methods of language science and translation studies
• Applications of language technology
• Annotation and programming
• Empirical methods of language science and translation studies
• Translation technologies
• Translation and content management
• Advanced corpus-based and experimental methods, including relevant statistical methods

Stage 2 (48 +6 ECTS credits for two B languages, 33 +6 credits for one B language)

The part of the programme designed to develop translation skills covers areas such as:

• Text production, translation and evaluation in situational and cultural contexts
• Technical and professional communication, knowledge management, terminology science and terminology management
• Mandatory electives: Multilingual oral communication or, alternatively, one other module taught by the department
• Translation and mediality

Master's thesis and associated research methodology course (21 credits and 3 credits)

The Master’s thesis is accompanied by a course in which students receive methodological assistance in designing their research project.

Optional additional examination

Students may also acquire an additional qualification by taking a voluntary examination in an additional foreign language. For further details, please refer to Section 39 of the subject-specific regulations.

The M.A. programme 'Translation Science and Technology' is also available as an international double degree programme in cooperation with the Universidad de Alicante (Spain) or the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Italy). For information on formal requirements and the partner universities, please visit our double degree webpage.

Admission requirements are:

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent university qualification.
• Proof of proficiency in your B language(s): either a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject or a certificate of proficiency at C1 level.
• If an applicant who does not have a German higher education entrance qualification and who has completed a degree in which German was not the language of instruction is able to demonstrate C2 proficiency in their chosen B language or in one of their chosen B languages, it is sufficient for them to have C1 proficiency in the A language.

Accepted language certificates are for example the following:

• German: DSH, PNDS, TestDaF, Goethe certificates
• English: Cambridge, EILTS, TOEFL, TOEIC
• French: DALF
• Spanish: DELE, SIELE
• Italian: CILS, AIL

For questions, please contact p-sek-arts(at)lst.uni-saarland.de.

Detailed information regarding admissions requirements can be found in Section 35 of the subject-specific regulations.

Regulations 2024

• Study regulations, preliminary version
• Examination regulations
• Subjects-specific provisions, preliminary version
• Decision on the urgent competence decision of  22.06.2023 (language certificate)

Regulations 2021

• Study regulations
• Examination regulations
• Subject-specific provisions
• Decision on the urgent competence decision of  22.06.2023 (language certificate)

Regulations 2016

• Study regulations
• Examination regulations
• Subject-specific provisions

Programme content 2020

• Study guide (only one B-language)
• Study guide (two B-languages)
• Module descriptions (only one B-language)
• Module descriptions (two B-languages)

(Regulations available in German only.)