Translation (MA)

Why study Translation at Leiden University?

As a student in the Translation programme, you will become familiar with all aspects of translation. The art of translation is much more than changing words and sentences from one language to another. To master this craft, you will practice the translation of different kinds of texts – from legal contracts to young adult novels and from medical leaflets to Netflix shows.

High quality programme

The Master's in Translation at Leiden University is a member of the prestigious European Master’s in Translation Network. The membership reflects the high quality of our programme and the successful integration of translation research, practice and technology. As a student, you also benefit from the possibility to do an internship at or write your thesis for the translation departments of the European Commission and European Parliament. It is also possible to do an international exchange with other EMT universities via Erasmus+. The opportunities that the Translation programme has to offer turns you into a well rounded professional who is ready to take on the language industry. At the end of your studies, you will earn a qualification that will give you entry to the national register of sworn interpreters and translators.

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Professional translation software

Thanks to our use of professional translation software (including Trados, MemoQ, SPOT and ZooSubs) and our attention to developments in computer-assisted and machine translation (including recent advances in using LLMs like ChatGPT for translation), you will have all the necessary tools in your translator’s toolkit, as well as the ability to use them critically and reflect on their value in a world of increasing globalization and multicultural communication. 

EMT network membership

The MA Translation at Leiden University is a member of the prestigious European Master's in Translation (EMT) Network, an initiative of the European Commission's Directorate General for Translation. Having been awarded this label (for the period 2019-2024 and 2024-2029) reflects the high quality of our programme and the successful integration of translation research, practice and technology. Membership of the Network includes possibilities for internships and theses with the translation departments of the European Commission and European Parliament, as well as international exchanges with other EMT universities via Erasmus+ and improved chances of a career in the European translation industry.

What are your career prospects?

This Master's prepares you to become a professional translator in your chosen domain (legal, literary, medical or multimodal translation) or related professions in the language industry, such as project manager, language consultant, IT-specialist or terminologist. Our graduates work at different types of organisations, such as education, communication and marketing, government and cultural institutions. 

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Is Translation the programme for you?

Do you want to look beyond the words and discover just how fascinating and important translation really is? Then Translation at Leiden University is the right Master's programme for you. Find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme by checking the admission requirements.

Check the admission requirements