Translation (MA)

Career preparation

Our goal is to prepare you to make a difference in your future career.

Knowledge and skills

Academic rigour is a principle characteristic of every programme at Leiden University. Our graduates share advanced academic skills in the interpretation of texts and the analysis of conceptual problems, and the ability to conduct high-quality scientific research. In class, we encourage every student to participate in discussions with fellow students and lecturers to develop their confidence articulating ideas.

Based on your specialisation, you will graduate with solid knowledge of linguistic theory and develop academic and research skills ranging from data collection, analysis and reporting to applied language skills such as text analysis, translation and editing.

Internships

During your studies you have ample opportunity to gain experience studying, working, or conducting research at an organisation or institution. This experience is highly valued within international organisations. Many of our students choose to do an internship during their study. Internships are a great way to gain invaluable first-hand experience in your area of interest before you decide on making it a career.

In recent years, students from Translation in Theory and Practice (Dutch/English) have participated in internships at:

Leiden University Academic Language Centre
Global Voices
Medilingua
Taalmuseum (Language Museum)
Textwerk
Vertaalbureau.nl
Wilkens C.S.
Europees Parlement
KERN B.V. Vertaal- en Tolkservice
Autoriteit Consument en Markt
Belastingdienst

Humanities Career Service

Our staff can help you identify both the career that is right for you, and the necessary steps to get you there. Our team at Humanities Career Service provide all Leiden University humanities students with professional advice and guidance on everything from internships and career planning to job applications. Humanities Career Service also organises regular workshops on topics such as effective interview skills and creating a successful CV.

Online Career Week

The first Online Career Week was organised in May 2020. Every day there were 2 events that students could sign up for.

For example, there was a Q&A with interns. Three interns working for respectively Philips, the Dutch Mission to the UN, and the World Economic Forum provided the participants with information on their internships, the application processes and working from home. In addition, a live webinar CV writing took place, and students were able to schedule an appointment with a career counselor for personal advice.