Information for
Quick links
Faculties
Practice-oriented translator training
Our innovative and admission-free Master's programme in Translation Science and Technology is designed to align with the latest developments in language digitalization and the resulting applications in language processing through Artificial Intelligence. Current requirements in professional practice also play a significant role in the curriculum. The programme focuses on the most recent findings and methods in language technology and empirical research. You will be equipped for modern and future-oriented processes in multilingual communication and for research content and methods in applied language and translation studies.
Good to know: The ideal route to a Master's degree is via our BA Language Science course, but it is also possible with other qualifying Bachelor's degrees. The Master's course can also be completed in just one B language (English).
Let's go international: The Master's course can also be completed as a double degree in Italy, Spain or France (in German).
Master's degree program "Translation Science and Technology" is part of the EU network EMT
In June 2024, the Master's degree program "Translation Science and Technology" was accepted into the renowned EU network European Master's in Translation (EMT). Membership of the EMT network is a quality mark for Master's degree programs in the field of translation, as the European Commission's Directorate-General for Translation only awards this label to university programs that meet jointly agreed professional standards and market requirements. The inclusion of the Master's in Translation Science and Technology in the EU EMT network is therefore proof that this Master's program keeps pace with the times and reflects current technological developments in the field of translation in a timely manner. As an EMT member, the Master's program will cooperate closely with the Directorate-General for Translation. This includes, among other things, the possibility for students to complete short-term internships at this institution.
Facts about the MA programme Translation Science and Technology
- Duration of the MA programme: 4 semesters
- Degree: Master of Arts
- Teaching languages: German; partly English, French, Italian and Spanish
- Admission restrictions: None
- Tuition and fees: None, only semester fee (incl. Semesterticket Germany for public transport)
- Start: Fall semester (October)
- Enrollment deadline: Beginning of June until late September
- German language skills: at least CEFR: C1
- Foreign language skills: CEFR: C1
- Foreign languages: English (mandatory), French, Italian, Spanish (one out of three)
- Basic language: German
Questions?
Studienfachberatung (Student advisory service)
Nina Recktenwald
Tel.: 0681 302 2508
p-sek-arts(at)lst.uni-saarland.de
Zentrale Studienberatung (Central student advisory service)
Campus Saarbrücken
Campus Center, Geb. A4 4, EG
Tel.: 0681 302 3513
studienberatung(at)uni-saarland.de
www.uni-saarland.de/studienberatung
Prospects
The demand for professional translators and language experts is steadily increasing worldwide, especially due to the significant advancements in machine translation. Individuals who can engage with language, translation, and language technology professionally and on a scientific basis are always in high demand!
Graduates have a wide range of career opportunities available to them: potential employers include globally operating language services, industrial conglomerates, and government agencies. Large international organizations and the European Union have a substantial need for competent translators with digital expertise. Another attractive option is pursuing a self-employed career as a freelancer. Opportunities in the application and development of language services and project management are just as open to you as an academic career in research, starting with a Ph.D. The new and highly qualified Master's program in "Linguistics and Language Technology" at the University of Saarland offers the study and application of a unique integration of career-focused and promising modules for the translator profession of the future.
FAQ
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent higher education degree
- Alternative I with 2 B-languages:
- A-language German (C2)
- Mandatory BI-language English (C1)
- BII optionally French, Spanish, Italian (C1)
- German proficiency at level C1 for students with foreign higher education degrees; one of the B-languages must be at level C2
- Alternative II with only 1 B-language (English)
- Basically, excellent active and passive foreign language skills, as well as cultural and translational competence are required for the B-languages.
Find explanations of the language proficiency levels according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
"
The study program starts each winter semester (October). Find general information on the application and enrollment process here.
MA: 4 Semester (120 CP)
No, a stay abroad is not a mandatory part of the program, but it is highly recommended. A great opportunity for a study abroad experience is provided by the ERASMUS+ program of the European Union. The ERASMUS office of our department (Language Science and Language Technology) is available to advise and support you. Here, you can find partner universities of our department for studying and internships.
For further information, please contact the International Office of the university. You can also inquire about partnerships between Saarland University and foreign universities there.
You can find more specific details on the official University website for the MA Translation Science and Technology.
Dream job: Translator and Language Expert
Job Security
The quantity of translations is steadily increasing. Translators play a central role in international communication (think globalization). They work 'at the cutting edge,' and as specialized translators, they stay up-to-date with the latest technological developments.
Freelance Work
Our graduates have the choice between freelance work or regular employment. As a freelancer, they determine what and how much you work; they are, in a sense, their 'own boss.' Starting out requires minimal initial investments, such as a computer with internet access and some specific software. Regarding time management, they have the flexibility of choosing your workplace, and even relocating would be easily possible. Freelancers can balance their career and family life very effectively.
Regular Employment
Graduates of our programs are in high demand at large government agencies, government institutions, international organizations, as well as in the industry, in major corporations, and companies.
Beyond the Translator's Desk
With a Master's degree in Translation Science and Technology, you also have the opportunity to enter many other professional fields as a competent specialist:
- as a translator / a tecnical translator for various topics
- as a terminologist
- as a project manager (not only in translation),
- as a (specialized) journalist,
- as a language service provider in the media landscape (print media, television, and radio)
- as a developer in the field of speech recognition and speech output
- as an editor and proofreader
- as a film subtitler
- as a translator in the gaming industry
The possibilities for establishing yourself in the job market with this innovative Master's degree are incredibly diverse. Let yourself be inspired by the combination of translation, project management, subtitling, corpus linguistics, and classical linguistics. The world is your oyster!
Let yourself be convinced by the testimonials of our graduates!
For organizational and formal questions, please contact the department´s Student Advisory Service. For content-related questions regarding the study programs, please reach out to the individual Language Departments.
You can also find concise information about the Bachelor's program Language Science in the commented 5-minute video presentation on the YouTube channel of the Department of Language Science and Technology.