School of Languages, Literacies & Translation  |  Main Campus

Coursework


MASTER OF ARTS (TRANSLATION FOR PROFESSIONALS) – [M.A.TfP]

PROGRAM EDUCATION OUTCOME (PEO)

PEO1                              

To produce specialised graduates in the field of translation who wish to pursue a career as professional translators.

PEO2

To produce graduates with relevant knowledge and written and spoken skills in translation and interpretation for different language pairs.

PEO3

To produce graduates who excel at decision-making at both micro and macro levels.

PEO4

To produce graduates who are able to work independently and collaboratively with ethics and professionalism.

PEO5

To produce graduates who are creative, innovative, critical and entrepreneurial with teamwork and leadership qualities at the local and international levels.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOME (PLO) 

Program Learning Outcome (PLO)

MQF's Learning Domain

PLO1 :

Apply theoretical knowledge in translation and interpretation field.

Cluster 1 –

Knowledge and understanding

PLO2 :

Practice translation and interpretation skills appropriately in various modes of professional communication settings.

Cluster 3 (a) –

Practical skills

PLO3 :

Utilise critical and creative thinking skills to identify problems, conduct research and propose solutions to community in academic tasks and professional environments.

Cluster 2 –

Cognitive skills

PLO4 :

Communicate effectively in verbal and written languages through various synchronous and asynchronous medium to establish ideas, convey information and interact across disciplines and levels of society in academic tasks and professional settings.

Cluster 3 (c) -

Communication skills

PLO5 :

Demonstrate social responsibility and teamwork in coordinating tasks with community of different backgrounds, professions, cultures, religions and nations in academic tasks and professional affiliations.

 

Cluster 3 (b) –

Interpersonal skills

Cluster 4(a) –

Personal skills

 

PLO6 :

Demonstrate high level of values, ethics and professionalism in conducting various tasks across communities in academia and professional environments.

Cluster 5 –

Ethics and professionalism

PLO7 :

Show independent learning, intellectual and self-development by demonstrating self-confidence in task completion, social skills and proper etiquette of professionalism at the workplace.

Cluster 4 (a) –

Personal skills

PLO8 :

Apply managerial and entrepreneurial skills in everyday activities and plans by considering various academic and professional scenarios from different perspectives.

 

Cluster 3 (f) –

Leadership, autonomy and responsibility

Cluster 4 (b) - Entrepreneurial skills

 

PLO9 :

Utilise knowledge and understanding of leadership to lead and manage diverse layers of teams in completing academic and professional tasks.

Cluster 3 (f) –

Leadership, autonomy and responsibility

PLO10 :

Utilise skills in information and communication technology (ICT), information management system and lifelong learning in academic and career development.

Cluster 3 (d) –

Digital skills

PLO11 :

Demonstrate the understanding of some extent of quantitative skills relevant to job scope.

Cluster 3 (e) –

Numeracy skills

 

DURATION OF CANDIDATURE

Mode of Study

Duration

Minimum

Maximum

Full Time

(Local & International)

1 year

(2 semesters)

2 years

(4 semesters)

Part Time

(Local)

2 years

(4 semesters)

4 years

(8 semesters)

 

CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

Programme Structure

The Master of Arts (Translation for Professionals) programme students are required to accumulate a total of 40 units obtained from eight (8) core courses and two (2) elective courses to fulfil the University requirements for graduation. 

 

Course Components and Total Credits Required for Graduation

Course

Components

Course

Type

No. of

Courses

Credit

Core Courses

T

8

32

Elective Courses

E

2

8

 Total

 40

 

 CORE COURSES (T)

Students must complete the following EIGHT (8) core courses (40 credits) to fulfil the requirements of the programme for graduation.

Course Code

Course Name

CREDIT

 

LCT501

Approaches to Translation Practice

4

 

LCT502

Culture, Society and Psychology in Translation

4

 

LCT503

Research and Technology for Translation

4

 

LCT504

Translation Practice: Hospitality Texts

4

 

LCT505

Interpreting: Informal Discourse

4

 

LCT506

Business of Translation

2

 

LCT507

Translation Commentary

6

 

LCT508

Interpreting: Formal Discourse

4

 

 

 

Total

32

 

 

ELECTIVE COURSES (E)

Students are required to complete TWO (2) elective courses (8 credits) from the following list of elective courses.

The School may, from time to time, expand and vary the list to offer students the most up-to-date courses and course contents in the translation practice and profession.

Course Code

Course Name

 (choose two)

CREDIT

LCT509

Translation Practice: Scientific and Technical Texts 

4

LCT510

Translation Practice: Media and Communication Texts 

4

LCT511

Translation Practice: Business, Legal and Political Texts 

4

LCT512

Translation Practice: Literary Texts

4

 

Total

(Choose TWO only)

8

 

 STUDENT INTAKE

Student intake for the MA TFP programme is conducted every Semester I and Semester II.

Students who register in Semester II are only allowed to take three courses – LCT501, LCT503 and LCT506.

This means that the students who register in Semester II have to complete their study in 1.5 years (3 semesters).

COURSE SYNOPSES 

LCT501/4

APPROACHES TO TRANSLATION PRACTICE

This course combines the principles and theories of applied linguistics and translation. The basic linguistic principles and applied linguistic sub-disciplines of sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, corpus linguistics and comparative linguistics will be introduced. This course also draws a parallel between the components of linguistics and translation and analyses the relevance and appropriateness of translation theories and approaches for current translation needs. 

LCT502/4

CULTURE, SOCIETY AND PSYCHOLOGY IN TRANSLATION

This course encompasses the aspects of culture, society and psychology in translation. It introduces the concepts of culture-laden texts, value-laden texts, cultural translation, and examines concepts of foreignization and domestication in translation. The course also brings to the fore concepts of worldview, perception and thinking of the source language readers and target language readers.

LCT503/4

 RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY FOR TRANSLATION

This course introduces students to various technological tools that can be used for efficient and effective translation. It also provides students with hands-on experience in using computer-assisted translation tools. In addition, it exposes students to concepts of terminology memory, terminology management, and corpora for translation for better time management of translation projects. The concept and process of research in translation as a systematic study of a specific aspect of translation will also be covered. 

LCT504/4 

TRANSLATION PRACTICE: HOSPITALITY TEXTS

This course is designed to enable students to put into practice all that they have learnt about translating and to gain hands-on experience. The course will be conducted using a student-centred approach with the lecturer taking the role of a facilitator. Students are required to translate a range of short but challenging authentic texts on the hospitality service and industry. Students’ translations are discussed in class as part of the teaching and learning process. At the end of the course, students are required to submit a portfolio of between six and eight of their best translation works.

LCT505/4

INTERPRETING: INFORMAL DISCOURSE  

This course is an introduction to interpreting in informal contexts. It equips students with generic knowledge as well as practice in interpreting. Among the informal contexts covered in the course include the hospitality and tourism industries and community interpreting.

LCT506/2

BUSINESS OF TRANSLATION

This course is designed for students who intend to take up translation as a profession and business. It covers translation training, types of translation and translation-related work, procedures to set up a business, basic financial and resource management, support systems, ethics and legal implications in the translation industry. It covers basic business skills, marketing and advertising strategies and tools needed for the business of translation.

LCT507/6

TRANSLATION COMMENTARY

This course provides an opportunity for students to engage in academic writing. Students are required to translate a selected text and identify the translation process involved. On completion of the translation, they will describe the process and strategies in a 5,000 to 6,000-word commentary. They will also be required to make an oral presentation to defend their choice of process and strategies.

LCT508/4

INTERPRETING: FORMAL DISCOURSE

This course is an introduction to interpreting in formal contexts. It equips students with generic knowledge as well as practice in interpreting in the formal contexts of conferences, court proceedings, and diplomatic and business meeting amongst others.

LCT509/4

TRANSLATION PRACTICE: Scientific AND TECHNICAL TEXTS   

This course is designed to enable students to put into practice all that they have learnt about translating and to gain hands-on experience. The course will be conducted using a student-centred approach with the lecturer taking the role of a facilitator. Students are required to translate a range of short but challenging authentic texts on science and technology. Students’ translations are discussed in class as part of the teaching and learning process. At the end of the course, students are required to submit a portfolio of between six and eight of their best translation works.

LCT510/4

TRANSLATION PRACTICE: MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION TEXTS

This course is designed to enable students to put into practice all that they have learnt about translating and to gain hands-on experience.  The course will be conducted using a student-centred approach with the lecturer taking the role of a facilitator. Students are required to translate a range of short but challenging authentic texts on media and communication. Students’ translations are discussed in class as part of the teaching and learning process. At the end of the course, students are required to submit a portfolio of between six and eight of their best translation works. 

LCT511/4

TRANSLATION PRACTICE: BUSINESS, LEGAL AND POLITICAL TEXTS

This course is designed to enable students to put into practice all that they have learnt about translating and to gain hands-on experience.  The course will be conducted using a student-centred approach with the lecturer taking the role of a facilitator. Students are required to translate a range of short but challenging authentic texts on business, law and politics. Students’ translations are discussed in class as part of the teaching and learning process. At the end of the course, students are required to submit a portfolio of between six and eight of their best translation works. 

LCT512/4

TRANSLATION PRACTICE: LITERARY TEXTS

This course is designed to enable students to put into practice all that they have learnt about translating and to gain hands-on experience.  The course will be conducted using a student-centred approach with the lecturer taking the role of a facilitator. Students are required to translate a range of short but challenging authentic literary texts. Students’ translations are discussed in class as part of the teaching and learning process. At the end of the course, students are required to submit a portfolio of between six and eight of their best translation works.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Malay Language

 The LKM 111 – Budaya Malaysia dan Bahasa Melayu course is compulsory as a prerequisite course (Type Z) for all international students. All international students must take and pass this course with a minimum of a Grade C 

Course Code

Course Name

Type

Unit

LKM 111

Budaya Malaysia dan Bahasa Melayu

Z

2

Registration of LKM 111 - Budaya Malaysia dan Bahasa Melayu Course for International Postgraduate Students

All matters pertaining to the registration, adding and dropping of LKM111 – Budaya Malaysia dan Bahasa Melayu are managed by the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation.

If it is necessary to deregister (drop) the LKM111 - Budaya Malaysia dan Bahasa Melayu course, the process must take place within the first week of the semester. After the first week, a penalty of RM50.00 will be imposed.

Course Registration

It is the responsibility of a student to renew his/her registration every semester and make payment of tuition fees within the renewal of registration period.

Web-based course registration must be done at the Campus Online portal (https://campusonline.usm.my) before the beginning of each semester. Full time students must register for at least two (2) courses each semester. Part time students are required to register for at least one (1) course each semester (excluding projects/repeating courses).

Each course registered must be indicated by one of the following codes:

Core Courses

=

Code T

Elective Courses  

=

Code E   

Prerequisite Courses

=

Code Z

If an active student fails to renew his/her registration, the University will:

  • impose a penalty of RM200 (subject to permission granted for late registration), or
  • initiate the termination of candidature.

Late registration will be permitted only under special circumstances and subject to the approval of the Dean/Deputy Dean of the School. Late registration is only permitted for a period of two (2) weeks after the specified registration dates. Beyond that, all applications for late registration will be referred to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) for approval. A late registration penalty of RM200 will be imposed in all cases.

Please note that students who are required to take LHP 458 and/or LHP 459 as stated in their offer letter, will have to register the course as code ‘E‘ and must pass this course with a minimum of a Grade B.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Admission Requirements

Applicants should possess the following:

  • Bachelor’s degree from recognised universities/colleges/ institutes;
  • Minimum CGPA of 2.75

(Applicants who do not fully meet the stipulated requirements but possess relevant working experience and have a good command of English may submit their applications for consideration.)

Language Requirements

 Applicants should be proficient in another language; and possess:

  • Malaysian University English Test (MUET) (minimum Band 4) or;
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (minimum 550) or;
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (minimum 6.0) or;
  • USM Intensive English Course Level IV (minimum Grade B+).

Application Procedure

All applications must be submitted online at

http://onlineips.usm.my/admission/

Applications for Research, Coursework and Mixed Mode are open throughout the year. There are cut-off dates for Coursework and Mixed Mode programmes for processing purposes as follow:

Semester 1 (September Intake)        : 15 June

Semester 2 (February Intake)            : 30 October

FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Translation Laboratory

The translation laboratory specially built for the Master of Arts in Translation for Professionals programme is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest multimedia computers installed with translation software such as SDL Trados.

Language Laboratories

The School of Languages, Literacies and Translation has a large collection of video and audio materials for all the languages offered for teaching and learning purposes. In keeping with the fast-paced development in computers and technology, the School has seven language laboratories to facilitate and enhance the teaching and learning of languages.

Resource Centre

The Centre is open to both staff and students of the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation. It consists of a resource room which contains a library of books and theses, and a computer laboratory. The Centre is open from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm from Mondays to Fridays.

Postgraduate Lounge

This lounge is exclusively for postgraduates of the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation. This comfortable lounge provides the social platform for the School’s postgraduate students to relax and/or to meet friends and course mates for casual conversations as well as plan their study groups and research when the need arises. This lounge is ideal for students to study, interact, relax or just have some peace and quiet time.

ENQUIRIES

For Further Enquiries

 Tel             :   + 604-653 3145 / 3751 / 4541 / 3254

Fax             :   + 604-656 9122

E-mail         :    ppblt_courses@usm.my

Website      :    http://www.ppblt.usm.my

 

School of Languages, Literacies & Translation
Universiti Sains Malaysia,11800 Minden, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: (60) 04-6533145/3158/3751/4141  |  Fax: +604-6569122 |
Email: ppblt_courses@usm.my  |  

  • Last Modified: Wednesday 30 October 2024.

Disclaimer

Universiti Sains Malaysia shall not be liable for any inaccuracies, errors, or misunderstandings arising from the use of Google Translator. Users are encouraged to approach translations with awareness and consideration for the limitations of machine translation technology. Information published on the English version will be used in the case of discrepancies.