Master's degree programme Specialised Translation and Media Translation (M.A.)
Facts and figures
Degree programme:
Specialised Translation and Media Translation
Degree:
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Admission:
No admission restrictions
THWS location:
Würzburg, Campus Münzstraße
Faculty:
Applied Natural Sciences and Humanities
Study mode:
Full-time degree programme
Part-time degree programme
Duration:
4 semesters standard time to degree
Full-time or 8 semesters standard time to degree for the part-time option
Language:
German
Target languages
Semester fees:
None (student services fee only (Studierendenwerksbeitrag); approx. EUR 150)
Start of studies:
Winter Semester
(1 October)
Application period:
Annually,
1 May
till
15 July
Contact
Contact personProgramme director Professor Dr. habil. Heike Elisabeth Jüngst
Programme coordinator Akad. Dir. Beate Wassermann
fachuebersetzen[at]thws.de
Academic Advisory Service
studienberatung@thws.de
Degree programme website
Degree programme Specialised Translation and Media Translation
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Information for internationals
Master's degree programme Specialised Translation and Media Translation (M.A.)
Language meets technology – become a professional specialised translator
Do you want to not only understand language, but also actively shape it – in technology, media, or intercultural exchange? The full-time or part-time master's programme in Specialised Translation and Media Translation at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) optimally prepares you for the challenges of a digitalised and globalised working world. The programme combines language skills with modern technology and provides you with the necessary knowledge in technical translation, technical writing, accessibility, and language didactics. Whether you translate complex technical texts, prepare audiovisual content for an international audience, or develop language concepts for inclusive communication, you will be well prepared for a versatile and future-oriented career. Combine your language skills with state-of-the-art technology and learn how to translate complex technical texts accurately and in a target-oriented way!
Reasons to study Specialised Translation and Media Translation at THWS
Taking a master's degree programme at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt offers you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and prepare for demanding tasks in our dynamic world. Our degree programmes combine advanced theoretical knowledge with practice-oriented application and specialised research. We promote interdisciplinary thinking and offer you comprehensive education strengthening your analytical skills and innovative spirit. Thanks to the access to state-of-the-art technologies and the close cooperation with practice partners, you will be optimally prepared for leadership positions and specialist roles.
Advantages of the degree programme:
- Practice-oriented education through field trips, projects, the use of modern technologies and AI-supported translation processes
- Close contacts with professional associations and companies
- High-quality teaching environment with professional translation and subtitling programmes
- Interdisciplinary focus through courses in technology, medicine, and pharmacy, as well as visits to specialist laboratories
- International perspectives through Erasmus partnerships with universities in Spain, Belgium, and Ireland, as well as excursions to the EU in Brussels
- Option of full-time (four semesters) or part-time (eight semesters) studies
Three good reasons
Take advantage of Würzburg as a study location: Lectures in the field of technology are held by lecturers of engineering at THWS
Modern technologies: Use of professional translation software, AI-supported tools, as well as subtitling systems and film editing software
Practice-orientation with an international angle due to diverse field trips
Study contents
The master's programme in Specialised Translation and Media Translation at THWS comprises four semesters of full-time study or eight semesters of part-time study and combines linguistic competence with state-of-the-art technology. The programme begins with technical translation exercises and exercises in CAT (computer-assisted translation), accompanied by lectures in the fields of technology, medicine, and pharmacy. The translation projects in the following semesters and the courses in media translation build on this foundation. In the fourth semester, the lecture series "Fit für den Markt!" ("Fit for the market") is added, in which professionals from the field present the broad spectrum of professions. We offer lectures, exercise courses, and field trips. Students may also choose to take an internship semester or a semester abroad.
Programme structure
In specialised translation, you will learn how to work with technical, medical, and scientific texts and how to use modern translation tools. Media translation includes subtitling, audio description, and voice-overs. You will also work on practical projects in professionally equipped studios at the THWS Media Center. The Technical Writing module teaches you how to create comprehensible specialist texts for different target groups, including barrier-free communication. In foreign language didactics, you will develop didactic concepts for language courses and further training. In addition, in the field of software localisation, you will adapt websites, apps, and games linguistically and culturally.
In the 4th semester, you will write your master's thesis on a topic of your choice. In addition, there is the lecture series "Fit für den Markt!", which is constantly updated to reflect current developments.
Specialisations
It is precisely this wide range of options that makes our programme so special. You get insights into various fields at a professional level and are thus well prepared for changes in the job profile. You may even discover new, unexpected talents!
Specialised Translation and Media Translation (part time option)
The programme in Specialised Translation and Media Translation can also be completed on a part-time basis. This flexible form of study allows you to balance your professional life, family commitments, or individual circumstances while completing a degree. The content and requirements remain unchanged, while the duration of study is extended accordingly.
Career and perspectives
Even in the age of AI, specialised and media translators are indispensable for multilingual communication in business, technology, and the media. You ensure that complex content is conveyed accurately, comprehensibly and in a culturally appropriate manner – whether in technical documentation, software, film subtitles, or accessible texts. With your expertise, you significantly contribute to making knowledge globally accessible, optimising information flows, checking and editing AI translations, and enabling companies and institutions to operate internationally. And: You take on responsibility.
The professional fields are diverse:
- Specialised translations of technical, medical, or scientific texts
- Media translation in the areas of subtitling, audio description, and voice-over
- Technical editing in industry and research
- Translation management in companies, public authorities, and international organisations
- Foreign language teaching in educational institutions and companies
- Freelance translation, editing, or consulting work for companies and agencies
Gain international experience
A stay abroad allows you to improve your language skills, make new friends, and immerse yourself completely in a different culture. Take advantage of this opportunity, because studying abroad has never been easier or more rewarding!
Semester abroad
The master's programme in Specialised Translation and Media Translation at THWS offers you an ideal framework for gaining valuable experience abroad. Thanks to our partnerships with renowned universities in Spain, Ireland, and Belgium, you can spend a semester abroad at one of these locations. Students from these institutions regularly visit us in Würzburg, giving you the chance to make international contacts and experience intercultural exchange.
Of course, you also have the opportunity to get to know our partner institutions during a return visit. With prior agreement, we recognise most of the courses taken there, so that a semester abroad does not mean an extension of your study time in Würzburg.
Is Specialised Translation and Media Translation the right degree programme for you?
Do you have a passion for languages, analytical skills, and strong communication skills? Then the master's programme in Specialised Translation and Media Translation at THWS offers you the perfect foundation for a multi-faceted career. The programme is aimed at anyone who is enthusiastic about technical texts, digital media, and intercultural communication and wants to use modern technologies efficiently. A good feel for language, structured thinking, and the ability to work precisely and in a target group-oriented manner are essential. If you are interested in the use of language in technical, media, or didactic contexts and are looking for a practical, internationally oriented education, then you have come to the right place.
Admission requirements
In order to study Specialised Translation and Media Translation, you must hold a bachelor's degree with a grade of 2.5 or better or a comparable degree. You must also submit proof of sufficient language skills.
For more detailed information on the admission requirements of this master's degree programme, please see the website of the faculty in charge. Specific requirements are also indicated in the programme's Study and Examination Regulations.
Please also see the language entrance requirements.
Interests and abilities
- Enthusiasm for languages and intercultural communication
- Analytical thinking and the ability to grasp complex issues accurately
- Affinity for modern technology and digital media
- Structured approach to work and target group orientation
- Willingness to engage in continuous professional development and openness to new developments
Application
Apply from 1 May to 15 July via our application portal to start your studies in the upcoming winter semester.
For some degree programmes, the deadline of the application period may be extended. This information will be made known at short notice.
You have already completed study achievements and thus want to apply for a higher semester? Contact our Department of Student Affairs.
Das sagen unsere Studierenden
"Coming from a different discipline originally, the master's at THWS offered me the ideal entry point into the translation industry. I particularly liked the diverse range of courses on offer, which covers almost all career opportunities. Small groups and dedicated lecturers created a pleasant learning atmosphere – for me personally, it was a time I will remember fondly."
Jacqueline Rienecker, graduate of Specialised Translation and Media Translation
"If you are looking for a practical translation degree programme with an almost family-like atmosphere that provides you with the necessary tools for a professional future in the industry, the master's programme in Specialised Translation and Media Translation at THWS is an excellent choice. I really enjoyed my time there, and it also opened the doors to a great internship at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Translation, where I was able to get a taste of the EU for five months."
Teresa Glas, graduate of Specialised Translation and Media Translation
Do you have unanswered questions?
You can contact the programme advisor, i.e. a professor of the field of study you are interested in and can ask them your questions.
During the THWS Taster Sessions, you can attend a variety of lectures in the degree programme of your choice and get valuable first impressions of life on campus.
Get informed
Looking for more information? For the most important information on studying at THWS, check out the overview.