MA (Conference Interpreting)

University of Galway

This programme trains students in the professional skills of conference interpreting, enabling them to avail of the employment opportunities for qualified interpreting professionals. It is the only course of its kind in Ireland-a programme developed in conjunction with the institutions of the EU. Training is provided by practicing professionals in both modes of conference interpreting-consecutive and simultaneous interpreting-and employs recommended techniques: concentration exercises, interpretation from memory, sight interpreting, note-taking techniques and monitored use of the institutional speech repository. Students study the theory and practice of interpreting, and also examine professional ethics and conference preparation/ procedures, along with working practices and conditions. Students will study the institutions of the EU, and the university organises a study visit to the European Parliament and Commission. Irish, English, French, Spanish, Italian and German are offered on the programme to date.Career OpportunitiesStudents must obtain a postgraduate qualification in Conference Interpreting to allow them to sit the Inter-Institutional EU Accreditation Tests and work as a professional conference interpreter. Students completing this course can avail of considerable employment opportunities worldwide as interpreting services are frequently required at conferences, seminars and so on. Many graduates work with EU and UN institutions. Opportunities are also available outside the large international organisations.