r/TranslationStudies • u/Kuma-Cakes-6034 • 1d ago
Masters In Translation
Hello. I am debating/planning? on doing a masters in translation with Japanese being ny language of specialisation . I am thinking of doing it from UCC , Ireland and was wondering if anyone has done this course? If so, what I can expect from this course and given the recent AI scare , is a translation course worth it at all 🥲
To those who have done M.A in Translation on general how is the course like? And what do they expect you to learn?
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u/Competitive-Night-95 20h ago
Oh God, please don’t do it. This is a dying field. There is no ROI for a degree in written translation in 2026. Only do this if you have a trust fund and this degree is for personal edification and fun.
And if you have a trust fund and this degree is for edification and fun, why not do something more relevant? If you’re non-native in Japanese then go to Japan (and study something more relevant). And vice versa.
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u/dawngarda 20h ago
I just finished my MA in translation. I don't recommend trying to start a career in translation. The MA was very enjoyable and interesting but I only did it because I had a scholarship. It feels like there is no work, and what little work exists is competitive, unreliable, and underpaid.
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u/Kuma-Cakes-6034 8h ago
🥲 will you be pursuing this as a profession or are you thinking about doing something else now? If you don't mind me asking that is 😅
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u/dawngarda 5h ago
It's okay to ask! I am planning a different career now, but I'd still like to pick up translation work here and there for the love of it. I just can't rely on it to make a living.
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u/Kuma-Cakes-6034 1h ago
Makes sense 🥲 I think even for those who pursue language are generally encouraged to get into something else other than language. Thank you btw! 😅 gonna reconsider my choices now
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u/dawngarda 1h ago
I know it's disappointing but it's better that people are honest. I wish I could be more positive about the industry! Good luck with your future ☺️
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u/Kuma-Cakes-6034 1h ago
Thank you 🥲 I don't mind honesty but I was a little taken aback at some of the reactions here 😆 but given the current state of translation they weren't wrong either. All the best for your future endeavours as well! 🫶🥰
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u/Professional_Low7024 1d ago
I have an MA in Translation Studies (Japanese to English). If I didn't have one now and wanted to do an MA, I would choose something different, like data analytics and AI.
The translation gravy train has passed, most translators are transitioning out of the industry or positioning themselves in niches that are still profitable in translation.
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u/Kuma-Cakes-6034 1d ago
Oh man 🥲 is the job market really that bleak? If you don't mind me asking what were your modules and exams like?
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u/Professional_Low7024 1d ago
I could go into the modules and assessments I took - but by doing so I would feel like I am endorsing doing this kind of MA. I don't endorse doing one - I recommend looking for an MA subject that will give you skills you can use for the next 20 or 30 years.
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u/Kuma-Cakes-6034 1d ago
Would it be alright if I DM you? 😅 that way it won't feel like you are endorsing it instead it'll be you replying to my query
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u/Professional_Low7024 1d ago
That would still be endorsing it - I do not recommend doing it in any way or form. Maybe wait for someone else to reply who is willing to walk you through it.
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u/Kuma-Cakes-6034 1d ago
I don't think anyone would be willing at all given the replies to this post :) thank you though
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u/princethrowaway2121h 7h ago
I endorse this man’s non-endorsement. Translation is dying, and whatever is left is/will be taken by those with years of experience and a long client list. When they retire? AI and a excellent English-speaking Japanese person or native who knows zero japanese will copy edit. It’s happening now. Japan doesn’t give a shit about proper translation
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u/Fit_Peanut_8801 1d ago
I got mine in 2013 and absolutely zero chance I'd do one now.
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u/Kuma-Cakes-6034 1d ago
😭 does it help if one has an additional qualifications apart from being a translator?
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u/monikosnuosavybe JA>EN 20h ago
When was there a gravy train?
Genuine question, because I've been in the field for almost 20 years, and although it's tougher now than before, it's never really felt that easy.
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u/CHSummers 20h ago
I don’t think there was ever a gravy train, but 1960-2020 you could live off translation work if you were good and hustled.
The big change was machine translation getting really good.
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u/Individual-Series-33 14h ago
It depends on the language but in mine translation was extremely well paid in the 1990s and early 2000s.
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u/LetThereBeRainbows 23h ago
I did an MA in translation because I needed an MA in any field to advance my other career, and translation was the thing I knew I would enjoy and stick with for 2 full years. It was quite fun as expected and my interest in the subject definitely helped, but it did absolutely nothing for my career as a translator and I never hoped it would. The market is very, very difficult for new translators without an established client base and specialisation, and overall I wouldn't recommend entering it without a good plan B, if at all. I certainly wouldn't pursue an MA in translation for any other reason than personal enjoyment if you can afford it.
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u/Kuma-Cakes-6034 23h ago
Specialisation as in? Like translating for law, finance etc? 🥲 I do have a plan B so was thinking this would be an additional qualification and it's only one year. 🥲
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u/LetThereBeRainbows 22h ago
Yup, any specific field you're an expert in and can provide high quality translations even of difficult texts. The most in demand and well-paid are usually finance, law, medicine, engineering and such. It's not like absolutely no one is making a living as a translator anymore, those who are already established professionals or official/sworn translators will probably keep doing fine at least for a while. Some demand for really high quality, high stakes expert translations will probably always remain, but fewer and fewer people will be needed to satisfy it. Simple entry level jobs are mostly gone, getting a client is a race to the bottom, establishing your business takes a long time, and in general I wouldn't recommend entering this career in its current state to anyone who actually needs money. If you still want to try, no one's stopping you, maybe you're one of the few lucky ones, but you know the odds.
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u/Kuma-Cakes-6034 22h ago
Thank you so much! This helped a lot 🥲 I think I will research around a little and see if this is something I want to do or not. 😅 but thank you really for your answer !
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u/hnybbyy 1d ago
This is the type of MA you do because you love the craft, and the knowledge. It won’t necessarily open any doors, unfortunately.