Language and culture cannot be separated. Interpreters and translators are linguistic and cultural mediators, whether they are translating a notarial document for a foreigner, subtitling an episode of Game of Thrones, or translating the latest novel by Nicci French.

You will learn how to translate from English to Dutch and vice versa. At Leiden, we believe there is as much demand for translators from Dutch to English, so we teach translation ?both ways?. You will also acquire the skills to translate texts on a wide variety of topics, with a focus on one of three fascinating areas of specialised translation: legal, literary or multimedial translation. At the end of your studies, you will earn a qualification that will give you entry to the national register of sworn interpreters and translators.

As a Leiden University-trained translator, one of your most important assets will be the ability to apply knowledge of auxiliary disciplines, both linguistic (syntax, semantics, psycholinguistics) and non-linguistic (culture studies, genre studies, comparative law), to specific translation problems.

Linguistics Degree

Translation at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme of Linguistics. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited master?s degree in Linguistics, with a specialization in Translation and the title Master of Arts (MA).