The Master in Translation Studies (MATS) at York University’s Glendon Campus offers an opportunity to explore translation as a meaningful social, political and cultural activity. The program, which is the only one of its kind in Canada that does not require proficiency in both English and French, focuses on theoretical aspects of translation as a practice and as a product. 

While it includes a few practice-oriented courses where students focus on translating texts, the program aims to provide an understanding of the ways in which research can contribute to the understanding of translation as a cross-cultural practice. The program is open to applicants who have either English or French and another language. This means participants could be learning with and from others who have working languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Italian, Spanish, Urdu, etc. and bring experiences from a host of other contexts and cultures.

“Our student body is wonderfully diverse, both linguistically and culturally. And since we look at languages and cultures through the lens of translation theories, class discussions are fascinating,” says Graduate Program Director Lyse Hébert. “Our dynamic faculty members help organize and participate in a variety of research-focused activities throughout the year, including lectures, workshops and networking events. Our students organize an annual graduate conference and have an active student association. They also participate in events organized by the Centre for Research on Language and Culture Contact.”

Courses in the MATS combine theoretical knowledge with practical application. On the translation practice side, the program offers courses such as Terminology, Literary Translation, and Medical Translation. The more theoretical courses include Translation Theories and Research Methods; others focus on topics such as Experiences of Translation in the Americas, Politics and Translation, Ideology and Translation, Translation and Ethics, Translation and Digital Technologies, and Audiovisual Translation and Subtitling, to name but a few.

The MATS can be completed in two years and offers three options: courses only, courses plus a major research paper, or courses plus a thesis. The program is designed to serve full-time students as well as professionals who wish to obtain a graduate degree in translation studies while continuing to work. As such, all courses are scheduled in the evening, and some are offered online.

Applicants who have not been exposed to translation practice or theories will be required to complete some preliminary undergraduate courses.

The MATS is a funded program. Once admitted, most eligible full-time domestic students receive a guaranteed funding package for the duration of the program.

For more information on the program structure and admission requirements, visit yorku.ca/glendon/gradstudies/mats/. 

Note: Funding for international students is limited. Applications for the 2022-23 academic year have already closed. The application deadline for the 2023-24 academic year is Feb. 15, 2023.