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Extended translation project/dissertation

This module consolidates your understanding of translation theories and practice. You will start by focussing on research methods in translation studies and then, with the support of your personal tutor, design a proposal for an independent, extended piece of work. You can select a text of your choice, in consultation with your tutor, and produce an extended translation with accompanying commentary; or you can write an academic dissertation on a topic that you agree with your tutor. In either case, your work should be between 12,000 and 15,000 words.

Vocational relevance

This is the final module in the MA in Translation (F79) which provides an academic qualification for those intending to become, or who already are, professional translators.

Qualifications

L803 is a compulsory module in our:

Module

Module code
L803
Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
60
Study level
Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU postgraduate modules correspond to these frameworks.
OU Postgraduate
SCQF 11
FHEQ 7
Study method
Distance learning
Module cost
See Module registration
Entry requirements

Find out more about entry requirements.

Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

The module content and practical tasks will introduce you to research methods in translation studies, so that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to write a dissertation, and are prepared to progress on to a PhD or an EdD after the Masters. This option will suit those students wishing to engage more closely with translation theory. If you are more interested in translation practice or translation pedagogy, you can produce an independent research study on a topic related to professional practice, for instance investigating an aspect of translation technologies, or terminology management. For those who are more interested in translation practice and want to hone their skills in translating a substantial piece of work, under the supervision of your tutor you can select a text of your choice to translate and comment on. Whatever option you choose, the work you submit will be between 12,000 and 15,000 words.

In all cases, you will design and submit an initial proposal to your personal tutor, who will have to approve it, and who will then support you together with a second tutor during the completion of your extended translation or dissertation project.

By the end of the module, you will have developed as a reflective practitioner, and be able to undertake a substantial, independent piece of work.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You will have a personal tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. Your tutor will also advise you on the proposal for your independent study and, together with a second tutor, provide individual support and feedback to you as you undertake your extended annotated translation or your dissertation project. You and your tutor will primarily communicate with each other online. There will also be forums for all the students on the module, and these will be facilitated by a number of tutors.

Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

Course work includes

2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment

Future availability

Extended translation project/dissertation starts once a year – in June.

This page describes the module that will start in June 2025. We expect it to start for the last time in June 2027.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Entry requirements

  • A UK honours degree (preferably a 2:1 or above) or other recognised equivalent qualification1
  • Proficiency in your first language at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level C2 or HSK 6 for Chinese
  • Proficiency in your second language at CEFR level C12
  • Successful completion of L801 and L802, or equivalent prior experience3. You may register for L803 while awaiting your L802 result
  • Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 7 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

1If you don't have an honours degree, talk to an advisor.

2If your first language is English and you've passed an OU level 3 module in your second language, your language proficiency should be suitable, as the exit level of our OU level 3 language courses is CEFR C1.

3You must have passed L801 in order to register for L803 and if you haven't completed L802 you will need to have a discussion with the module team before registering for L803.

Register

Start End England fee Register
07 Jun 2025 Jan 2026 £2720.00

Registration closes 08/05/25 (places subject to availability)

Register
06 Jun 2026 Jan 2027 Not yet available

Registration closes 14/05/26 (places subject to availability)

Register
This module is expected to start for the last time in June 2027.

Future availability

Extended translation project/dissertation starts once a year – in June.

This page describes the module that will start in June 2025. We expect it to start for the last time in June 2027.

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

Ways to pay for this module

We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how much it’s going to cost and how you can pay.

That’s why we keep our fees as low as possible and offer a range of flexible payment and funding options, including a postgraduate loan, if you study this module as part of an eligible qualification. To find out more, see Fees and funding.

Study materials

What's included

All study materials are provided on the module website. This includes the module study guide and activities, audio/video material and a range of tools to support your study, including real-time conferencing and online forums.

Computing requirements

You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.

Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.

It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.

If you have a disability

Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader (and where applicable: musical notation and mathematical, scientific, and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way). Other alternative formats of the module materials may be available in the future. 

As part of your independent project you might want to make use of some of the third-party translation software that is freely available on the web and that you will have been introduced to in L802. The module team has chosen software which is as accessible as possible, but may not be fully accessible, particularly if you use assistive technology. Further information will be available via the Student Support Team to help you make a decision on your ability to study the module before registering.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.

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