The Master of Arts in Translation program is committed to cultivating culturally aware, ethically grounded, and technologically proficient translators capable of bridging linguistic divides. Through advanced training in translation theory, research, and practice, the program empowers students to serve both local and global communities while promoting sustainable development, intercultural dialogue, and innovation in professional translation contexts.
- Advance students’ proficiency in both English and Arabic to meet the highest academic and professional standards, while addressing the dynamic linguistic needs of the translation and language services sector.
- Equip students with the theoretical foundations and cultural competencies necessary to make informed, ethical, and context-sensitive decisions in translation practice.
- Develop students’ ability to translate effectively across a wide range of specialized fields, preparing them to excel in diverse professional and institutional environments.
- Incorporate state-of-the-art translation technologies and tools into the learning experience, fostering digital literacy, innovation, and adaptability in professional translation contexts.
- Strengthen students’ competence in various interpreting techniques, while encouraging research engagement and community involvement in line with the program’s commitment to academic excellence and social impact.
| Knowledge and Understanding: Students will be able to |
|---|
| K1: Demonstrate advanced linguistic competence in both Modern Standard Arabic and English, essential for accurate and contextually appropriate translation across specialized fields. |
| K2: Critically explain key translation theories, strategies, and models, and their relevance to decision-making in both professional practice and academic inquiry. |
| K3: Explain the key phases of translation research and describe the socio-cultural, linguistic, and policy-related challenges that influence Arabic-English translation in both academic and professional contexts. |
| Skills: Students will be able to |
| S1: Produce high-quality translations between English and Arabic across a variety of specialized fields—including legal, technical, audiovisual, and literary texts—demonstrating linguistic precision, cultural sensitivity, and textual appropriateness. |
| S2: Apply appropriate translation strategies and theoretical approaches to analyze and resolve complex translation problems across various text types and disciplinary contexts. |
| S3: Employ current translation technologies and digital tools—including CAT tools, audiovisual software, and localization platforms—to enhance translation productivity, quality, and workflow efficiency. |
| S4: Demonstrate advanced research skills in Translation and Interpreting Studies by formulating focused research questions, selecting suitable methodologies, conducting literature reviews, and developing structured, ethically sound research proposals. |
| Values: Students will be able to |
| V1: Demonstrate fidelity to the source text while adapting appropriately to the linguistic, cultural, and contextual requirements of the target audience. |
| V2: Demonstrate respect for their own culture and for the cultural values, norms, and perspectives of others in all aspects of translation practice. |
| V3: Demonstrate self-reliance, creativity, and effective problem-solving skills in managing translation tasks and responding to linguistic and contextual challenges. |
In addition to fulfilling the criteria outlined in the Unified Regulations for Postgraduate Studies in Saudi Universities, applicants must also meet the following requirements:
Academic Qualification
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Translation or English from a Saudi university or a recognized international institution.
A minimum GPA of “Very Good” is required. An equivalency certificate from the Ministry of Education is needed for degrees from non-Saudi institutions.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must achieve one of the following minimum scores:
- STEP:75
- IELTS:5.5
- TOEFL iBT:46–59
Exemption: Granted to applicants with a Bachelor's in Translation or English from specific English-speaking countries (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland).
Validity Period of Language Tests
Accepted tests must be within their validity period:
- STEP: Valid for three years
- IELTS & TOEFL iBT: Valid for two years
Graduate General Aptitude Test
A minimum score of 60% is required in the Graduate General Aptitude Test (Qudurat).
Scores older than five years are not accepted.
Please click here for the prior Mission, Goals, Graduate Attributes, and Program Learning Outcomes (MAT).
Last reviewed: 4/5/2025