Maria Bruno – MA Translation

“I found a multicultural environment at Surrey, especially in my course. It was a great experience to meet people from different countries who were as fascinated by languages as I am.”

“I chose the MA Translation course because I love languages and I would like to become a translator. I thought that the choice of modules offered at Surrey was varied and interesting. I also preferred the idea of living in the South of England, near London, so it was the perfect location.

I had previously completed my undergraduate degree in Italian literature and language at the University of Naples, Italy, where I am from. I was also an Erasmus student at the University of Reading for nine months. After that period ended I continued to live in Reading for two years while completing my studies for my undergraduate degree.

Living in the UK for those two years made me seriously consider becoming a translator. It made me increasingly aware of the cultural differences between Italy and the UK, and I started to realise how words and sentences in English and Italian communicated those differences and were maybe a result of them. This is the reason why I love languages and linguistics — they help you to better understand other cultures as well as your own.

I enjoyed the classes the most during my MA because they allowed me to learn a lot in a highly stimulating environment. They also allowed me to discuss different topics with my teachers and classmates.

“The academic staff is incomparable – they are the best teachers I have ever had. They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and truly care about their students.”

The facilities are also excellent. There is a room in the Library which only translation and languages students have access to, so even when it’s busy, you can always use a computer.

I think that I have changed since I’ve started my MA. I have become more focused on my future career possibilities, and certainly more mature and professional in my studies. I am very proud to have found the courage to volunteer as a course rep for my course and deliver a presentation at our Centre for Translation Studies’ careers fair. These are things that I would have not done in the past, but the environment at Surrey encourages me to push my limits.

As I had hoped, I found a multicultural environment at Surrey, especially in my course. It was a great experience to meet people from different countries who were as fascinated by languages as I am. I have different career paths in mind for when I graduate. I will certainly do my best to work as a translator, but I would also like to pair this career with academic research and maybe language teaching. I think that the MA in Translation has equipped me with the practical knowledge I need to pursue a career as a professional translator and the theoretical knowledge I need for continuing my studies with a PhD.”

Discover more about our courses in languages, communication, translation and interpreting, including our MA Translation.