International programme MA TCL “Specialised Translation and Language Technologies” as a Double Degree programme

The IÜD and the Department of German at the DIT have had a long-standing relationship, which will be further strengthened by the joint double degree programme. This will be the first joint Master's degree programme offered by Heidelberg University and the University of Bologna within the humanities. 
The Forlì campus offers an impressively broad and outstanding programme in the field of language technologies, which is taught in English. The Master's degree course in Specialized Translation offers two different options: Specialized Translation (SpecTra) and Translation and Technology (TraTec). Courses are offered in specialised translation with multiple language directions, creative forms of translation, such as video game localisation and subtitling, as well as an in-depth understanding of language technologies, including artificial intelligence. The Master's programme is part of the European Network of Excellence for Master's programmes in translation and has close links with key players in the language industry. The IÜD offers considerable expertise in specialised translation and the opportunity to take the double degree with all language combinations available at the IÜD. The Master's degree programme in Translation, Communication, Language Technology can be taken with one or two foreign languages. In addition, a mother tongue other than German can be chosen. The double degree programme focuses on specialist translation and language technologies.

Main contents of the curriculum:

• Linguistics and translation studies
• Language technologies (CAT tools, Large Language Models, Machine translation, Artificial intelligence)
• Specialised translation in German, Italian, English, French, Russian and Spanish with one or two foreign languages
• Communication in specific fields 

Two Degrees

After acquiring 120 ECTS credits, students will be awarded the following two university degrees:

• Master of Arts in Translation, Communication, Language Technology (Heidelberg University)
• Laurea Magistrale in Specialized Translation (University of Bologna)

The double degree programme consists of four semesters (two academic years). Students spend their first semester at their respective home university. Students from the University of Bologna study at Heidelberg University in the second and third semester and return to Bologna for the fourth semester. Students from Heidelberg University study at the University of Bologna in the second semester. In the third semester they return to Heidelberg to study together with the students from Bologna, while in the fourth semester they can choose whether to complete their studies in Heidelberg or return to Bologna.
In order to obtain both Master’s degrees, the Master’s thesis must be written during the second year of studies. The thesis is an individual academic work, carried out with the support of two supervisors, one from each of the cooperating universities involved in the double degree programme.

Acquired competences

• Ability to solve sophisticated tasks in specialised translation
• Professional, conscious, and sensitive approach to language technologies as well as to technology-based translation tools
• Profound theoretical knowledge in translation and linguistic studies, and its interaction with related disciplines, with respect to both translation practice and academic work
• Technical and cultural competence,as well as international experience

Professional perspectives

• Employment in translation departments of large companies, national and international organisations and institutions
• Freelance translator
• Terminology management, software localisation, technological orientation
• Language consulting
• Organisation and management of language and communication in industry, as well as in national and international institutions and universities
• Occupation in research, science and university teaching, binational doctorate