Master’s in Conference Interpreting

Hands-on and future-oriented – your interpreting programme in Munich and Beijing (BFSU)

The Double Degree programme is unique in Germany and an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself and develop your language talents in the best way possible.

The Master’s degree programme in Conference Interpreting (Double Degree) takes four semesters. After two semesters at the International University SDI München, you can choose whether to transfer to Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) in Beijing to earn a Double Degree or to complete your studies in Munich. No matter which option you choose, the degree you earn will qualify you to become a sought-after expert in German-Chinese communication. You will be able to interpret in a wide variety of settings in the central interpreting modes (simultaneous and consecutive) in a manner appropriate to the target group and the communication situation.

This Master's degree programme trains you in the field of professional conference interpreting. In small groups, you will learn the necessary skills in the fields of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. You will also learn the relevant basics of note-taking and theory from the fields of translation and communication studies.

You will also be trained in the use of modern electronic interpreting equipment that interpreters need for their work. You will acquire business management and professional ethics skills for professional and sustainable work as a (freelance) conference interpreter. The curriculum is rounded off with electives in subject areas particularly relevant to interpreting work, such as economics and engineering.

Benefits for you

  • Hands-on – native-speaker lecturers and professors from the industry

  • Future-oriented – excellent international career prospects thanks to two degrees at different locations

  • Global – living and studying abroad in China

  • Personal – close professional relationship with professors and lecturers

  • Individual – small groups, various options and special support through intensive language training

Master of Arts (MA)
4 semesters
practice-oriented
90 CP (ECTS)
Double Degree

Whether it's science or technology conferences, international events in the fields of politics, culture and economics, business negotiations or media work: today, almost everyone needs qualified interpreters. This is what makes interpreting one of the most versatile and diverse professions of all.

Where else do you have the opportunity to combine your love of languages with your interest in particular fields and your personal inclinations? And where can you build linguistic and cultural bridges between people from the most diverse areas of society at the same time? Our degree programme gives language fans all the tools they need to develop into versatile and savvy language and culture professionals.

Prof. Patrick Kühnel, Programme Director

Study programme

Key facts at a glance

Academic degree

Master of Arts (MA)

European Credit Transfer System

90 Credit Points

Start date

Winter semester (October)

Duration

4 semesters full-time on three days a week

Recognition

State-recognised and accredited

Languages

German, Chinese and English

This degree programme is right for you ...

  • if you have already completed a Bachelor’s degree programme outside the subject area and have a high level of foreign language competence.
  • if you have already completed a Bachelor’s degree programme with a focus on translation or interpreting.
  • if you were raised multilingually and want to make your language your profession.
  • if you want to take your talent for languages to a professional level.
  • if you are looking for a degree programme that improves your intercultural skills in the best way possible.

Career prospects

Perfect conditions for starting your professional career

After completing your studies, you will graduate from both the International University SDI München and the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) in Beijing.

This means you are well-prepared for a professional career in conference interpreting on the international market.

The foreign language skills and specific basic knowledge you develop during your studies will also qualify you for a career in the higher grade of civil servants for German or international authorities.

Career prospects

  • International companies, organisations and associations

  • International institutions and authorities

  • Healthcare

  • Legal system

  • Intercultural training

  • Embassies and consulates

  • Government agencies

FAQ

Frequently asked questions and answers

All you need for your application is a certificate or other proof that you have completed a Bachelor’s degree programme or are about to complete one. The subject area of your Bachelor’s degree programme does not matter, as the Master’s degree programme in Conference Interpreting is non-consecutive in terms of content. In the case of a Bachelor's degree programme outside the subject area, the foreign language competence must be sufficient.

Generally, the following language skills are required for this degree programme:

  • A language (German or Chinese): C2 competence level (CEFR)
  • B language (Chinese or German): receptive and productive competence at C1 competence level (CEFR)
  • C language (English for all students): receptive competence at B2 competence level (CEFR)

Our Student Advisory Service is happy to advise you on your language requirements.

The Master’s degree programme in Conference Interpreting (Double Degree) is non-consecutive in terms of content. Nevertheless, foreign language skills are of great importance. Our Student Advisory Service is happy to advise you on your personal requirements.

The programme content has a strong practical focus, so that you can already gain a lot of hands-on experience during your studies.

Our lecturers will help you find internships, jobs as working students and Master’s theses with practical relevance. Since the lecturers and the university have a wide network of contacts, current requirements of the job market are continuously incorporated into the programme content.

In addition, our students can find out about the latest job advertisements and internships at the Career Center.

Your study abroad programme in Beijing will take place in close coordination and cooperation between your lecturers and Programme Directors in Beijing and Munich.

Do you have any further questions?

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