Philosophy Of The Programme

The Philosophy of this programme is in line with the philosophy of University of Nairobi which is premised on the need to connect and inspire the Kenyan community by offering appropriate translation of information; to provide leadership and stewardship and to give hope and faith to the Kenya society so that it can excel in whatever it chooses to do with passion, moral responsibility and a sense of strong patriotism.

 Rationale Of The Programme

The MA in Translation is intended to respond to the situation outlined in the philosophy of this course by providing students who wish to undertake masters studies in Translation, with an opportunity to delve into the theoretical and practical depths of Translation. The course also gives such students an opportunity to acquire necessary competences and to advance their research and practical skills. 

This is a professional course designed to train professional translators to high international standards in order for them to become practitioners who are well equipped to practice in the global market. It is intended to fill a training gap in this region as there are no other institutions offering such a programme.

This is a postgraduate degree programme that is designed to equip students with the theoretical and practical skills necessary for them to become professional translators. Apart from equipping them with the knowledge and understanding of the discipline of translation, the programme also has a strong practical element in which students will translate texts from various fields and cultural contexts. The course is designed for practicing translators, linguists, professionals from various fields and all those keen on improving their translation skills or starting a career in translation. The programme offers training in translation in various languages including English, Kiswahili, Arabic, French, , Spanish, German and Chinese.

This is a professional course that is designed to meet the highest international standards in order to produce professionals who can fit anywhere in the global market. It is intended to fill a training gap in this area since there is no other institution in the region that offers such a course despite the acute need of translators for organizations like the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations among others.

The objectives of the programme shall be:-

1. To expose students to various aspects of the discipline of translation.       
2. To equip students with the necessary practical skills in translating texts from different contexts.
3. To produce highly qualified translators for the local and international market.

Exams Regulations

University of Nairobi policies and regulations on examinations in relation to examination malpractices, disciplinary action and mode of appeal shall apply.

Examination shall include both the written examinations and research paper examination.

Written And Practical Examinations

1. 1. 1. The common regulations governing examinations for the Masters degree in the University of Nairobi shall apply.
      2. Examinations for each taught unit shall be held at the end of the semester.
      3. Each theory course unit shall be examined through a three (3) hour written or practical examination at the end of the semester in which it is taken.
      4. Each practical course unit shall be examined through a three (3) hour back to back practical examination at the end of the semester in which it is taken. This shall be directional where paper one and paper two of the practical examination shall be based on the student’s language combination: A-A, A-B, B-A, C-A
      5. Each unit shall be examined by continuous assessment tests and end-of-semester examinations.
      6. Continuous assessment shall consist of class attendance and presentations, seminar presentations and written assignments
      7. Each examination shall be graded out of 100% with a pass mark of 50%.
      8. Each end-of-semester examination shall constitute 60% of all the marks in each course unit, while the continuous assessment shall constitute 40%.
      9. A candidate who fails to obtain 50% in any course unit may, on the approval of Senate, be allowed to resit or retake the failed unit when it is next offered.
      10. A pass obtained in the supplementary examination shall be recorded as 50%.
      11. A candidate shall be allowed to do a supplementary examination in the failed unit for a maximum of two (2) times.
      12. A candidate who fails to attend two-thirds (2/3) of the lectures in any course unit shall not be allowed to sit for the examination in that course unit.
      13. A student who fails to complete the course work in the prescribed time shall, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners of the Centre and by the approval of Senate, be discontinued.
      14. A candidate who, for a good cause, fails to sit for an examination may be allowed to take a special examination, when such examinations are next scheduled. The results of a special examination shall be treated like the results of an ordinary first attempt examination
      15. A student who fails any course unit after repeating the whole course shall, on the recommendation of the Academic Board of Examiners of the Centre and approval by Senate, be discontinued.
      16. A candidate who fails a supplementary examination shall be allowed to repeat the supplementary examination once. A candidate who fails the supplementary examination at the second attempt or fails to complete the programme within the stipulated period shall, on the recommendation of the Academic Board of Examiners of the Centre, the Graduate School and approval by Senate, be discontinued.
      17. The university of Nairobi regulations in relation to examination malpractices, disciplinary action and mode of appeal shall apply.