Translation and Interpreting MA – 2023
Thanks to the collaboration between the United Nations and University of Westminster, I got to practice interpreting in the UN’s dummy booths.
Why did you choose the University of Westminster?
I chose the University of Westminster for several reasons. First, its central London location offers endless opportunities, from exploring different parts of the city to easily accessing interpreting assignments. Westminster also has a prestigious reputation for translation and interpreting programmes, making it the clear choice when I was applying for interpreting courses in the UK.
How has your experience been studying in London?
Studying in London has been an incredible experience. As an international student from China, I've found London to be the most inclusive city, with people from all over the world. It’s been enriching to learn about other cultures while feeling completely welcomed in this diverse environment.
What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?
I've particularly enjoyed the public service interpreting modules, which offer realistic mock scenarios in medical and legal settings, like mental health sessions and police interviews. These exercises are remarkably similar to real-life interpreting situations with the NHS and police, which has been invaluable for my professional development.
How have you found academic support as part of your studies?
The academic support at Westminster has been exceptional. My tutors have always been accessible and willing to help. I could easily schedule appointments to discuss specific topics or bring my questions during their weekly office hours.
Are there any stand-out facilities associated with your course?
Yes, the interpreting facilities at Westminster are excellent. We have two dedicated rooms with four booths each for our interpreting sessions. Since our group of Chinese students is small, we all have the opportunity to practice interpreting in a booth during every session, which is a fantastic hands-on experience.
Tell us about your experience of using the University Careers and Employability Service.
Studying at Westminster’s central London location means there’s always something to do. I often go to the free gym on campus, where there are various classes available. After lectures, I enjoy visiting different museums or galleries with my peers, which adds a nice balance to my academic life.
What would your advice be to someone considering studying at Westminster?
London is the ideal place to study interpreting because of its linguistic diversity. You’ll frequently encounter different languages, and as an interpreter, you'll always be in demand here.
What's the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student?
The best part of being a student at Westminster is how well it prepares you with practical and relevant interpreting skills for all kinds of assignments.
What was the most surprising or unexpected aspect of your Westminster experience?
One of the most surprising aspects of my time at Westminster was the opportunity to visit the United Nations (UN) office in Geneva. Thanks to the collaboration between the United Nations and the University of Westminster, I got to practice interpreting in the UN’s dummy booths and even spoke with an alumna who is now a staff interpreter there. It was an incredible, unexpected opportunity.