Subtitling (PG Cert)

This is an innovative course offered by Rhagoriaith, University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Welsh Language Service Centre, to prospective subtitlers. The increased use of audio-visual material in our everyday life has led in recent years to a huge increase in the demand for subtitling.

The aim is to offer opportunities to develop, sustain, affirm and refine understanding and knowledge of the field, as well as subtitling skills that are essential to success in a professional setting.

Course Overview

The Certificate was designed in collaboration with subtitling companies and professional broadcasters.

The course is a natural development for individuals who have done some translating and are keen to develop their personal skills, or individuals who are considering developing a career in this field.

The external partners will contribute extensively towards the qualification, by teaching and offering placements for work experiences. This qualification will combine good practice and valuable workplace experiences with academic but practical sessions on the Carmarthen Campus.

There will be an introduction to a variety of skills vital to the field and different programming features will be considered, such as pace of speech, sharing subtitles, use of vocal commands, rhythm, etc. Training in linguistic principles will also be provided, as well as essential technical skills for professional subtitling and live cuing. The practical element of the module will focus on developing student confidence as they attempt to practice the art of subtitling for the first time under guidance.

Focus is placed on practical workshops under professional conditions so that students understand the requirements of subtitling. This programme combines theory and practice by offering two streams of expertise, and gives students the opportunity to take advantage of work placements in professional subtitling companies. Ability in a number of vocational and transferable skills is developed, including gathering information, developing individual ingenuity and managing time, thinking analytically, identifying problems and means of resolving them.

Assessment

This is a vocational and practical Certificate; consequently, the main emphasis is placed on assessing the students’ practical skills as they engage in subtitling. The students’ assignments will be held under professional conditions in order to reflect their experiences in the workplace.

Furthermore, students are expected to complete reflective written work arising from practical experiences of the module and in the workplace.

Career Opportunities

The Certificate is appropriate for:

• Professional translators who are keen to develop their personal skills in order to augment their service and extend their market.
• Graduates intending to follow a career in the field.
• Professional subtitlers who wish to gain a recognized qualification in the field and to follow a Continuing Development Programme.