The translation industry has long been an early adopter of technology. From electronic dictionaries and language corpora to integrating CAT tools and machine translation into professional practice, translators have worked at the forefront of innovation for decades.

Today, however, the conversation about translation and technology feels more polarised than ever. Some predict AI will replace translators altogether. Others argue there has never been a more exciting time to enter the field. So, which is it?

The human element in the digital age

Despite the hype surrounding AI, critical language tasks continue to depend on expert human judgement. Professional communication in medical care, law, diplomacy and international policy leaves no margin for error. Creative content demands cultural nuance that machines cannot normally achieve. Global product marketing requires sophisticated localisation strategies. And the development of AI language models, too, depends on specialists who understand how language works across contexts and cultures.

Translation has never been simply about converting words from one language to another; today it increasingly involves managing digital workflows, overseeing quality assurance and collaborating effectively with AI systems.

 

Preparing for a hybrid reality

A recent landmark report by the Chartered Institute of Linguists, the Institute of Translation and Interpreting and the Association of Translation Companies, The strategic case for languages in UK higher education, highlights a growing demand for graduates who understand how language AI works, know where it fails, can use it effectively and ethically, and are prepared for a professional future combining linguistic, technological and management expertise.

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our MA in Translation, we invite you to an exclusive webinar to explore the skills that will define the next generation of language professionals.

 

We will examine

  • Why translation matters more than ever – socially, culturally, economically
  • The role of AI – how AI is reshaping (but not replacing) the profession
  • Employer expectations – what skills and profiles industry leaders are looking for
  • The postgraduate edge – how a Master’s degree equips you for careers in multilingual, communication, localisation, language technology and beyond

University of Surrey hosts

  • Professor Sabine Braun, Director, Centre for Translation Studies, Co-Director, Surrey Institute for People-Centred Artificial Intelligence
  • Dr Dimitris Asimakoulas, Deputy Director, Centre for Translation Studies, Postgraduate Programme Director Translation & Interpreting

 

Speakers

  • Lucio Bagnulo, Head of Translation and Language Strategy, Amnesty International
  • Professor Lynne Bowker, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Translation, Technologies and Society at Université Laval
  • Dr Félix do Carmo, Senior Lecturer in Translation and Natural Language Processing, Lead of Professional Development, Centre for Translation Studies, University of Surrey      
  • Raisa McNab, Chief Executive, Association of Translation Companies
  • Dr Joss Moorkens, Associate Professor of Translation Studies, Dublin City University
  • Dr JC Penet, Reader in Translation Industry Studies and Leading Edge Curriculum Design Fellow, Newcastle University
  • Sara Robertson, Chief Executive, Institute of Translation and Interpreting
  • Professor Margaret Rogers, Professor Emerita, Founding Director, Centre for Translation Studies, University of Surrey
  • Giulia Tarditi, Head of Function, Localisation at Revolut
  • John Worne, Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Linguists
  • Xiaojie Zhang, Director of Conference Division, International Maritime Organisation

 

Join the conversation

Whether you are an undergraduate considering your next step, a recent graduate, or a professional curious about the future of the industry, we look forward to seeing you there.

Registration: Click here to register

Additional Information: Wednesday, 25 March 2026 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM GMT, online

Free admission
 
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