The Master's in Video Game Translation and Localization is a program from Universidad a distancia de Madrid (UDIMA) organized by the Instituto Superior de Estudios Lingüísticos y Traducción - ISTRAD.

The object of the master’s is to specialize students in the field of Video Game Translation and Localization according to the demand of the current professional and corporate world and the labor market. In order to achieve this, university professors as well as professionals in the field of Video Game Translation and Localization, with enterprise and leadership experience, will play a fundamental role in the students’ specialization by providing them direct guidance through academic sessions as well as the use of updated tools and materials that meet the demands of today’s labor market. In this way, ISTRAD seeks to provide students with the necessary skills to develop in the field of Video Game Translation and Localization, offer them a network of interpersonal and material support that we have built over the years and, ultimately, accompany them in their professional development within the sector.

The primary objectives of the Master's in Video Game Translation and Localization are:

The program is essentially of a practical nature and carries a course load equivalent to 60 credits, with each credit representing 25 teaching hours.

The Master's in Video Game Translation and Localization will offer Spanish (ES) as the only working language. Both the content and exercises for the different subjects will be written in this language. However, the language combination to complete tasks will always be English as the source language and Spanish (ES), Italian (IT), French (FR) or German (DE) as the target language.

Academic consults can take place in either Spanish (ES) or English (EN). The language for any administrative process related to the master’s can be German (DE), Spanish (ES), French (FR), English (EN) or Italian (IT).

We always recommend that students have a high level of knowledge in the source language and culture (EN), the equivalent of a C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), and a complete mastery of the target language and culture (Spanish, Italian, German, French or Italian), the equivalent of a C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). For this reason, it is ideal for applicants to choose their native language as their desired target language. If your native language is not included in this list, we recommend choosing the language you best express yourself in as your target language.

In order to complete the Master's in Video Game Translation and Localization students must have access to a computer (with the Windows operating system, since that is the system compatible with the software and applications that will be used for coursework), a pair of headphones and a secure and stable Internet connection.

Students will be able to use free downloads of programs and/or demo versions available on the web.

The Master's in Video Game Translation and Localization can be completed in the onsite or distance learning (online) modality.

Onsite modality. The onsite modality will be offered for the 2024-2025 academic year, with classes being taught at Instituto Superior de Estudios Lingüísticos y Traducción headquarters (Seville, Spain). Onsite sessions will be held twice a week and students will receive the definitive schedule before the start of classes.

This modality will have a maximum of 25 to 50 students. If the minimum number (20 applicants) is not reached during the first enrollment period from 15 April to 10 May, the program will only be offered in the distance learning modality. If the maximum number (50 applicants) is exceeded, applicants will be asked to complete an entrance exam that will consist of a translation, language and reading comprehension and written expression test.

Students who choose this modality must have schedule availability to participate in all sessions as attendance will be mandatory. If students cannot attend regularly, they will always have the option of switching to distance learning.

Classes for the onsite modality will primarily be taught in Spanish, with some exceptions according to target language, and students must have a laptop computer, headphones and a microphone in order to participate in the sessions.

Access to the materials and tasks to be evaluated will be the exact same for students in the onsite and distance learning modalities.

Distance learning modality. Those students who wish to can complete the master's in the distance learning modality. This modality —with the same credit distribution as the onsite modality— is based on study material being uploaded to the virtual platform by the master’s administration. The material will consist of content from each module according to the program schedule. These theoretical materials may be accompanied by a schedule of additional virtual sessions in the form of webinars, the dates for which will be released throughout the course via the virtual calendar that all students will have access to.

Content and materials corresponding to the different modules and subjects will be sent within the aforementioned program schedule, which students will receive during the enrollment process for the program. This schedule will also provide the deadlines for students to submit tasks and the dates corrections will be returned by the faculty.

There will also be a schedule for phone or electronic consultations with different teachers and advisors in order to resolve any doubts related to tasks. Students can also use these consults to discuss the different software programs and discuss the techniques used in each module and the corrections made to their work.

Studies will take place during the 2024-2025 academic year. In the case of the onsite modality, sessions will be held from October 2024 through May 2025. Those who require longer than the two anticipated semesters to complete their studies will find more information in section 19.

The following members make up the Master's in Video Game Translation and Localization:

Academic coordinator:

Ms. Laura María Fernández Ortega

Academic committee:

(in alphabetical order by last name):

Dr. Marta Chapado Sánchez (ISTRAD)

Ms. Laura María Fernández Ortega (ISTRAD)

Ms. Inés Franco Fernández (ISTRAD)

Dr. Rocío Márquez Garrido (ISTRAD)

Dr. Cristina Ramírez Delgado (ISTRAD)

There will be three periods to complete registration:

1st registration period: 15 April to 10 May 2024

2nd registration period: 15 June to 10 July 2024

3rd registration period: 1 September to 30 September 2024

Those interested in the course can submit their registration form during any one of these registration periods at registration or directly at the offices of the Instituto Superior de Estudios Lingüísticos y Traducción - ISTRAD (Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 2:00 pm / 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm and Friday between 9 am and 1:00 pm). Students who register during the first enrollment period will be given preference when assigning spots for the onside modality as explained in section 6 of this program outline. Once the registration period is over, the students selected for the course will be notified via email and the necessary documentation for enrollment will be sent, either via email or the postal service as per the student's preference.

In order to complete the enrollment process for the Master's in Video Game Translation and Localization, it is necessary:

Once students have been accepted and have enrolled in the course, they will receive an email with information regarding the academic advisors assigned to each module (belonging to the professional or academic sector of specialized translation and localization) who they can turn to for any question or problem related to their studies.

Additionally, both the academic coordinator and supporting academic staff will be available at ISTRAD for any consult (onsite, by phone or email) related to their professional work in translation or for anything related to their work outside the program. They can be contacted via the phone numbers and email addresses listed below.

Consult schedule:

For the duration of the program Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm / 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm and Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm onsite at Instituto Superior de Estudios Lingüisticos y Traducción (ISTRAD) headquarters or by calling +34 954 61 98 04.

During this time, any issue can be addressed and any administrative or academic questions can be answered. Students can also contact us at the following email addresses at any time:

Direction and administration: direccion@institutotraduccion.com

Academic coordinator: coordinacion.lvj@institutotraduccion.com

Technical and IT assistance: mastecni@institutotraduccion.com

Consults: tutorias.lvj@institutotraduccion.com

Holiday periods 2024:

Academic activity for the master’s in both the onsite and online modality will begin on 7 October 2024.

There will be a course presentation on 4 October and, notwithstanding the possibility of holding it in person, it will be streamed on our social media.

The Master's in Video Game Translation and Localization will consist of the following modules.

The internship department will contact each student in October to explain how the final phase of the master’s will work in order for them to choose between the options offered. This final phase, with an equivalence of 20 ECTS credits, will consist of two modules:

1. Applied Module (equivalence: 10 ECTS credits). To complete this module, students must choose from the following three (3) options:

Project. Completion of a practical project in the field of localization. This option must be completed offsite.

Internship. This modality is based on the student completing an internship at a translation agency or language services company. The process of assigning the internship and signing the agreement with the company will be completed by the internship department and students are free to choose their preferred modality, also taking into consideration the preferences of the companies available. The course load is approximately 250 work hours.

Work recognition. Previous work as an employee or freelancer can be recognized by submitting the required documentation. This work must be related to translation or related fields (revision, quality control, project management, etc.).

2. TFM Module (equivalence: 10 ECTS credits). Based on the selection for the Applied Module, students will complete one (1) of these three (3) projects:

Project TFM. This consists of writing a report that describes the process followed to translate the practical project. It will consist of a theoretical portion, in which the theoretical concepts related to the translation will be presented, as well as a more practical portion in which the problems and difficulties encountered as well as proposed solutions are analyzed. This will only be completed if the project option was chosen for the Applied Module.

Internship TFM. This consists of writing a report that describes the internship period. It will consist of a theoretical portion, in which the theoretical concepts related to the activities completed during the internship are presented (in case of a variety of activities, students may choose just one or several), as well as a more practical portion in which the problems and difficulties encountered as well as proposed solutions are analyzed. This will only be completed if the Internship option was chosen for the Applied Module.

Work recognition TFM. This consists of writing a report that describes the recognized work activity. In will consist of a theoretical portion, in which the theoretical concepts related to the recognized work activity are presented (in case of a variety of activities, students may choose just one or several), as well as a more practical portion in which the problems and difficulties encountered as well as proposed solutions are analyzed. This will only be completed if the Work recognition option was chosen for the Applied Module.

Students will receive an international student ID card issued by ISTRAD-ISIC at no additional cost. This card will be valid from 1 October 2024 through 30 September 2025. You can consult the characteristics and advantages of this student ID here. Throughout the month of October, instructions will be sent out on how to obtain this card, which will be managed by ISTRAD.

Upon completing the program, the Academic Committee for the master's will award the following personalized documents:

1. Diploma for the Master's in Video Game Translation and Localization awarded by the Universidad a distancia de Madrid (UDIMA). The reverse side gives detailed information regarding the various modules studied. This Lifelong Learning Master's Diploma is not part of an officially recognized degree program in accordance with art 4.4 del Decreto 84/2004 del 13/Mayo de la CAM (Art. 4.4 of Decree 84/2004 of May 13 of the Community of Madrid).

2. Certificate of completion of the Master's in Video Game Translation and Localization awarded by ISTRAD. The reverse side gives detailed information regarding the various modules studied.

3. Certificate and detailed report of the student's performance in each of the modules studied. These certificates list the language combinations in which the modules were completed.

4. If completed, a detailed report reflecting the activities completed and performance review during the internship, along with the corresponding accrediting certificate for the activity.

The protocol to issue this final documentation will begin once the final corrected assignment is received. Within 15 days, students will be contacted by ISTRAD administration to begin the process.

The total cost of the master's, 1865 euros, can be paid ni a lump sum or in five installments distrubted as follows:

This amount corresponds to:

If a banking or administrative error occurs when making a payment, either the initial payment or any of the following installments, students may request a refund at any time within the ten days following making the payment. The payment will be refunded without the need for any additional paperwork.

In the case of withdrawals, students can request the amount paid be applied to the next edition of the program in which they are enrolled or any other course offered by ISTRAD up to a month after making the payment and completing enrollment. This payment will be applied as the final installment in the new program the student is going to complete.

Those students who for work, professional or personal reasons require more than the planned two semesters to finish their studies will need to re-enroll and pay a fee corresponding to the remaining credits to complete the course as well as the virtual campus and administrative fees.

After the course begins, students will receive an email with information about the credit transfer and simultaneity options available for the studies offered by ISTRAD. If you are interested in receiving credit for previous studies completed at ISTRAD, you can consult this information.

During their studies, enrolled students will have the opportunity to participate in a series of additional training courses that do not count towards the credits of the master’s degree. The additional training courses are voluntary and optional and at no additional cost. The training courses are divided into four main fields of study:

21.1. ORTHOTYPOGRAPHY AND LANGUAGE CORRECTION

The first additional training course offered by ISTRAD consists of the following:

This voluntary and optional additional training will be carried out remotely and will be included on the master‘s activities calendar.

21.2. PREPARATORY COURSES FOR PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS

During the course of studies, the students enrolled who have formalized their application to the corresponding organization will be offered the possibility of taking one (1) of the online courses offered by ISTRAD to prepare for public examinations. Each option has different access and language combination requirements:

This course will be carried out remotely and the student will have the duration of one calendar year to complete the course. The calendar year will begin starting on the date the first lesson is made available. If the student needs more than the allotted time to complete the course, an extension of six months may be requested upon the presentation of corresponding justification for not having completed the course, which then will be evaluated by the Academic Committee.

21.3. EMPLOYABILITY SESSIONS

In the course, employability sessions led by business professionals and freelance translators will be organized. The speakers will share their knowledge about job placement as well as offer valuable insight and practical advice based on their own experiences, guiding our students toward a successful future in the world of translation.

These sessions will be held in person in Seville exclusively for students in any of our postgraduate studies at ISTRAD, no matter their modality. These sessions will also be offered virtually for those who prefer to attend them remotely.

21.4. ENTREPRENEURSHIP WORKSHOPS

A day of workshops on labor orientation and entrepreneurship will be organized. Interactive and practical sessions will be held, providing our students with concrete tools to face the challenges of the labor market. The participants will delve into activities, exercises and specific tips that will strengthen their abilities and allow them to confidently approach their transition to the professional environment.

The content of the workshops will be the following:

Similarly to the employability sessions, these workshops will be held in person in Seville exclusively for students in any of our postgraduate studies at ISTRAD, no matter their modality. These workshops will also be offered virtually for those who prefer to attend them remotely.

Finally, we will cap this academic period with a Closing Ceremony, in which we will say goodbye to the students with a closing lecture led by a guest speaker in the world of translation, followed by celebratory hors d’oeuvres and a cocktail hour.

The sudents will be offered the possibility to participate in these end-of-the-year events (either in all three or any of their choosing) a few months ahead of time so that they can make any necessary travel plans. The participation of experts from all fields of translation in these events ensures an enriching and motivative experience for students, ofering them a clear and realistic view of the job market.

The Closing Ceremony will also be broadcast live on our social media accounts.