What is the European Master’s in Translation (EMT)?
The European Master’s in Translation (EMT) is a quality label for university translation programmes at master’s level. It was created by the European Commission's DG Translation for programmes that meet agreed professional standards and reflect current market needs.
Universities awarded the EMT quality label can use the EMT logo, which is a registered EU trademark.
EMT member universities are part of a network committed to high-quality translator training.
EMT members 2024-2029 – map and list
Find out where EMT programmes are offered.
Goals
The main goal is to improve the quality of translator training in Europe and beyond, in all eligible countries. Highly skilled graduates have better job prospects in the competitive language services market, and are better able to adapt as the profession evolves.
The network members follow the EMT competence framework, developed by academics and industry experts. The framework outlines the key abilities professional translators need:
- language proficiency and openness to other cultures
- translation ability
- technology skills
- personal and interpersonal skills
- service provision
In the longer term, the EMT network aims to raise the profile of the translation profession by training highly skilled translators and language professionals in cooperation with the language industry.
Network activities
EMT members participate in regular meetings and projects to share best practices and improve their teaching.
They have opportunities for regular dialogue and cooperation with the language industry. This helps them to keep up with new translation technologies, emerging professional profiles and employer expectations.
How the network is managed
The EMT Board, an elected body with 10 members, manages network activities.
The Board works with DG Translation and the Language Industry Expert Group (LIND), which brings together experts from the language services sector to advise the Commission on language technology trends and industry needs.
Together, the Board and LIND support and develop high-quality translation training, including through work on internships, train-the-trainer projects and joint visibility and outreach activities.
EMT board members
Get to know the EMT board members and their roles.
DG Translation’s role
We support the EMT network by
- organising EMT network meetings
- encouraging research cooperation
- promoting specific academic-business partnerships on training, internships and visibility
- providing a link between the EMT network and the Commission (plus other EU institutions)
- offering training placements for EMT students.
In return, EMT universities contribute to the ongoing professional development of DG Translation staff and work with us on research projects. EMT members also contribute to information and knowledge sharing through the Knowledge Centre on Translation and Interpretation (KCTI).
Why join the EMT network?
The benefits of belonging to the EMT network include
- increased international visibility for your master’s programme in translation
- cooperation opportunities with other EMT member institutions
- participation in the EMT forum on skills, quality criteria, teaching methods and market requirements
- opportunities to share skills, resources and best practices to enhance teaching and training quality
- having a finger on the pulse of the European market, helping you to stay in sync with current professional trends and demands
- cooperation on joint or double degree programmes in translation
- dialogue with all industry actors, including associations, institutions, language technology and AI experts, service providers and developers
- contact with the EU’s translation and language services
- enhanced opportunities for students applying for short-term training placements in DG Translation – we regard the EMT label as a guarantee of high-quality training.