Bridging the gap between industry and academia
Created in 2017, the Master's in Technical Communication and Localization (TCLoc) allows translators and technical writers to broaden their skills and to discover tools and technologies that are now directly related to their respective professions. For example, during the program, technical writers familiarize themselves with the steps following the creation of content, such as translation and localization, while translators are trained on the creation process itself, namely technical writing. Students also discover or deepen their knowledge of multilingual content optimization techniques, such as SEO (search engine optimization)-oriented translation. After all, the proper translation of a website is important, but the translated site must also appear on the first search engine results pages (SERPs)!
A distance-learning master's degree in Technical Communication and Localization
The TCLoc master's degree program, entirely taught online, is based on both technical communication and localization, which means adapting a product to a local (or foreign) market, both linguistically and culturally as well as technically. Localization generally involves a complex process in which tools, such as computer-assisted translation (CAT) or machine translation (MT), play an important role.
In addition, the program covers web technologies and visual communication, including the use of several desktop publishing (DTP) tools. Today, it is essential to understand the technologies that help provide users with a product, a website, or relevant technical documentation while creating the best user experience (UX) possible. Naturally, the TCLoc program also provides a course on UX and usability.
After graduating, TCLoc alumni are able to offer a wider range of services as freelancers or they can easily incorporate their newly learned project management skills into their chosen fields. Regardless of their field or position, TCLoc alumni have found that their increased general knowledge of technical communication and localization has proven to be valuable, relevant, and useful both in their current jobs and for those looking to change jobs.
A master's degree plus Professional Certification as a Technical Communicator (tekom)
A highly career-oriented master’s degree, TCLoc was created in close cooperation with industry experts, specifically those from tekom Europe. With over 9000 members, tekom Europe is the largest international professional association in technical communication. Thanks to this partnership, TCLoc graduates obtain a nationally accredited master's degree (representing 300 ECTS credits — level 7 of the European Qualifications Framework) as well as a Technical Communicator (tekom) — Professional Level certification, issued by tekom Europe.
The TCLoc master's degree is rigorously oriented towards the international market by offering its courses entirely in English and thus addressing professionals from all over the world. Dozens of nationalities are represented among the participants as well as among the professional and academic instructors. Indeed, the challenges faced within the technical communication and localization industries, and their solutions as well, are ubiquitous, concerning all who communicate in multiple languages about products and services.
Designed especially for professionals enrolled in a continuing education program, the courses and evaluations are provided via Moodle, a distance-learning platform, and are complemented by weekly synchronous meetings that guarantee contact with the course instructors as well as with other students.
If you are interested in the TCLoc master’s degree and would like more information, feel free to visit the program’s website, or contact Dr. Renate de la Paix, Program Director, by email: delapaix@unistra.fr