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phd in translation in uk

Translation Studies PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Translation Studies

Introduction to Postgraduate Study

Join us online on 18 December at our live webinar session for an overview of postgraduate study and life at Edinburgh.

Find out more and register

Research profile

Doctorate-level study is an opportunity to expand upon your interests and expertise in a community that really values research; and to make an original, positive contribution to learning in translation studies.

One of the most flexible doctoral programmes of its kind in the UK, our PhD enables you to enhance your translation practice while gaining an intellectual and philosophical perspective on the activity of translation, developing you as a self-reflective and theoretically-minded researcher or​ translator.

Join our community and undertake a specialised research project under the guidance of experienced and well-published supervisors - you can opt to produce an independent thesis, or an extended scholarly translation with commentary.

Research excellence

In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), our research in Translation Studies was submitted in Modern Languages and Linguistics (Panel D - Arts and Humanities; Unit of Assessment 26).

The results reaffirm Edinburgh’s position as one of the UK’s leading research universities - third in the UK.

As published in Times Higher Education's REF power ratings, this result is based on the quality and breadth of our research in the unit of assessment.

Research areas

Our expertise covers a wide range of interdisciplinary and international research areas and many languages. We encourage PhD scholars to investigate translation’s intersections with intellectual, material and political perspectives in global contexts.

We have particular strengths in:

  • audiovisual translation
  • literary translation
  • translation and music
  • translation and art / intermediality
  • performance and translation
  • translation and religion
  • translation and history
  • trauma and translation
  • gender and translation
  • translation and health
  • translation and the environment

Explore our range of research centres, networks and projects in Translation Studies

Languages offered

We typically offer the languages above, but not necessarily on a year-on-year basis due to staff commitment and leave.

  • Be inspired by the range of PhD research in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

Go beyond the books

Beyond the Books is a podcast from the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at research and the people who make it happen.

Listen to a mix of PhD, early career and established researchers talk about their journey to and through academia and about their current and recent research. Guests include Dr Charlotte Bosseaux (Series 2 - Episode 6) talking about her AHRC-funded research on the ethical demands of translating accounts of trauma.

  • Browse Beyond the Books episodes and hear our research community talk about their work

Programme structure

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses.

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Training and support

This programme includes optional training on research skills, methods and problems.

Between the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), the Careers Service, and the Institute for Academic Development (IAD), you will find a further range of programmes and resources to help you develop your postgraduate skills.

You will also have access to the University’s fantastic libraries, collections and worldwide strategic partnerships.

Our graduates tell us that they value LLC’s friendliness, the connections they make here and the in-depth guidance they receive from our staff, who are published experts in their field.

As one of our PhD candidates, you will be part of a friendly international community which partners the International Postgraduate Conference in Translation and Interpreting (IPCITI) and has its own seminar series for postgraduate students, staff and visiting speakers, as well as hosting regular symposia and conferences such as 'Whose Voice is it Anyway?'.

  • Whose Voice is it Anyway?

We are an official Higher Education Language Partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) and a member of the RWS Campus - Trados Academic Partner Program.

We have great links with the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and with many industry and cultural partners in the city of Edinburgh.

As a student here, you will have borrowing rights to over two million volumes in the University's Main Library, which subscribes to the 'Bibliography of Translation Studies' database.

The Library is also the home of the University's Centre for Research Collections which brings together:

  • more than 400,000 rare books
  • six kilometres of archives and manuscripts
  • thousands of works of art, historical musical instruments and other objects

Many of our Special Collections are digitised and available online from our excellent Resource Centre, Computing Labs, and dedicated PhD study space in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC).

  • Look inside the PhD study space in LLC

In the city

Our world-leading capital city is a treasure trove of cinemas, theatres, galleries, and museums, consulates and cultural institutes, and established communities of non-English speakers.

Highlights include the National Museums and Galleries of Scotland, the National Library of Scotland, the Scottish Poetry Library and the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Pre-application guidance

Before you formally apply for this PhD, you should look at the pre-application information and guidance on the programme website.

This will help you decide if this programme is right for you, and help us gain a clearer picture of what you hope to achieve.

The guidance will also give you practical advice for writing your research proposal – one of the most important parts of your application.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree and a masters degree with distinction (first class or excellent), or their international equivalents, in a relevant subject.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

  • Entry requirements by country
  • English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 65 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
  • Oxford ELLT : 8 overall with at least 7 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

  • UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

  • Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Scholarships and funding.

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

borrowing money

taking out a loan

family support

personal savings

income from work

employer sponsorship

  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Featured funding

There are a number of scholarship schemes available to eligible candidates on this PhD programme, including awards from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Please be advised that many scholarships have more than one application stage, and early deadlines.

  • Find out more about scholarships in literatures, languages and cultures

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

  • Search for funding

Further information

  • Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
  • Contact: [email protected]
  • School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures
  • 50 George Square
  • Central Campus
  • Programme: Translation Studies
  • School: Literatures, Languages & Cultures
  • College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Translation Studies - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd translation studies - 6 years (part-time), application deadlines.

If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

  • How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

  • Application and research proposal guidance

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Translation Studies PhD / MA

Ranking Top 100 QS World Rankings 2024 Ranking details

Delivery format In person, Online

Start date Flexible – September or January encouraged

Duration Full time: PhD – 3 years, MA by Research – 1 year

Award Doctorate / Master of Arts

Entry requirements Merit in a Masters degree Full requirements

Fees £4,921 (full-time), £2,461 (part-time) Fee details

  • Online open week: 2 - 6 December

Page contents

Course overview.

Do you want to be part of a stimulating research environment? Join an impactful Modern Languages department and undertake research in Translation Studies.

Students working in a translation suite

When you're ready, return to this page and begin your application by clicking APPLY NOW

Career opportunities

The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.

The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report.

Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.

Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.

Careers Network

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.

As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll benefit from tailored support to prepare you for a career in academia or set you up for a wide range of other professions.

We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Female student standing in front of black background with arms crossed

Related subjects:

  • PhD Translation
  • PhD Historical Linguistics
  • PhD Interpreting
  • PhD Linguistic Studies
  • PhD Linguistics
  • PhD Phonetics
  • PhD Sociolinguistics

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  • Course title (A-Z)
  • Course title (Z-A)
  • Price: high - low
  • Price: low - high

PhD in Translation Studies

Soas university of london.

The MPhil/PhD in Translation Studies is a research training programme which combines foundational and advanced training in the core areas Read more...

  • 6 years Part time degree: £2,430 per year (UK)
  • 3 years Full time degree: £4,860 per year (UK)
  • 3 years Full time degree

Translation Studies by Practice PhD

Bangor university.

The School of Modern Languages offers the possibility to do a PhD/MPhil by Practice in Translation Studies (three years full-time; six Read more...

  • 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)
  • 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

Modern Languages and Translation Studies PhD/MPhil - Spatial Practices and Diaspora

University of leicester.

Modern Languages at Leicester offers supervision for the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - full-time and part-time Master of Read more...

PhD Translation Studies (Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling)

University of essex.

Translation and Interpreting is becoming an increasingly important area of expertise as global communication expands, and there is a need Read more...

  • 7 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)
  • 4 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
  • 4 years Full time degree

Translation Studies PhD

University of glasgow.

Translation Studies research is rapidly expanding. We host a strong postgraduate community and discipline-specific networks and offer a Read more...

  • 5 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Translating and Interpreting MPhil, PhD

Newcastle university.

In today's globalised world, translating and interpreting has an ever-growing role. Our main research purpose is to find out more about how Read more...

  • 72 months Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)
  • 36 months Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)

University of Nottingham

Follow your intercultural research interests to a deeper level in a department ranked 6th nationally in the Research Excellence Framework Read more...

  • 3 years Full time degree: £21,500 per year (UK)
  • 6 years Part time degree

Translation and Interpreting PhD

University of surrey.

Why choose this programme The School of Literature and Languages is home to the Centre for Translation Studies, an internationally leading Read more...

  • 8 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)
  • 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)

Translation Studies (CMII) MPhil/PhD

University college london.

Research proposals which engage with theoretical, linguistic and technical aspects of translation and interpreting are welcomed. Examples Read more...

  • 5 years Part time degree: £3,015 per year (UK)
  • 3 years Full time degree: £6,035 per year (UK)

PhD in Translation and Adaptation Studies

Queen mary university of london.

Research in Modern Languages and Cultures (MLC) contributed fully to QMUL’s strong performance in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework Read more...

Translation Studies Practice-Based PhD (On-Campus or by Distance Learning)

University of birmingham.

Put your passion for Translation into practice with our Practice-Based PhD. This new programme brings together our expertise in Translation Read more...

  • 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Translation, PhD

Swansea university.

A PhD in Translation enables you to pursue a substantial project led by your own passions and interests. It represents a highly Read more...

  • 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)
  • 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)

The School of Modern Languages offers the possibility to do a PhD/MPhil in Translation Studies. The School has a long tradition of Read more...

Modern Languages and Translation Studies PhD/MPhil - Translation and Interpreting Studies

Translation studies phd (on-campus or by distance learning).

This programme offers promising candidates the opportunity to carry out research in the field of Translation Studies and be part of a Read more...

  • 3 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Modern Languages and Translation Studies PhD/MPhil

Modern Languages at Leicester offers supervision for the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - full-time and part-time; Master of Read more...

MPhil/PhD Translation (by Practice)

Goldsmiths, university of london.

The MPhil/PhD Translation by Practice offers a new approach to studying Translation, incorporating a creative practical project. This can Read more...

  • 4 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)
  • 2 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

PhD Translation Studies

University of exeter.

Staff in Modern Languages research a wide range of areas, including literature, linguistics, translation and film. We supervise PhD Read more...

Translation PhD

Lancaster university.

We warmly welcome enquiries from appropriately qualified applicants who are keen to register for doctoral research in any of the areas Read more...

University of Liverpool

We have specialist researchers and active practitioners in translation across all our subject areas and supervise projects across a wide Read more...

1-20 of 31 courses

Course type:

  • Distance learning PhD
  • Full time PhD
  • Part time PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

  • University of Warwick
  • Warburg Institute, School of Advanced Study, University of London
  • Cardiff University
  • University of Reading
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Manchester
  • Queen's University Belfast
  • University of Bristol
  • Open University

Related Subjects:

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phd in translation in uk

PhD Translation and Interpreting

The Centre for Translation Studies, an internationally leading centre for research and teaching in translation and interpreting studies. Our research reflects the evolving nature of the discipline, encompassing a critical understanding of technology-enabled language mediation as well as quality, ethical and social dimensions of a fast-evolving language services industry

Key course information

April 2025 - full-time, april 2025 - part-time, july 2025 - full-time, july 2025 - part-time, october 2025 - full-time, october 2025 - part-time, january 2026 - full-time, january 2026 - part-time, why choose this programme.

  • We combine our knowledge of translation and interpreting as human practices with our expertise in computational linguistics, natural language processing, machine learning/AI, distance communication and human-computer interaction.
  • Our research into social perspectives on translation/interpreting workflows allows us to achieve a responsible integration of human and machine in translation and interpreting.
  • Since our formation in 1982, we have been awarded prestigious research funding that has allowed us to contribute to the theoretical advancement of translation and interpreting studies, applied to the real world. We achieve this by studying the responsible integration of human and technology-enhanced approaches, novel modalities of audiovisual translation and innovative practices in interpreting.
  • We are part of several externally funded doctoral training partnerships, including TECHNE , an  Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) -funded doctoral training partnership, which provides access to comprehensive academic and professional training programmes. There are possibilities for studentships and funding for your studies.
  • The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked Literature and Languages 10th in the UK for research impact, with 75% of our case studies rated as having outstanding impacts, in terms of reach and significance (4*). Our submission to REF included contributions from the Guildford School of Acting (GSA).

Fantastic graduate prospects

95% of Surrey's postgraduates go on to employment or further study 

4th in the UK

4th in the UK for Languages and Linguistics in the Guardian University Guide 2024

Research excellence

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked Literature and Languages 10th for research impact in the UK, with 75% of our case studies rated as having outstanding impacts

Studentships

Ahrc techne - collaborative doctoral awards (cda) on inclusive gaming with audio description and ai.

This competition-funded studentship is available to UK and International students and includes full UK or International fee waiver and stipend at UKRI rates.The UK fees and stipend for 2025/26 have not yet been announced but for the academic year of 2024/25 the UK fees are £4,786 and the stipend is £19,237.International applicants will be responsible for all costs associated with their Visa application.

South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) studentship

Awards cover UK tuition fees and provide a stipend at the UKRI home rate on a full-time and part-time basis.The UKRI has not yet announced the fees and stipend for 2025/26, but for the academic year of 2024/25 the UK fees are £4,786 and the stipend is £19,237 (£21,237 if London weighting applies).This competition-funded studentship is available to UK and International students and includes full UK or International fee waiver and stipend at UKRI rates.

Programme details Open

What you will study.

At a time when increasing automation is reshaping language services into one of the fastest growing industries nationally and globally, the ‘technological turn’ in translation/interpreting has created a wealth of opportunities. However, to understand the dimensions of technology’s impact, to mitigate drawbacks and to derive innovative solutions it requires fresh approaches to research.

We are therefore particularly interested in PhD projects investigating how:

  • Professional translators/interpreters interact with, and adapt to, emerging technological ecosystems
  • This is changing professional practice and the products of this practice
  • Human knowledge combined with natural language processing and machine-learning approaches can help design sustainable technology-enhanced solutions in translation/interpreting.

It normally takes three years of full-time study or six years of part-time study to complete our PhD in Translation and Interpreting. You will take a confirmation viva at 12-15 months (or 24-30 months part-time) and will then be assessed by a thesis and viva examination.

You will be assigned two supervisors, who will guide you through your PhD, meet with you monthly to discuss your progress, and give you feedback and advice on your work. You will also have the opportunity to interact and collaborate with other researchers from the Centre and across the University who work on topics relevant to your research.

As a doctoral student, you’ll receive a structured training programme covering the practical aspects of being a researcher, including grant-writing, publishing in journals, and applying for academic jobs.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Research areas Open

Research themes.

  • Translation technologies, including computer-assisted translation, translation memories, machine translation and post-editing
  • Interpreting technologies, especially video-mediated interpreting, distance/remote interpreting
  • Audio-visual translation including subtitling, audio-description, re-speaking and other modalities
  • Collaborative translation
  • Translation and natural language processing
  • Bilingual lexicography, corpora and translation
  • Translation process research
  • Translation and interpreting as multimodal activities
  • Translation and interpreting in the context of migration
  • Dialogue interpreting
  • Legal interpreting
  • Multilingual healthcare communication
  • Multilingual copyrighting
  • Sociological approaches to translation
  • Humour in translation.

Discover more about the research in the literature and languages research .

Research centres and groups

  • Centre for Translation Studies
  • Research in literature and languages
  • Surrey Morphology Group

Academic staff Open

See a full list of all our  academic staff  within the Centre for Translation Studies.

Support and facilities Open

Research support.

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College , which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate careers and employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.

You will benefit from excellent facilities, including specialist software and hardware for research, for example: software to support computer-assisted translation, linguistic/corpus-based analysis, subtitling, re-speaking and audio-description; software for qualitative and quantitative analysis, eye-tracking facilities and dedicated server space.

We are also home to state-of-the-art interpreting laboratories with ISO-compliant professional interpreting booths, video-conferencing tools, mobile interpreting equipment and access to a remote simultaneous interpreting platform.

You will be allocated desk space, and you will also be able to take advantage of our common rooms for socialising and networking with other students and staff.

Entry requirements Open

Uk qualifications.

Applicants are expected to hold a good bachelors degree and/or masters degree (2:1 or equivalent) in translation studies (translation, audiovisual translation, interpreting.

For other topics, a good bachelors degree and an MA in a relevant topic is required.

Country-specific qualifications

International students in the united kingdom, english language requirements.

IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category and at least 7.0 in the writing component.

These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept. 

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses , designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Selection process

Selection is based on applicants:

  • Meeting the expected entry requirements
  • Being shortlisted through the application screening process
  • Completing a successful interview
  • Providing suitable references.

Fees and funding Open

Fees per year.

Explore  UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the  list of fees for all postgraduate research courses.

  • Annual fees will increase by 4% for each year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100 (subject to legal requirements).
  • Any start date other than September will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).

Additional costs

There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey.

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Browse our frequently updated list of funded studentships open for applications.

Application process

Applicants are advised to contact potential supervisors before they submit an application via the website. Please refer to section two of our  application guidance .

After registration

Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.

Apply online

To apply online first select the course you'd like to apply for then log in.

Select your course

Choose the course option you wish to apply for.

Create an account and sign into our application portal.

Translation and Interpreting PhD

Full-time, April 2025

Part-time, April 2025

Full-time, July 2025

Part-time, July 2025

Full-time, October 2025

Part-time, October 2025

Full-time, January 2026

Part-time, January 2026

About the University of Surrey

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Accommodation

We have a range of housing to suit all requirements and budgets. There are more than 6,000 rooms available (en-suite, single-sex, studio flat, shared or single).

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At Surrey we offer a friendly university campus set in beautiful countryside, with the convenience and social life of bustling Guildford on your doorstep.

Need more information?

Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.

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Code of practice for research degrees.

Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.

Download the code of practice for research degrees (PDF) .

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures , student regulations , and terms and conditions .

We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:

  • First when we make an offer.
  • Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).

View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.

This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.

Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.

It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer .

Study Postgraduate

Phd in translation and transcultural studies (2023 entry).

a group of students discuss Translation and Transcultural Studies

Course code

2 October 2023

3-4 years full-time; Up to 7 years part-time

Qualification

Modern Languages and Cultures

University of Warwick

Find out more about our Translation and Transcultural Studies PhD.

Our approach centres on cultures of, and in, translation. We are interested in how translation is theorised and practised in artistic, political, and social contexts and in different media. We also use translation as an analytical and interdisciplinary tool to illuminate processes of migration, displacement, cultural production, transfer, language policy and intellectual histories.

Course overview

Before you arrive, you will be matched to one or more of our expert supervisors and during the course. You will meet with them frequently for guidance on the conceptualisation, research and writing of your Dissertation. This will include reading and discussion of draft material.

You will also be expected to participate in the research culture of the School, for example by attending research seminars.

This programme comprises two distinct routes: (i) a theoretical/academic route and (ii) a practice route. The theoretical/academic route involves demonstrating a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the field of Translation Studies.

The practice route advances knowledge principally by means of practice – by the submission of a translation – but also by requiring the student to demonstrate a critical awareness, informed by relevant scholarship in Translation and Transcultural Studies, of the issues – stylistic, cultural, sociological and/or ideological, among others – involved in the translation of the work and to display this critical awareness in the form of a translation commentary.

The two elements of the PhD should nonetheless form an organic whole. The practice route is distinct from a standard scholarly PhD in that significant aspects of the claim for the doctoral requirement of an original contribution to a significant field of knowledge are demonstrated through the translation. The accompanying commentary demonstrates doctoral levels of contextual knowledge and powers of analysis and argument, displaying the same intellectual discipline as a traditional PhD.

Teaching and learning

Doctoral students prepare a dissertation of 80,000 words, in accordance with their chosen route (as above). Progress reviews take place at regular interval, normally in every year of study.

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

An Honours degree (a 2.i or First) and normally a Merit or Distinction in an MA with specialisation in an appropriate subject, including Modern Languages, Translation Studies, English Literature, Classics, and Creative Writing.

Applicants may also be considered who can demonstrate compelling evidence of advanced translation experience through significant publication and associated professional recognition and an awareness of the critical requirements of translation practice in an academic environment.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

  • IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Staff working in Translation and Transcultural Studies at Warwick have expertise in a wide range of research areas, including:

  • Cultural translation and transculturalism
  • Memory and transcultural studies
  • Literary translation
  • Sociolinguistics
  • Self-translation in multilingual contexts
  • Gender and feminist translation studies
  • Sociology of translation
  • History of publishing

The close link between translation and transcultural studies and the language sections (Chinese, French, German, Italian, and Hispanic Studies) strengthens the cultural approach to translation, seen as cultural exchange and transfer, and is one of our distinctive research aspects.

Proposals framed in cultural, social and political contexts in other languages, and not based primarily on linguistic/textual comparative analysis, could be considered depending on topics and approaches within staff research expertise.

Full details of our research interests Link opens in a new window  are listed on the School of Modern Languages and Cultures website.

You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.

Find a supervisor

Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.

Explore our School of Modern Languages and Cultures Research Directory where you will be able to filter by your chronological, geographical, linguistic and disciplinary interests.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor .

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Taught course fees   Research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

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Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad. Information about department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our  Module Catalogue  (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

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Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

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Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Modern Languages and Cultures at Warwick

The School of Modern Languages and Cultures is a close-knit community with an excellent reputation for innovative teaching and world-leading research. The School comprises five major sections – French, German, Italian, Hispanic Studies (all broadly conceived) and Translation and Transcultural Studies – and a Language Centre offering linguistic training in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

Get to know us a bit better by exploring our department website Link opens in a new window

Our Postgraduate Taught courses

  • Translation and Cultures (MA)

Our Postgraduate Research courses

  • MA by Research in French and Francophone Studies
  • MA by Research in German Studies
  • MA by Research in Hispanic Studies
  • MA by Research in Italian
  • MPhil/PhD in French Studies
  • MPhil/PhD in German Studies
  • MPhil/PhD in Hispanic Studies
  • MPhil/PhD in Italian
  • MPhil/PhD Translation and Transcultural Studies

phd in translation in uk

Taught course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.

phd in translation in uk

Research course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.

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After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

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Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

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Postgraduate Open Day

Postgraduate fairs.

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.

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Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.

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Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

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Want to hear more about postgraduate study at Warwick? Register your interest and find out more.

Learn more about Postgraduate study at the University of Warwick.

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

8th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2023) Link opens in a new window

67th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024) Link opens in a new window

5th most targeted university by the UK's top 100 graduate employers Link opens in a new window

(The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers Research Ltd. Link opens in a new window )

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2023 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

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PhD in Translation Studies

Our two-step guide to the pre-application stage of the PhD in Translation Studies - getting to know us, and sending us your research proposal.

Before you formally apply for a PhD in Translation Studies through the University of Edinburgh’s online system, we strongly encourage you to contact us to check that your proposal is within our reseach expertise.

Please take the following two steps before applying for a PhD in Translation Studies: 

Have a look at the research interests and expertise of our staff. Take some time to read over staff members’ profiles, research interests, and publications, to ensure that your project is something we can effectively supervise. We are much more likely to supervise a project if it closely relates to our own expertise and research interests. Together with colleagues across our School, the following Translation Studies staff are available to supervise PhD research:

Browse a directory of all academic staff in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

Find out more about our research in Translation Studies

Languages offered

At PhD level, we typically offer the following languages, but not necessarily on a year-on-year basis due to staff commitment and leave.

  • Persian  

This list was last updated on 10 October 2024

Following our guidelines, send us a draft PhD proposal detailing your research project. This will enable us to evaluate:

  • the general and specific areas of your research interests
  • the originality and importance of your topic
  • the feasibility of the proposed project within the given timescale

Guidelines for writing a PhD proposal for Translation Studies

Below you will find certain headings under which it's useful to present your research proposal. The headings are listed in chronological order.

1. Territory/ Introduction

The first stage of your proposal establishes the territory in which the proposed research will place itself. This territory can be either

  • a research territory (i.e. the academic field that is going to be addressed by the research), or
  • a ‘real world’ territory (i.e. what kind of applications or implications the proposed project can have in the world outside the immediate academic field).

In some research proposals both territories can be usefully addressed.

2. Gap/ Rationale

Here you indicate the gap in the knowledge or the problem in the territory. With your research, you want to fill in this gap or to solve this problem. If the gap is in the research territory, it means you aim at contributing to the general understanding and knowledge within the discipline. If it is in the ‘real world’ (e.g. environmental, social, commercial problems), it means your objective is to offer a solution to particular problems.

3. Goal/Objective

Here you state the aim or general objective of your study. You explain what the project intends to do, what its chief contribution will be. It is in this stage that you can suggest how to fill in the gap presented in the previous stage.

4. Reporting Previous Research/ Literature Review

Here you can report or refer to the earlier research in the field, either by yourself or by others.

5. Theoretical framework

This is the section where you elaborate on the theoretical approach(es) you will adopt while examining your data or those approaches which you will be challenging, enhancing or refuting. This section is crucial in giving the evaluators an idea about how prepared you are to do research at doctoral level.

6.  Data and accessibility

The material you will be looking at in your research will be presented here. This section should also mention any particular difficulties envisaged in accessing your data and how you are planning to overcome them.

7. Means/Methodology

Here you specify how the goal will be achieved, describing the methods, procedures, plans of actions and tasks that lead to the goal. At the initial stage of your research, you do not need to put a lot of details here. Yet there should still be an obvious link between the gap, the goal, the theoretical framework, the data and the means.

8. Achievements

You might wish to conjecture about the anticipated results, findings or outcomes of the study, if you already have a general idea about them. Of course, the actual results, findings or outcomes may differ drastically in the end.

9. Benefits

You can then briefly explain the usefulness and value of these achievements for the domain of research itself, for the world outside or for both.

10. Competence Claim

It is here that you might wish to boast about yourself! You can make a statement to the effect that you are well qualified to undertake this research and to carry out the tasks involved.

11. Importance Claim

You may wish to conclude your proposal by emphasising the urgency or importance of your proposal’s territory, its objectives, or its anticipated outcomes with respect to either the ‘real world’ or the research field.

12. References

Here list only those texts you referred to within your proposal. We do not ask for a bibliography, but a references list.

Prepared by:

Dr Şebnem Susam-Sarajeva

Connor, Ulla and Anna Mauranen. 1999. “Linguistic Analysis of Grant Proposals: European Union Research Grants”. English for Specific Purposes 18:1. 47-62.

Please note that this document is not assessed. We request it so that we can offer useful comments on your proposed topic and research outline, and we strongly encourage you to incorporate our feedback into your final application, which you submit to the University via its online system.

We value your privacy and will hold your information in line with the University of Edinburgh’s  Privacy Policy for Applicants . 

We also suggest that you read the University’s general guide to applying for Postgraduate Study, which includes advice on entrance requirements, writing a personal statement, choosing your referees, writing a research proposal and more.

Take me to the guide to applying for Postgraduate Study on the University of Edinburgh website

Formal application

You can find out more about language requirements, facilities, fees, funding opportunities and application deadlines for this PhD programme, and formally apply to study on it, on the University of Edinburgh’s online Degree Finder.

Take me to the University of Edinburgh's Degree Finder entry for the PhD in Translation Studies

Get in touch

If you have any queries about the process, or any other aspect of the PhD in Translation Studies, please contact us by email in the first instance.

Email us about the PhD in Translation Studies 

This article was published on 2024-08-13

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PhD Translation and Intercultural Studies / Programme details

Year of entry: 2025

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Programme description

The Centre for Translation and Intercultural Studies (CTIS) attracts visiting scholars and postgraduate students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds. 

CTIS provides an excellent environment for research and organises regular scholarly events for the benefit of postgraduate students. These include a seminar series, which attracts a large national and international audience of researchers, students and practitioners.

The Centre also provides specialist research training for doctoral students in the form of masterclasses and dedicated career development workshops. 

Our students have regularly benefitted from supervisory expertise and events across the humanities to support interdisciplinary dimensions of their work.  

Recent major research projects include: 

  • Genealogies of Knowledge: The Evolution and Contestation of Concepts across Time and Space (2016-2019), a large AHRC-funded project which explored how translation has impacted the transformation of key concepts in political and scientific thought as these concepts have travelled across centuries, languages and cultures. 
  • Translating Asylum (2018-2020), an AHRC-funded project which explored the role of translation and interpreting provisions in supporting refugee arrivals in Britain between the 1940s and the 1980s. 
  • Wiki[Alt]Med project (2021-2023), an AHRC-funded project which explored the mediation and negotiation of (alternative) medical knowledge in the English-language Wikipedia using a corpus-based methodology.

Find out more about our research , our staff and what our current postgraduate research students are working on.

Additional programme information

Humanities Doctoral Academy

Our Humanities Doctoral Academy combines the strengths of our four schools to bring expertise, knowledge, support and high quality services for postgraduate researchers.

We are a community of academic leaders and postgraduate researchers across all levels in the Faculty of Humanities. The Doctoral Academy Hub houses our specialist professional service teams who support postgraduate researchers throughout the programme journey. This includes admissions, registration, student experience, progression, examination and graduation. We collaborate closely with other University directorates including Manchester Doctoral College, Researcher Development team, and the corresponding Doctoral Academies in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. Together we provide the best experience and support for your studies and research.

Equality, diversity and inclusion  is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. 

We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. 

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. 

All appointments are made on merit. 

The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Teaching and learning

The PhD is the major postgraduate research degree. It involves three years of full-time study or six years of part-time study and the preparation of a thesis of not more than 80,000 words that makes a significant contribution to knowledge.

A satisfactory PhD topic is one that a suitably qualified and properly supervised student can bring to completion within the permitted timeframe. 

Recent thesis titles include:

  • Theatre Translation, Communities of Practice and the Sri Lankan Conflicts: Renarration as Political Critique
  • Analysing Fragmented Narratives: Twitter Reporting of the 3 July 2013 Events in Egypt
  • Managing Translation Projects: Practices and Quality in Production Networks
  • A Narrative Perspective on News Translation by Non-Professional Virtual Communities: The Case of Yeeyan
  • Re-narrating the City: A Genetic Investigation into the Narrative Impact of the Translation Practices of Wikipedia Volunteers
  • Hegel's 'Phenomenology' in Translation: A Comparative Analysis of Translatorial 'Hexis'
  • Investigating the Cultural Determinants of Advertising Style in the UK and Greece
  • The Phenomenon of Self-Translation in Puerto Rican and Puerto Rican US Diaspora Literature Written by Women
  • The Translation of Children's and Adolescents' Literature in Iran: A Structurationist Approach
  • Theorising Translation as a Process of Cultural Repatriation: The Greek Civil War Narrative Translated into Greek
  • Making Knowledge Move: Translation and the Travel of Technical Textbooks in Meiji-era Japan, 1868-1894
  • Amateur Translation and the Development of a Participatory Culture in China: A Netnographic Study of The Last Fantasy Fansubbing Group
  • Transgressive Textualities: Translating References to Gender, Sexuality and Corporeality in Contemporary French and Francophone Women's Writing
  • Connecting Protestantism to Chinese Ruism: Religion, Dialogism and Intertextuality in James Legge's Translation of the Lunyu

Please note that all PhD students are required to undertake research training as part of their PhD programme.

Coursework and assessment

Your research will normally be supervised by two members of staff at the University. Your supervisors will most likely be members of the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, but if your research requires it, we may arrange for supervision by someone outside the School.

Supervisory arrangements at Manchester are governed by a Code of Practice which is available on the University's website.

Regular meetings will be held with the supervisors, and details of each of the meetings will be recorded.

Research panels (consisting of at least three academic staff, including the supervisors) are held once per semester to monitor progress.

Please note that the first year of the full-time programme is probationary. This means you will be required to show evidence of satisfactory progress to proceed with the programme.

Related research

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) Translation Studies was assessed as part of The University of Manchester's 'Modern Languages and Linguistics' submission.

The University of Manchester was ranked in the top 10 in the UK in terms (by grade point average) among the 47 departments assessed under Unit of Assessment 26.

92% of our research was judged to be in the highest two categories (4*) 'world-leading' or (3*) 'internationally excellent'.

Our research environment was also judged to be strong, with 100% judged to be (4*) 'world-leading' or (3*) 'internationally excellent'.

Find out more about our Modern Languages research at Manchester.

What our students say

Manchester is home to one of the UK's five National Research Libraries - one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the UK and widely recognised as one of the world's greatest research libraries.

Find out more about libraries and study spaces for postgraduate research students at Manchester.

We also have one of the largest academic IT services in Europe - supporting world-class teaching and research. There are extensive computing facilities across campus, with access to standard office software as well as specialist programmes, all connected to the campus network and internet.

Every student is registered for email, file storage and internet access. If more demanding computer access is required, our specialist computing division can provide high-end and specialist computing services.

Find out more about facilities for Translation and Intercultural Studies students.

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COMMENTS

  1. Translation Studies MPhil/PhD

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  2. Translation Studies PhD

    Study PhD in Translation Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Our postgraduate doctorate degree programme covers research including literary translation, translation and the internet, audiovisual translation, and translation and music. ... A UK 2:1 honours degree and a masters degree with distinction (first class or excellent), or their ...

  3. PhD in Translation and Transcultural Studies (2025 Entry)

    Our research. The School of Modern Languages and Cultures is one of the UK's leading sites of research in French, German, Hispanic, Italian and Translation and Transcultural Studies, and our expertise ranges from the Early Modern period to the present. 82% of our research outputs and 100% of our research environment in the REF2021 exercise were judged to be world-leading or internationally ...

  4. PhD Translation and Intercultural Studies / Overview

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    Enjoy a full programme of research training alongside your PhD. Translation is a fast-changing profession and at Birmingham you'll join translators at the forefront of innovative training and research. We also offer a practical Translation Studies practice-based PhD, available on campus or by distance learning.

  6. PhD Degrees in Translation

    The MPhil/PhD in Translation Studies is a research training programme which combines foundational and advanced training in the core areas Read more... 6 years Part time degree: £2,430 per year (UK) 3 years Full time degree: £4,860 per year (UK)

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    A PhD in translation and interpreting will explore the latest advances in technology including machine-assisted translation and dialogue interpreting. ... (REF) 2021 ranked Literature and Languages 10th in the UK for research impact, with 75% of our case studies rated as having outstanding impacts, in terms of reach and significance (4*).

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  9. PhD in Translation Studies

    You can find out more about language requirements, facilities, fees, funding opportunities and application deadlines for this PhD programme, and formally apply to study on it, on the University of Edinburgh's online Degree Finder. Take me to the University of Edinburgh's Degree Finder entry for the PhD in Translation Studies. Get in touch

  10. PhD Translation and Intercultural Studies / Programme details

    Our PhD Translation and Intercultural Studies programme enables you to carry out a piece of significant, original research under the supervision of our academics. ... Manchester is home to one of the UK's five National Research Libraries - one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the UK and widely recognised as one of the world's ...