PhD in Translation and Transcultural Studies (P-Q3PG)
Overview
We have a thriving community of PhD students in Translation and Transcultural Studies, working with a range of theoretical and methodological approaches and across a variety of language pairs. We welcome expressions of interest from potential applicants with projects that are compatible with our staff research interests.
A PhD in Translation and Transcultural Studies at Warwick can take one of two distinct routes:
(i) a theoretical route
(ii) a practice-led route.
The theoretical model involves demonstrating a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the form of a traditional PhD thesis that considers a particular research question through theories and a case study (or case studies) relevant to Translation and Transcultural Studies.
The practice-led model makes a significant contribution in the form of an original translation and an accompanying commentary that demonstrates critical awareness of the theoretical and practical considerations prompted by the translation process. The commentary evidences doctoral levels of contextual knowledge and powers of analysis and argument, displaying the same intellectual rigour as the traditional PhD project.
Research Themes
Staff working in Translation and Transcultural Studies at Warwick have expertise in a wide range of research areas, including cultural translation and transculturalism, literary translation, sociolinguistics, multilingualism, self-translation in multilingual contexts, gender and feminist translation studies, sociology of language and translation, history of publishing, audio-visual translation, translation technologies, and linguistic landscapes. Details on staff expertise and profile are available here, and further details on current staff research projects in Translation and Transcultural Studies can be found on this page.
Translation and Transcultural Studies has close links to the language sections in the SMLC (especially Chinese, French, German, Italian, and Hispanic Studies): our co-supervision with colleagues from these sections strengthens the cultural approach to translation, seen as cultural exchange and transfer, and is one of the distinctive aspects of our research.
Proposals framed in cultural, social and political contexts beyond the languages spoken within TTS can be considered, depending on topics and approaches within staff research expertise: if you are planning to propose a project that would fall into this category, please contact the PGR Admissions Tutor for TTS, Dr Caroline Summers (caroline.summers@warwick.ac.uk).
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally hold an honours degree (2.i or First) and normally a Distinction in an MA (with specialisation in an appropriate subject, including Modern Languages, English Literature, Classics, Translation Studies 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.
The minimal English Language requirement is "Band B".
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It is also possible to apply for a joint Warwick-Monash PhD in Translation and Transcultural Studies (course code Q3PGM), where the two institutions have compatible supervisory expertise. See the Warwick-Monash Alliance page for more information. Please consult early with the Director of Graduate Studies if you wish to discuss whether your project is eligible for this or any other cross-institutional co-supervision and/or funding arrangement.
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Funding opportunities for PhD studyLink opens in a new window are highly competitive and often work with a staged process: applicants should make contact as soon as possible with a prospective supervisor in order to develop a sound and robust research proposal (in November/early December for the January funding deadlines). An academic CV and draft research proposal may help us deal with your query more quickly.
Applicants not looking for funding and/or interested in pursuing a PhD on a part-time basis are welcome to send in their enquiries at any time.
Postgraduate admissions enquiries
For further information about postgraduate degrees please send your enquiry to the Postgraduate Research Admissions Tutor for TTS, Dr Caroline Summers, at caroline dot summers at warwick dot ac dot uk
Further advice and tips on how to write a PhD proposal can be found here.
Contact: Dr Caroline Summers (PhD Admissions Tutor, TTS):
caroline.summers@warwick.ac.uk