Explore our MA in Literary Translation Studies.

P-Q3PB full-time;
P-Q3PBP part-time

MA

1 year full-time;
2 years part-time

3 October 2022

Warwick Writing Programme, SCAPVC

University of Warwick

The MA in Literary Translation Studies lets you combine your intellectual talents with your professional ambitions, gaining a strong grounding in translation theory, history and philosophy, whilst benefiting from our distinct emphasis on the practice of literary translation.

The MA in Literary Translation Studies is aimed at students whose language combination includes English and any other language. This might be a language that you have studied formally in an academic setting, a language that is part of your cultural heritage, a 'big' language or a 'small' language, a modern language or a classical language; it can be a language from anywhere in the world.

You do not have to be a native speaker of English but you should feel confident about translating into English from your other language(s).

The MA in Literary Translation Studies will teach you to think critically and theoretically about translation, but it will also hone your practical translation skills. Our practising literary translators will introduce you to the 'real world' of literary translation should you wish to work in the field after completing your degree.

You may pursue your studies full-time or part-time and we endeavour to support and take into consideration the needs and existing commitments of part-time and commuting students.

Skills from this degree

• Training in literary translation
• Expertise in intercultural difference and understanding
• Advanced editing skills

Warwick Writing Programme

In the Warwick Writing Programme, which is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in Europe, creative writing and literary translation are taught side by side. We are home to the Warwick Prize for Women in Translation, which was established in 2017 to encourage the translation of more international women's literature into English.

You will be working alongside practising, award-winning literary translators, novelists and poets including Maureen Freely (Chair of the International Booker Prize 2019 and translator of Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk) and Chantal Wright (two-time shortlistee for the Marsh Award for Children's Literature in Translation, winner of the inaugural Cliff Becker Book Prize in Translation).

Further information about the MA in Literary Translation Studies is available on the Warwick Writing Programme website.

Two-or three-hour weekly lectures, seminars or workshops for each module. There are two core taught modules (one in Term One and one in Term Two). Students also take an optional core taught module and an optional taught module (one in either term), attend Research Methods training and write a dissertation.

For your dissertation, you may either pursue a research project or work on a literary translation with an accompanying critical reflection. You will be allocated a supervisor and the expectation is that you will meet with your supervisor four times beginning in Term Two.

If you are a part-time student, you will generally take both core modules and complete your Research Methods training in Year One, and take your optional core and optional modules plus write your dissertation in Year Two.

Seminars are capped at 15 students.

You will receive a minimum of 4 contact hours per week during Term One and Two.

Assessment for modules typically takes the form of a 6,000-word research essay or translation portfolio. Assessment for the dissertation is a 16,000-word research project or literary translation with critical reflection.

Additional course costs

You are expected to buy the set primary texts for each module you study.

The module Translation Studies in Theory and Practice has a set text that is available for purchase from the bookshop. The module typically also requires students to purchase a student theatre ticket for a performance at the Warwick Arts Centre in Term One.

Reading lists

Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web page.

Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.

2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in English Literature, Modern Languages or a related subject.

Applicants are required to provide a translation sample to demonstrate suitability for the course.

• Band C
• IELTS overall score of 7.5, minimum component scores of two at 6.5/7.0 and the rest at 7.5 or above.

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Translation Studies in Theory and Practice

This module seeks to provide an overview of the development of Translation Studies as a discipline since the 1970s but also of “pre-scientific” thought on translation dating from the classical era. The module simultaneously provides an overview of translation theory, history and philosophy, and explores how translation theory relates to translation practice and to the study of translated texts.

Literary Translation and Creative (Re-) Writing Workshop

This module is a workshop in which you will produce translations of already translated and canonical texts – classical and modern – and experiment with translational norms and forms.

or 

The Practice of Literary Translation 

This module draws on the ideas and practices of the eminent scholar and translator Michael Henry Heim, who led a writing workshop on literary translation at UCLA for more than thirty years.

(NB: these translation workshops will generally be offered on biannual rotation, subject to availability).

Dissertation

The capstone dissertation module allows you to pursue an independent project in the field of literary translation studies, developing specialised insight into your selected topic. You may choose one of two options: a) a research-based project that engages with a topic related to the theory, methodology, practice, history, sociology or philosophy of translation, or b) a practice-based project comprised of an extended literary translation with an accompanying critical reflection.

Optional core modules

You will take one optional core module in a translation-relevant subject area within the Faculty of Arts, subject to the approval of the degree convenor. We have a broad understanding of what “translation-relevant” might constitute in the context of individual students’ interests and needs.

Previously, a selection of the following optional cores has been offered:

• Stylistics Workshop
• Writing Human Rights and Injustice
• Non-Fiction Writing Workshop
• Trans/national Cultures
• Multilingualism
• Caliban's Legacy in the Caribbean
• The Lure of Italy

Optional modules

You may choose one optional module from available modules in the Warwick Writing Programme, the Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies, the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, the Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning (IATL), or other academic units in the Faculty of Arts. Taking modules outside the home department is subject to the prior approval of both the module instructor and the MA in Literary Translation Studies Convenor.

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