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.

Warwick Writing Programme

In the Warwick Writing Programme, which is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in Europe, creative wriitng 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 in 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), Michael Hulse (translator of Nobel Laureate Elfriede Jelinek), 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 avaliable on the Warwick Writing Programme website.

Core Modules

• Dissertation (16,000 words)
• Translation Studies in Theory and Practice
• Literary Translation and Creative (Re) Writing Workshop or The Practice of Literary Translation (NB: these translation workshops will generally be offered on biannual rotation, subject to availability)

Optional Core Modules

Previously, a selection of the following options have been avaialble within the Faculty of Arts:

• Stylistics Workshop
• Crossing Borders
• Chinese Poetry and the Western Reader
• Small Press Publishing
• Trans/national Cultures
• Multilingualism
• Caliban's Legacy in the Caribbean
• The Lure of Italy

Optional Modules

You may choose one optional module from any of the modules on offer 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 Learnikng (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.

Teaching

Two- or three-hour weekly lectures, seminars or workshops for each module. There are two core modules (one in Term 1 and one in Term 2). Students also take an optional core module and an elective 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 2. Part-time students will generally take both their core modules and complete their Research Methods training in Year 1, and take their optional core and elective modules plus write their dissertation in Year 2.

Contact Hours

You will receive a minimum of 4 contact hours per week during term 1 and 2.

Class Sizes

Seminars are capped at 15 students.

Assessment

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

Skills from this degree

• Training in literary translation
• Advanced editing skills

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

English language requirements 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

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

International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.

For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.

Additional Course Costs

Students are expected to buy the set primary texts for each module they 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 1.

Recent graduates have gone on to work as translators and interpreters, as teachers, in publishing and journalism, and to doctoral study, among other destinations.

At Warwick Thursdays, our weekly literary and cultural salon, you will encounter creative practitioners (typically including writers, filmmakers, literary translators, visual artists) and industy guests (typically including publishers, agents, journalists), gaining an insight into a range of possible careers in the creative industries, including literary translation and publishing.

There are a number of different ways to visit the University of Warwick throughout the year. We host bespoke PG visits, where you can talk directly with your chosen department and explore our campus through a personalised tour. Some departments also host their own events and open days, where you can learn more about your department or course of study. To find out more about all of these opportunities, visit our Postgraduate Visits page.