General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in English Literature, Modern Languages or a related subject.

Applicants should supply a short (approximately 250 words of prose or 15 lines of poetry) literary translation into English, along with a copy of the source text and a 250-word reflection on the issues you faced while translating this text into English. Please upload your translation sample with your application or as soon as possible thereafter.

English language requirements

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

• 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.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

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

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Core modules

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.

Teaching

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.

Class sizes

Seminars are capped at 15 students.

Typical contact hours

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

Assessment

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.

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.

Your career

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 industry guests (typically including publishers, agents, journalists), gaining an insight into a range of possible careers in the creative industries, including literary translation and publishing.

Warwick Writing Programme

Welcome to the Warwick Writing Programme, an internationally acclaimed writing programme that attracts writers and literary translators from across the globe. If you join us you will immerse yourself in contemporary and experimental narratives, including screenwriting, literary translation, gaming, spoken word and fieldwork.

We foster and maintain excellent creative industry links and networks to enable our students to achieve their career ambitions. We are closely involved with The Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award, whose recent winners have included Raymond Antrobus, Adam Weymouth and Sally Rooney. We are also the home of the Warwick Prize for Women in Translation.

Our teaching staff of novelists, poets, non-fiction writers, screenwriters and literary translators includes A.L. Kennedy, Tim Leach, Nell Stevens, Maureen Freely, Gonzalo C. Garcia, David Morley, Lucy Brydon, Dragan Todorovic, and Jodie Kim. 

Find out more about us on our website.Link opens in a new window

Our courses

• Literary Practice (PhD)
• Literary Translation Studies (MA)
• Literary Translation Studies (PhD)
• Writing (MA)

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.

Find your taught 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.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

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.

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

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.

How to apply for a postgraduate taught course