PhD in Translation and Transcultural Studies (2022 Entry)
About this research graduate course
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. This course requires the following:
- Band B
- 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.
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 aspect.
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 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
The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.
If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information, however we are awaiting guidance from the UK government regarding fee status for EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members living in the UK for academic year 2021/22 onwards. We are not able to confirm the fee status for these students until the relevant eligibility criteria have been confirmed. Once we have received further information from the UK government, we will provide you with an update on your fee status and let you know if any additional information is required. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.
Additional course costs
Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
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
Join us at one of the best universities in the UK for Modern Languages, with an excellent reputation for employability. Study one, two or three languages and cultures, or combine languages with other subjects.
Get to know us a bit better by exploring our department website
Our Postgraduate Taught courses
- Research in French and Francophone Studies (MA)
- Research in German Studies (MA)
- Research in Hispanic Studies (MA)
- Research in Italian Studies (MA)
- Translation and Cultures (MA)
Our Postgraduate Research courses
Taught course applications
Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.
Research course applications
Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.
After you’ve applied
Find out how we process your application.
Applicant Portal
Track your application and update your details.
Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
Join a live chat
Ask questions and engage with Warwick.
Postgraduate Open Day
Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.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.
Live chats
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.
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.
Connect with us
Want to hear more about postgraduate study at Warwick? Register your interest and find out more.