Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) in Translation Studies

Program Overview

The MPhil/PhD in Translation Studies at SOAS is a rigorous research program that combines foundational and advanced training in translation studies, research methods, and research work leading to a thesis. The program utilizes a combination of courses, advanced seminars, and individual supervision to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge. Graduates have pursued careers in academia, translation and interpreting, publishing, international organizations, and government agencies.

Program Outline

Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) in Translation Studies at SOAS

Degree Overview:

The MPhil/PhD in Translation Studies at SOAS is a rigorous research training program that combines foundational and advanced training in the core areas of translation studies, research methods, and research work leading to a thesis. The program aims to provide students with the intellectual discipline, knowledge, and skills required of a well-rounded researcher.

Structure:

• Year 1: Students are required to submit a core chapter and research proposal of about 10,000 words.
The core chapter and research proposal are assessed by the student’s research committee and followed by an oral presentation and interview.
• Year 2: Students are engaged in research through fieldwork, library research, and material collection as agreed upon by the student and supervisor(s).
• Year 3: Students devote their time to writing up their research for the PhD thesis.
They typically present draft chapters to their main supervisor for comment before completing a final draft. Following completion, the thesis is assessed by two leading authorities in the field.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a combination of courses, advanced seminars, and individual supervision to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge. Supervision is offered in theoretical, descriptive, and comparative, historical translation studies, as well as a wide range of interdisciplinary areas cutting across linguistics, cultural studies, sociological and political fields of study.

Careers:

Graduates of the program have pursued careers in various fields, including:

• Academia
• Translation and interpreting
• Publishing
• International organizations
• Government agencies

Other:

• The program boasts a strong research-oriented environment, with faculty expertise spanning across global languages and cultures.
• Students have access to the unparalleled resources of SOAS, including the world-renowned SOAS Library, making it an ideal place to pursue studies in translation studies.
• The program offers joint supervision opportunities with leading researchers in other departments and centers, further enriching the learning experience.

Assessments:

• Assessments for the program vary depending on the specific research topic and approach.
They may include:
• Traditional written examinations
• Oral presentations
• Research proposals
• Theoretical approaches to translation.

• Descriptive and comparative translation studies.

• Historical translation studies.

• Translation and technology.

• Translation and culture.

• Translation and society.

Admission Requirements:

The program typically requires a 2.1 bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) plus a Masters degree in an appropriate subject area plus one reference. In exceptional cases, applicants who do not meet these criteria may be accepted if they show evidence of a strong Masters degree and/or relevant work experience. International applicants should also see Doctoral School English language requirements.

Home student fees (full-time): £4,860 per year Home student fees (part-time): £2,430 per year Overseas student fees (full-time): £22,490 per year Overseas student fees (part-time): £11,245 per year Please note that fees go up each year.