Translation Studies PhD
We have specialist researchers and active practitioners in translation across all our subject areas and supervise projects across a wide range of language combinations, not limited to those we teach at undergraduate level in the department.
Why study with us?
4th
in sector overall for research classified as 'world leading (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*) in latest Research Excellence Framework (2021)
19/62
in the Guardian League Table for Modern Languages and Linguistics for 2018
100%
of research environment classified 'world leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*) in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021)
Overview
Our particular strengths lie in the cultural, historical, transnational, and political dimensions of translation, as well as in practice-based approaches, especially in literary and academic settings.
Research theses can be supervised in any area of Translation Studies, but we particularly welcome projects that complement our interest in the multiple intersections between language, media, and identity. We have established clusters of PhD students working on volunteer and non-professional translation (e.g. fansubbing) and on sociological approaches to translation in a number of settings (e.g. journalism). Other areas of particular interest include audio-visual translation, as well as gender, queer, and postcolonial translation theories and practice.
Research themes
Projects currently or previously supervised by members of staff in Translation Studies include:
- Habitus and Hexis in News Translation of Saudi Arabia in the British Broadsheet Press
- Motivations and Structures in Chinese Fansub Communities
- The Treatment of Swearing in English to Chinese Audio-Visual Translation
- 'A Sociocognitive Approach to Audiovisual Translated Texts: Dubbing /Subtitling in TV Series (English/Italian).
Facilities
The University of Liverpool has excellent research facilities within the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences. For postgraduate researchers, these include designated shared office space and access to a vast repository of sociolinguistic journals (including e-journal), through the Sydney Jones Library.
As a postgraduate researcher at the University of Liverpool, you will become part of the Liverpool Doctoral College. The LDC supports all postgraduate researchers across the University to thrive in their doctoral programme with our dedicated team of esteemed supervisors, professional services staff, and student peers, ensuring that our students succeed in their studies.
Research groups
Research Groups and Centres:
- Image, Sound and Performance and Conflict
- Memory and Heritage
- Place, Space and Belonging
- Media Histories: From Manuscript to Digital.
Staff in Modern Languages and Cultures also have close links with the Centre for the Study of International Slavery (CSIS), Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (CMRS), Eighteenth-Century Worlds Research Centre (ECW) and the Centre for New and International Writing.
Study options and fees
The fees below reflect one year of study during the 2024/25 academic year
| PhD | Duration | UK students | International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,786 |
|
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,393 |
|
The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.
* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.
^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.
Entry requirements
Applications are welcomed from both full-time and part-time students. For research degrees, we would normally expect applicants to have a BA or BSc degree of 2:1 standard (and also an MA) in a subject relevant to the proposed field of research.
English language requirements
| IELTS Academic requirement - SELT and non-SELT | Overall 6.5 no band below 6.0 |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT requirement | Minimum 88 overall with L 19 W 19 R 19 and S 20 |
| C1 Advanced CAE requirement | Overall 176 with no less than 169 in any paper |
| Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE II) | ISE II with an overall pass with merit in components |
| Cambridge IGCSE as a First Language | Grade C |
| Cambridge IGCSE as a Second Language | Grade B |
| Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Proficiency) | Overall 176 with 169 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 176 with 169 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 176 with 169 in components |
How to apply
Research degree applications can be made online. You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.
Applications are open all year round.
More about applying for research degrees
Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal
Find a supervisor
View supervisors in this area
Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us
- Postgraduate Support team
- Email: HLC-PGR@liverpool.ac.uk
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