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?

  • 72%

    of our publications were rated 4* and 3* ('world leading' and 'internationally excellent)' REF (2014).

  • 19/62

    in the Guardian League Table for Modern Languages and Linguistics for 2018.

  • 90%

    of environment was also rated 4* and 3* REF (2014).

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


PhD Duration Home/EU Students International Students
Full time 2-4 years £4,407* (2020) £23,650* ^ (lab based programmes)
£18,000* (non Lab based programmes) (2020).
Part time 4-6 years £2,204* (2020) £11,825* (lab based programmes) £9,000* (non Lab based programmes) (2020)

*This fees excludes potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.

^Self funded full time international students studying a lab based programme will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.

Entry requirements

Applications are welcomed from well qualified graduates who would typically hold a UK first degree or equivalent in the first or 2:1 class, or a 2:2 class degree plus a Masters degree, in a relevant subject.

We welcome applications from within the EU and around the world. You should ensure that your qualifications are equivalent to those required to study for this research degree. See our guidance on international qualifications.

You must also have reached a minimum standard of English and be able to provide evidence of this. See our English language requirements for international students.

How to apply

Research degree applications can be made online.  Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal.  You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.

Applications are open all year round.

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Your supervisor is your main source of academic support and mentoring. You'll need to find a supervisor before you start your research degree. It's helpful to identify a supervisor and discuss your research proposal before you apply.

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