soas phd translation studies

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Translation Studies

Entry requirements.

We normally require a 2.1 bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) plus a Masters degree in appropriate subject area plus one reference. In exceptional cases we may accept applicants who do not meet these criteria if they show evidence of a strong Masters degree and/or appropriate level of relevant work experience. International applicants should also see Doctoral School English language requirements

Months of entry

Course content.

The MPhil/PhD in Translation Studies is a research training programme which combines foundational and advanced training in the core areas of translation studies, research methods and research work leading to a thesis. The Department is strongly research-oriented, and through a combination of courses, advanced seminars and individual supervision, aims to provide the intellectual discipline, knowledge and skills required of a well-rounded researcher.

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 field of studies. Depending on the research topic, it may be possible to arrange joint supervision with specialists in other departments.

Research at the Centre for Translation Studies and in the Department of Linguistics

Research interests of the faculty are wide-ranging, spanning the languages across the world, from Chinese to Arabic, Swahili to Korean, Mongolian to Japanese. This focus on Asian and African languages, combined with the unparalleled access to the considerable language and regional expertise of other SOAS researchers constitutes a unique resource for the study of translation studies benefitting from expertise of many leading researchers in the areas of other languages, theoretical, comparative and descriptive linguistics, and area studies, which greatly enrich the field of translation studies.

Modern Languages and Linguistics at SOAS has been ranked 10th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. We've also been ranked 4th for research environment - with 100% of our research ranked as 'internationally excellent' and 85% as 'world-leading' - and 8th for research outputs in the REF 2021.

Information for international students

For details, including English language requirements

Fees and funding

For details of postgraduate fees

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

• Campus-based learning is available for this qualification

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PhD in Translation Studies

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PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

SOAS, University of London

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The MPhil/PhD in Translation Studies is a research training programme which combines foundational and advanced training in the core areas of translation studies, research methods and research work leading to a thesis. The Department is strongly research-oriented, and through a combination of courses, advanced seminars and individual supervision, aims to provide the intellectual discipline, knowledge and skills required of a well-rounded researcher.

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 field of studies. Depending on the research topic, it may be possible to arrange joint supervision with specialists in other departments.

Research at the Centre for Translation Studies and in the Department of Linguistics

Research interests of the faculty are wide-ranging, spanning the languages across the world, from Chinese to Arabic, Swahili to Korean, Mongolian to Japanese. This focus on Asian and African languages, combined with the unparalleled access to the considerable language and regional expertise of other SOAS researchers constitutes a unique resource for the study of translation studies benefitting from expertise of many leading researchers in the areas of other languages, theoretical, comparative and descriptive linguistics, and area studies, which greatly enrich the field of translation studies.

What students say

The best part of SOAS is that the campus is full of diversity and anyone would feel home. Not only students but also tutors are all so friendly and I’m been feeling welcomed all.. Read more

Studying at SOAS University of London is a wonderful experience. Located in the heart of London you get to explore beyond your study area by SOAS - because it is such a culture.. Read more

We normally require a 2.1 bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) plus a Masters degree in appropriate subject area plus one reference. In exceptional cases we may accept applicants who do not meet these criteria if they show evidence of a strong Masters degree and/or appropriate level of relevant work experience.

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£4,860 per year

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Please note that fees go up each year.

£22,490 per year

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Students from International

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Review breakdown, how all students rated:, soas university of london , camden.

At SOAS University of London, postgraduate students are encouraged to challenge the status quo and think globally....

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Soas university of london: translation.

The MA programme in Translation combines training of practical translation skills and/or cultural mediation with teaching of translation theories and methods. It is unique in terms of the range of Asian/African language and cultural specializations. The practical translation modules are optional, students who prefer to concentrate on cultural translation, cultural mediation, or translation theory are also welcome. The aim of the programme is to enhance students' methodological and practical skills in translation, preparing them for the professional market as (freelance) translators, other language professionals, or cultural mediators, while providing an intellectual perspective on the discipline of translation studies, which could be the foundation for further MPhil/PhD research. Students have access to a wealth of resources for the study and practice of translation available in the SOAS Library and nearby institutions such as the University of London Library, the UCL Library, the British Library, as well as the BBC World Service and many others.

Full-Time, 1 years starts Sep 2025

Part-time, 2 years starts sep 2025, full-time, 1 years starts sep 2024, part-time, 2 years starts sep 2024, full-time, 1 years started sep 2023, part-time, 2 years started sep 2023.

Develop a truly global perspective

Attracting the brightest minds from all over the world to create a community that is diverse, vibrant and multinational,  SOAS University of London  is a unique institution specialising in the study of Africa, Asia and the Near and Middle East. Our programmes cover a broad set of disciplines within the arts, humanities and social sciences. Our vision is of an interconnected world where SOAS plays an important role in addressing the issues facing the world by:

• Challenging perspectives through research and teaching
• Applying a global lens to the critical issues of our time
• Developing graduates …

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Sato-Rossberg, Nana and Uchiyama, Akiko , eds. (2019) Diverse Voices in Translation Studies in East Asia. Oxford: Peter Lang. (New Trends in Translation Studies, v.27)

This edited volume showcases essays revolving around diverse translation discourses and practices in China, Korea and Japan. Knowledge transfer and cultural exchanges have historically flourished in East Asia and translation functions as an important social, cultural and political tool to this day. The essays in this volume discuss a wide range of historical and contemporary subjects, each examining distinctive translational activities and foregrounding their cultural significance in their respective time and place. They give a voice to various translational traditions in East Asia, where regional particularities and interlinkages are in effect. The contributors bring together different areas of expertise, such as the history of translation, political activism and translation, literary translation, transcreation and the translation profession.

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Beijing foreign studies university, china.

Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) is one of the top public universities in Beijing. It was the first foreign language university in China and it offers the largest number of foreign language degrees, with 101 foreign languages currently being taught. Around 15% of BFSU’s 10,000 students are international.  

Dual Masters degree programme

This programme is a collaboration between the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics at SOAS and the School of English and International Studies at BFSU. Students on BFSU’s MA Translation Studies or Master of Translation and Interpreting (MTI) can apply for this Dual Masters Degree Programme.  

All students will commence the Programme at BFSU and then transfer to SOAS for the second academic year. Students will then return to Beijing to complete the final year of their Dual Degree at BFSU.

Students will need to produce two Masters theses, one at SOAS and another one after returning to BFSU. Upon successful completion of both programmes, students will receive a separate award from each university. 

Progression agreement

In 2020, SOAS and BFSU signed a Progression agreement, which allows BFSU students to enrol on an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at SOAS and receive a discount of 20% on SOAS’ international tuition fees. 

You can design your own intellectual journey: most of our programmes can be studied in combination with another subject, allowing you to tailor your degree to your skills and interests. SOAS welcomes the brightest minds to study on its central London campus with like-minded individuals who feel passionately about contemporary world issues.

Combining languages, inter-disciplinary expertise and regional focus, SOAS programmes are taught by respected specialists engaged in fieldwork and research, which influences both government policy and the lives of individuals across the globe.

SOAS scholars debate pressing contemporary issues such as human rights, development, migration, identity, legal systems, poverty, religion, and social change, and engage in a wide range of global research projects, which are shaping the culture, economics and politics of societies all around the world.

Explore what makes SOAS such a unique place to study .

Entry requirements

Information for prospective students from China

English language requirements

All applicants must be able to show that their English is of a high enough standard to successfully engage with and complete their course at SOAS.

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PhD in Linguistics

Soas university of london, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, university information, similar courses at this uni, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Linguistics

Course type

The PhD in Linguistics is a research training programme which combines foundational and advanced courses in the core areas of linguistics, training on research methods and research work leading to a dissertation. The Department is strongly research-oriented, and through a combination of courses, advanced seminars and individual supervision, aims to provide the intellectual discipline, knowledge and skills required of a well-rounded researcher.

Supervision is offered in theoretical, descriptive and comparative linguistics, translation and language pedagogy. Depending on the research topic, it may also be possible to arrange joint supervision with specialists in other departments.

Research in the department

Research interests of the faculty are wide-ranging and span the world's languages, from Chinese to Arabic, Swahili to Korean, Mongolian to Japanese. This focus on Asian and African languages, combined with the unparalleled access to the considerable language and regional expertise of other SOAS researchers constitutes a unique resource for the study of theoretical, comparative and descriptive linguistics, language documentation and description, language pedagogy and translation.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

We normally require a 2.1 bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) plus a Masters degree in appropriate subject area plus one reference. In exceptional cases we may accept applicants who do not meet these criteria if they show evidence of a strong Masters degree and/or appropriate level of relevant work experience.

At SOAS University of London, postgraduate students are encouraged to challenge the status quo and think globally. SOAS is the leading higher education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Africa, Asia and the Near and Middle East. Postgraduate courses are taught by respected academics engaged in ground-breaking fieldwork and research. The work of researchers at SOAS influences both government policy and the lives of individuals... more

MA Linguistics

Full time | 1 year | 23-SEP-24

MPhil in Linguistics

Full time | 2 years | 23-SEP-24

MA History of Art and Architecture of the Islamic Middle East and Intensive Language (Turkish)

Ma linguistics and intensive language (turkish), ma linguistics and intensive language (persian).

International Booker prize 2024: six expert reviews of the shortlisted books

Associate Professor of French and Translation, University of Exeter

Professor of Modern & Contemporary Literature, Newcastle University

Senior Lecturer in American Studies, King's College London

Professorial Research Associate at Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, and Centre for Creative Industries, Media and Screen Studies, SOAS, University of London

PhD Candidate, School of Humanities, University of Hull

PhD Candidate, Latin American Studies, Trinity College Dublin

Disclosure statement

Helen Vassallo receives funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Anne Whitehead, Edward Sugden, Hyunseon Lee, Lucyl Harrison, and Rafael Mendes Silva do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

King's College London , SOAS, University of London , Trinity College Dublin , Newcastle University , University of Hull , and University of Exeter provide funding as members of The Conversation UK.

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From a longlist of 12, six novels have been shortlisted for the 2023 International Booker prize. Our academics review the finalists ahead of the announcement of the winner on May 21.

Not a River by Selva Almada, translated by Annie McDermott

In Not a River, the final instalment in Selva Almada’s “trilogy of men”, past and present collide in a nightmarish sleepwalk towards inevitable violence. Two men take Tilo, the son of their friend Eusebio, on a fishing trip along the very river where Eusebio lost his life some years earlier. They row to “the island”, a closed community that does not trust outsiders. The heat bears down on them as ghosts of both past and present reel them in, and the intimacy of their fishing trip takes a macabre turn as the islanders and the river decide their fate.

In this lean, tense novella, Almada perfects the pared-down style that, as Annie McDermott acknowledges in her excellent translator’s note, is bordering on poetry. Almada takes us to the heart of rural Argentina and uncovers the prejudices, vendettas and settling of scores that characterise her literary work.

Reviewed by Helen Vassallo, associate professor of French and translation

Mater 2-10 by Hwang Sok-yong, translated by Sora Kim-Russell and Josephine Bae Youngjae

Starting in 1920s Seoul, at the dawn of modern technology, this realistic and dramatic tale of railroad workers was originally published twice weekly in an online journal, keeping readers engaged and eager for the next instalment. It has been republished as a 467-page book, which slowly unfolds not just the story of Jino’s family, but the 100-year history of the Korean Peninsula.

In this sprawling epic, Hwang Sok-yong has created another classic that delves deep into the history of the Korean people in North and South Korea. Readers will learn about the peninsula’s history, from Japanese occupation through the separation of North and South, through the everyday experiences of three generations of a family of railway workers.

Mater 2-10 is a sad and heartbreaking saga about the need to heal. It is also a deft translation, which captures Hwang Sok-yong’s signature unpretentious, unadorned Korean prose.

Reviewed by Hyun Seon Lee, professorial research associate of East Asian languages and cultures

What I’d Rather Not Think About by Jente Posthuma, translated by Sarah Timmer Harvey

Discussing Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar, the protagonist of Jente Posthuma’s What I’d Rather Not Think About observes: “After everything I’d heard, I was expecting a dense, sappy story but was surprised by the novel’s light tone.” This description could refer equally to Posthuma’s own novel, which also focuses on depression and suicide, and which handles its subject matter with wry humour.

We know the novel’s protagonist as Two because she is the younger of twins, and her older brother as One. Two’s grief following her brother’s suicide causes her to reflect on their relationship through a series of fragmented thoughts, across which recurring images surface: the Twin Towers, the reality TV show Survivor and the Nazi doctor Josef Mengele.

I found the novel powerful in its probing of the complicated relations between intimacy and distance, love and leaving – themes that rely as much on what is unsaid, as on what is told.

Reviewed by Anne Whitehead, professor of modern and contemporary literature

Crooked Plow, by Itamar Vieira Junior, translated by Johnny Lorenz

Crooked Plow , set in Bahia’s hinterlands, examines the struggle for land and the exploitation of quilombolas, descendants of Afro-Brazilian enslaved people who escaped from captivity.

The novel starts with a defining moment in the lives of siblings Bibiana and Belonísia: playing with a knife, one of them ends up mute. Without revealing who cannot speak, Bibiana narrates the first part, recounting the arrival of her family to the Água Negra farm.

In the second part, Belonísia narrates her harrowing journey after marrying an abusive man. However, her story takes a turn when Água Negra’s women reclaim agency, while Bibiana returns home politicised and married to Severo, who organises worker’s rights.

Santa Rita Pescadora, an encantada or spiritual entity of the Jarê (an Afro-Brazilian religion practised in Bahia), narrates the final part, unravelling the violence endured by quilombolas during the slavery period, corononelismo and large-scale corporate agriculture.

In Crooked Plow, Vieira Júnior crafts a rich, multi-voiced novel that does not shy away from portraying the present-day legacies of Brazil’s colonial past.

Reviewed by Rafael Mendes Silva, PhD in Latin American studies

Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck, translated by Michael Hofmann

In Jenny Erpenbeck’s Kairos, a character asks whether a human being is “a container to be filled by time with whatever it happens to have handy” or if there can be life beyond history. The novel dramatises this question throughout.

The book is set in the last years of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) (1949-90) as western capitalism erodes a collapsing socialism. Against this context, two lovers, the ageing writer Hans and the late teenage Katharina, live out a doomed affair, having met on a bus one rainy evening.

The mundane deceptions of infidelity that make up the book – Hans and Katharina meet in cafes, watch films, listen to music, go shopping, take secret holidays – are freighted with history and emotional intensity as the plot plunges towards its ending, where the links between politics and the personal become tragically clear.

For some, the spiralling, fracturing and intensifying effects this tragic view has on the characters, the plot and the style, might be too much. For others, it might accurately depict the nightmarish dislocations of Europe in the 20th century.

Reviewed by Edward Sugden, senior lecturer in American literature

The Details by Ia Genberg, translated by Kira Josefsson

The Details, originally published as Detaljerna in Swedish, is clearly the readers’ favourite to win the International Booker Prize. Ratings and reviews across Storygraph, Goodreads, Bookstagram and BookTok, are falling in love with all 151 pages of Joseffson’s immaculate translation and Genberg’s charm.

This viral novella opens with an unnamed woman, bedridden and in the throes of a burning fever which renews her interest in a half-forgotten book ( The New York Trilogy by the late Paul Auster ) that is inscribed with a handwritten message from a past lover.

Though it is resistant to a chronological order, the book travels along the tectonic plates of pre-internet life in the 90s, and shifts us into a new air of change at the turn of the millennium. In four chapters named after Johanna, Niki, Alejandro and Birgitte – relationships which have shaken the narrator’s existence – we are transported to a past that is captured as vividly as the state of the soul itself.

The Details is a perfectly written, quiet COVID novel which cleverly disguises the pandemic, offering a genius form of exposure therapy to readers who haven’t felt ready to read COVID novels. Genberg and Joseffson are honey and gold in the book’s final chapter which stays with you. This beautiful little book and its highly perceptive feel for the small details of an entire life is a wonderful addition to the genre’s best coronavirus fiction.

Reviewed by Lucyl Harrison, PhD candidate in the school of humanities

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