Literary Translation Studies (MA)

at University of Warwick

The MA in Literary Translation Studies is aimed at students whose language combination includes English and any other language. This might be a language that you have studied formally in an academic setting, a language that is part of your cultural heritage, a 'big' language or a 'small' language, a modern language or a classical language; it can be a language from anywhere in the world.

You do not have to be a native speaker of English but you should feel confident about translating into English from your other language(s).

The MA in Literary Translation Studies will teach you to think critically and theoretically about translation, but it will also hone your practical translation skills. Our practising literary translators will introduce you to the 'real world' of literary translation should you wish to work in the field after completing your degree.

You may pursue your studies full-time or part-time and we endeavour to support and take into consideration the needs and existing commitments of part-time and commuting students.
 

Core modules

Translation Studies in Theory and Practice
This module seeks to provide an overview of the development of Translation Studies as a discipline since the 1970s but also of “pre-scientific” thought on translation dating from the classical era. The module simultaneously provides an overview of translation theory, history and philosophy, and explores how translation theory relates to translation practice and to the study of translated texts.

Literary Translation and Creative (Re-) Writing Workshop
This module is a workshop in which you will produce translations of already translated and canonical texts – classical and modern – and experiment with translational norms and forms.

or 

The Practice of Literary Translation 

This module draws on the ideas and practices of the eminent scholar and translator Michael Henry Heim, who led a writing workshop on literary translation at UCLA for more than thirty years.

(NB: these translation workshops will generally be offered on biannual rotation, subject to availability).

Dissertation

The capstone dissertation module allows you to pursue an independent project in the field of literary translation studies, developing specialised insight into your selected topic. You may choose one of two options: a) a research-based project that engages with a topic related to the theory, methodology, practice, history, sociology or philosophy of translation, or b) a practice-based project comprised of an extended literary translation with an accompanying critical reflection.

Optional core modules
You will take one optional core module in a translation-relevant subject area within the Faculty of Arts, subject to the approval of the degree convenor. We have a broad understanding of what “translation-relevant” might constitute in the context of individual students’ interests and needs.

Previously, a selection of the following optional cores has been offered:

• Stylistics Workshop
• Writing Human Rights and Injustice
• Non-Fiction Writing Workshop
• Trans/national Cultures
• Multilingualism
• Caliban's Legacy in the Caribbean
• The Lure of Italy

Optional modules

You may choose one optional module from available modules in the Warwick Writing Programme, the Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies, the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, the Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning (IATL), or other academic units in the Faculty of Arts. Taking modules outside the home department is subject to the prior approval of both the module instructor and the MA in Literary Translation Studies Convenor.

Minimum requirements

2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in English Literature, Modern Languages or a related subject.

Applicants are required to provide a translation sample to demonstrate suitability for the course.

English language requirements

• Band C
• IELTS overall score of 7.5, minimum component scores of two at 6.5/7.0 and the rest at 7.5 or above.
   

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.
 

Recent graduates have gone on to work as translators and interpreters, as teachers, in publishing and journalism, and to doctoral study, among other destinations.

At Warwick Thursdays, our weekly literary and cultural salon, you will encounter creative practitioners (typically including writers, filmmakers, literary translators, visual artists) and industry guests (typically including publishers, agents, journalists), gaining an insight into a range of possible careers in the creative industries, including literary translation and publishing.