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Literary Translation Studies at University of Warwick - UCAS

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Course summary

The MA in Literary Translation Studies lets you combine your intellectual talents with your professional ambitions, gaining a strong grounding in translation theory, history and philosophy, whilst benefitting from our distinct emphasis on the practice of literary translation. 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. Skills from this degree

  • Training in literary translation
  • Expertise in intercultural difference and understanding
  • Advanced editing skills
Warwick Writing Programme In the Warwick Writing Programme, which is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in Europe, creative writing and literary translation are taught side by side. We are home to the Warwick Prize for Women in Translation, which was established in 2017 to encourage the translation of more international women's literature into English. You will be working alongside practising, award-winning literary translators, novelists and poets including Maureen Freely (Chair of the International Booker Prize 2019 and translator of Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk). Further information about the MA in Literary Translation Studies is available on the Warwick Writing Programme website. This information is applicable for 2025 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply.

Modules

Core modules Important information  We are planning to make changes to our Literary Translation Studies (MA) degree for 2025 entry. Our courses will undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As changes are confirmed, we will update the course information on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer.  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.

Assessment method

Assessment for modules typically takes the form of a 6,000-word research essay or translation portfolio. Assessment for the dissertation is a 16,000-word research project or literary translation with critical reflection.


Entry requirements

Minimum requirements 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in English Literature, Modern Languages or a related subject. Applicants should supply a short (approximately 250 words of prose or 15 lines of poetry) literary translation into English, along with a copy of the source text and a 250-word reflection on the issues you faced while translating this text into English. Please upload your translation sample with your application or as soon as possible thereafter. **English language requirements** You can find out more about our English language requirements. This course requires the following: - 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. **International qualifications** We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please visit the University of Warwick website for the tuition fees for postgraduate courses: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/funding/fees

Sponsorship information

We offer a variety of postgraduate funding options for study at the University of Warwick, from postgraduate loans, university scholarships, fee awards, to academic department bursaries. It's important that you apply for your postgraduate course first before you apply for a University of Warwick scholarship. Please visit the University's scholarship webpages.

Literary Translation Studies at University of Warwick - UCAS