Lancaster has an internationally recognised research profile in Translation Studies, with expertise spanning literary translation, transcultural practices, creative-critical translation, eco-translation, life-writing, and the cultural and historical roles of translators. You will study in the School of Global Affairs, where our interdisciplinary research environment encourages innovative approaches to translation across languages, cultures and media.
Why study for a PhD in Translation at Lancaster?
- Benefit from expert supervision and support
- Access specialist research training modules
- Study on campus in the University Library’s bespoke postgraduate study space
- Join in guest lectures and seminars
- Participate in the activities of the School of Global Affairs different research groups and centres
What research specialisms in Translation are offered at Lancaster?
Here in the School of Global Affairs, we have expertise in a wide range of areas and welcome applications from students wishing to pursue research in these fields:
We warmly welcome enquiries from appropriately qualified applicants who are keen to register for doctoral research in any of the areas covered by our staff expertise in Translation and related areas (including comparatist projects). Our language specialisms are Chinese, French, German, and Spanish.
How will my PhD in Translation be supported?
Whilst the programme is predominantly research based, you will be supported with access to a selection of taught courses providing skills in many areas of research. This provision provides the opportunity to extend your knowledge beyond the focus of your thesis, and includes the opportunity to develop skills to support your career development.
As a PhD student in the School of Global Affairs you will be supported typically by two supervisors and will be fully integrated into our research culture. You will be expected to attend and present your work at postgraduate work-in-progress seminars, and will have representation on relevant departmental committees.
How will my PhD in Translation be structured?
Our doctoral programmes are designed to support you at every stage of your research journey. During the initial phase of your studies, you will develop the theoretical, methodological and professional skills needed to undertake independent, high-quality research in Translation Studies and related fields.
Drawing on Lancaster's multilingual and globally oriented research environment, you will be encouraged to engage with translation across languages, cultures and disciplinary boundaries. Working closely with your supervisors, you will refine your research project, engage critically with relevant scholarship, and develop a strong foundation for your thesis. You will become part of a vibrant research community that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and intellectual exchange with researchers working across languages, literatures and cultures.
Following successful progression, you will undertake original research that contributes new knowledge and perspectives to your chosen field, culminating in an MPhil thesis or a longer PhD thesis. Advice and guidance will be given by your supervisor as to the specific format of your award.
Join our vibrant research culture
At Lancaster you will be encouraged to participate in a vibrant multilingual research culture through research seminars, reading groups, workshops, conferences and Faculty training programmes. These activities provide opportunities to share your research, receive constructive feedback, and engage with scholars working across Translation Studies, Languages and Global Cultures and related disciplines. You will also benefit from the School of Global Affairs' collaborative and interdisciplinary ethos, with opportunities to connect with researchers across the arts, humanities and social sciences.
We are committed to supporting the next generation of translation scholars, researchers and practitioners. Whether your ambition is an academic career or a role in publishing, cultural institutions, international organisations, the creative industries, language services or research consultancy, a doctoral degree in Translation Studies at Lancaster will equip you with the advanced research expertise, critical perspectives and intercultural understanding to make a meaningful contribution to the field.
If you are interested in exploring how translation shapes literary, cultural and social life across languages and cultures, and want to pursue innovative research in a supportive and internationally connected environment, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Find the Right Supervisor
Find out more about our research specialisms and the wide range of research projects in which staff in the staff in the department are engaged.. Where there is a good match with your proposed area of research, feel free to contact a potential supervisor informally in the first instance.
You may also wish to access guidance for writing your research proposal and find out how to apply.
