Interpreting - Research

Overview
The Centre for Translation and Interpreting provides a vibrant environment for both disciplinary and interdisciplinary scholarship. Recognised as a centre of excellence for research into the languages, literatures, histories, linguistics, visual cultures, and cultural identities of Europe and beyond, the Centre is founded on a dynamic and forward-looking research ethos. Translation is a field of research that is expanding dynamically. We welcome innovative research proposals that interrogate – through either practice- or research-led projects – interpreting in a variety of areas and modes, for example:

the role of the interpreter in the complex network of requirements, expectations, and perceptions;
interpreter training;
interpreting principles and practices;
interpreting ethics;
legal and social contexts for interpreting;
cognitive studies of interpreting, especially with eye-tracking technology;
community interpreting;
court interpreting;
sign language interpreting;
interpreting as a profession;
interpreting industry.

Mode of study/duration
Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent).

Learning and Teaching
We provide team supervision that allows students to benefit from a wide range of staff expertise, and have a proven track record in helping students to complete their studies successfully within the three-year period. Above all, we make ourselves readily available to our students and help them to integrate into our thriving research community made up of students from all around the world.

Graduate
A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. While a Master's degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) is not essential, it is desirable and applicants without this qualification will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

HOW TO APPLY
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Find a supervisor
If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.

To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles.

You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.

6 Calendar Years (Part Time) / 3 Calendar Years (Full Time).

Career Prospects
Introduction
Now more than ever postgraduate qualifications in Interpreting and/or Translation are in high demand. Many of our graduates work immediately as free-lance professionals, some even choosing to launch their own agencies. Others have recently secured employment in higher education (e.g. in China, Jordan, Iraq, Brazil, University of Glasgow, University of East Anglia, QUB), advertising agencies, as well as private and public companies and institutions. Queen's is ranked 11th in the UK for graduate prospects (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022) Queen's is ranked in the top 170 in the world for graduate prospects (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022).