Translation - 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, translation in a variety of areas and modes.

For example:
Audio-visual translation, multimodality and accessibility
Crisis translation
Translation and cultural encounter
Translation and development
Translation and language policy
Translation and linguistics
Translation and literature
Translation and minority languages
Translation and sacred texts
Translation and space/cities/urban contexts/migration
Translation and the global/local
Translation and theatre performance
Translation and tourism
Translation and violent conflict
Translation ethics
Translation in digital contexts
Translation in media and geo-politics
Translation in museums and exhibition spaces
Translation in the context of education
Translation and knowledge production and dissemination
Translation and music
Translation and the archive

Subject Summary
You will become part of a research field that is expanding dynamically. We welcome research proposals in a variety of areas such as audio-visual translation, multimodality, accessibility, translation and cultural encounter and the role of translation in the fields of linguistics, literature, education, performance, sacred texts, ethics, media, geo-politics, development, violent conflict and peace building, museum studies, area studies, digital humanities and space/landscape studies. You will enjoy the benefits of a network of regional, national and international connections with leading translation centres, including in Brazil, China, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Spain, the UAE, and the USA. You will meet and engage with staff with research profiles of international standing, with a wide and diverse range of interests in translation and translation studies, including digital and media contexts, literature, travel writing, international development, theatre and performance, hermeneutics and translation theory, histories, education, religious texts, landscape and place, museums, subtitling, audio-description and accessibility. Research in Modern Languages at Queen's was ranked 3rd in REF 2014 for Research Intensity and 5th for Grade Point Average, with particular strengths in literary studies, translation and interpreting linguistics, postcolonial studies, visual cultures, digital humanities and medical humanities. The School hosts several large research projects across all the language areas, funded by the AHRC, British Academy, the Leverhulme Trust, and Horizon 2020. The Centre is home to a large group of PhD students (around 45) from all across the world (China, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Mongolia, UK, Oman, Spain). Our weekly Seminar Series attracts renowned scholars and practitioners and is open to all PhD students. It provides you with an opportunity to become familiar with a range of translation research topics and professional experiences, and to network with peers and staff members. You are also welcome to audit classes on the MA Translation programme.

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 linked here.

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

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

Career Prospects
Introduction
Now more than ever postgraduate qualifications in Translation and/or Interpreting 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, companies – both as translators and –researchers in 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).