We provide a vibrant environment where doctoral students can carry out a PhD research project of their choice, including:

• audiovisual and literary translation
• media accessibility
• cultural transfer
• translation and technology
• comparative intellectual and cultural studies
• comparative literature.

PhD options

We welcome researchers interested in both thesis and combined practice and thesis research.

Thesis research

You will complete a thesis of up to 100,000 words.

There is also the option for MPhil research where a thesis of up to 60,000 words is required.

Practice and thesis research

This consists of a combined extended translation and thesis (50,000 words each). The extended translation may be of material belonging to any genre, subject to prior approval. The accompanying thesis must engage with, and contribute to the development of, Translation Studies.

Applying for PhD research

Before you apply, you should make sure that you have all the supporting documents you require. You should develop your own research proposal and consider how you plan to fund your research. When you submit your application, you will be required to produce the following documents:

• a 1,500-word research proposal
• copies of any previous degrees. If your Masters’ degree is pending, you will need to provide an interim transcript, as well as your GPA for previous degrees where relevant.
• a CV that includes your education, qualifications, employment history, any publications and any other relevant information.

If you are an international applicant, you must provide evidence of your proficiency in English (for example IELTS).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis every two months to assess their quality and suitability. Those selected will progress to the interview stage. The interview may take place in-person (where suitable) or online and is designed to assess your:

• understanding of the topic you propose to research
• familiarity with the broad knowledge area your project engages
• fit with the anticipated supervisory team.

Following the interview, you may be made an offer to study with us and become a member of DoTS. Start dates of either January or in September are available.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

These are essential to the success of The University of Nottingham and are central to everything we do. We recognize that diversity enriches our research community, boosting creativity, productivity, quality, and driving societal and economic impact. We warmly welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, career paths, and all community sectors, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression or sexual orientation.

Supervisors

We recommend you make contact with potential supervisors before you submit an application. They will be able to give an initial assessment of how well your research proosal fits with our supervisory capabilities. They may also be able to suggest alternative sources of funding and potential co-supervisors.

Find a supervisor

Funding

There are various sources of funding available to PhD researchers at Nottingham.

Faculty of Arts funding information   University-wide funding search

General queries

For any queries about the Doctoral School in Translation Studies and PhD research contact Dr Pierre-Alexis Mével, Associate Professor in Translation Studies.