PhD Translation at Swansea University

Programme overview

The PhD in Translation is a research degree at Singleton Park Campus in which students pursue an individual project. The thesis is up to 100,000 words and must show original research.

Faculty: School of Culture and Communication | Department: Modern Languages, Translation and Interpreting | Duration: 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time | Intake: 1 October, 1 January, 1 April and 1 July | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Proposals are invited on translation and interpreting topics, with particular interest in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Spanish and Welsh. Students may be based in research centres including CODAH, CEPSAM, the Contemporary German Culture centre and the Language Research Centre, and present at departmental seminars and the School postgraduate conference.

Career pathways

Pathway to academia, or employment in translation, linguistics, education, government or the private sector.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

PhD: an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level and a master's degree with a minimum overall grade of Merit; applicants with a UK first class honours degree (or non-UK equivalent) without a master's are considered individually. English language: IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.5, or a recognised equivalent. Admissions decisions may also consider the research proposal, interview performance, competition for places and relevant professional experience.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,006 a year (2025/26). UK student full-time annual rate (2025/26 entry point); part-time is half. Charged over the minimum candidature period. Bench fees may apply. Source

International applicants: GBP 20,850 a year (2026/27). Full-time PhD tuition, year 1, October 2026 to July 2027 start. Later years rise by 3%. Source

Intake: 1 October, 1 January, 1 April and 1 July

Duration: 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time

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