Translation and Interpreting PhD

The School of Literature and Languages is home to the Centre for Translation Studies (CTS), an internationally leading centre for research and teaching in translation and interpreting studies. We have been ranked as one of the top ten Linguistics departments in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2022 for our undergraduate programmes. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked the School of Literature and Languages 10th for research impact, with 75% of our case studies rated as having outstanding impacts, in terms of reach and significance (4*). REF is the UK’s system for independently assessing the quality of research in higher education institutions. Our submission to REF included contributions from the Guildford School of Acting (GSA).

Our research reflects the evolving nature of the discipline, encompassing human, machine-assisted and translation, novel modalities of audio-visual translation, and innovative practices in interpreting. In 2019, CTS was awarded a £3.56m Expanding Excellence in England grant to launch an ambitious new research programme that focuses on human-centric uses of technology in translation and interpreting.

We combine our knowledge of translation and interpreting as human practices with our expertise in computational linguistics, natural language processing, machine learning/AI, distance communication and human-computer interaction. In addition, our research into social perspectives on translation/interpreting workflows allows us to achieve a responsible integration of human and machine in translation and interpreting.

We are part of several externally funded doctoral training partnerships, and you might be able to benefit from a studentship from us if you are suitably qualified.

At a time when increasing automation is reshaping language services into one of the fastest growing industries nationally and globally, the ‘technological turn’ in translation/interpreting has created a wealth of opportunities. However, to understand the dimensions of technology’s impact, to mitigate drawbacks and to derive innovative solutions it requires fresh approaches to research.

We are therefore particularly interested in PhD projects investigating how:

• professional translators/interpreters interact with, and adapt to, emerging technological ecosystems
• how this is changing professional practice and the products of this practice, and
• how human knowledge combined with natural language processing and machine-learning approaches can help design sustainable technology-enhanced solutions in translation/interpreting.

It normally takes three years of full-time study or six years of part-time study to complete our PhD in Translation and Interpreting. You will take a confirmation viva at 12-15 months (or 24-30 months part-time) and will then be assessed by a thesis and viva examination.

You will be assigned two supervisors, who will guide you through your PhD, meet with you monthly to discuss your progress, and give you feedback and advice on your work. You will also have the opportunity to interact and collaborate with other researchers from CTS and across the University who work on topics relevant to your research.

As a doctoral student in CTS, you will receive a structured training programme covering the practical aspects of being a researcher, including grant-writing, publishing in journals, and applying for academic jobs.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate Careers and Employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.