Literary Translation (M.Phil.)

Course Overview

The M.Phil. in Literary Translation at Trinity College Dublin offers a dynamic blend of practice and theory. Based at the Trinity Centre for Literary and Cultural Translation — Ireland’s leading hub for literary and cultural translation — the course gives you direct access to the industry and the chance to build lasting professional networks.

While the word “literary” may suggest novels and poetry, we take a broader view: our students work with everything from comics and songs to video games, subtitles, and speeches. In today’s world, creative forms of translation are more valued than ever-both in academia and across the cultural and creative industries.

This intensive programme helps you develop your own voice as a translator. You’ll build a personalised portfolio with the support of academic mentors, gain hands-on experience through team projects, and become confident in using the latest translation tools.

Whether your goal is a career in translation or further research, the M.Phil. in Literary Translation offers the skills, insight, and community to support your next steps.

Entry Requirements:

Application and next steps

We accept applications at any point between the autumn and the closing date in the summer. However, the course is popular, and applications are handled on a first-come first-served basis. So, you are strongly advised to apply early to avoid disappointment. We do our best to provide applicants with an answer within 3 weeks of receiving their full applications. Partial applications that are missing any of the materials listed below cannot be considered until they are completed.

Required Materials

For this course, you will need to prepare all these materials to apply:
a) Stage 1 Document: The Stage 1 Document is available here. It includes sections on the languages you intend to work with, a personal statement, and a sample translation. Please complete it in full without altering the format of the form.

When we assess your application, we are looking for evidence that you:
• are able to pick up on and reproduce the idiosyncrasies of a literary text in another language
• have a broad lexical resource
• can create a translation with a high degree of cohesion
• can understand and use a large number of grammatical structures accurately
• understand what experience, understanding and skills you can bring to the programme
• know why you would like to study literary translation at the postgraduate level
• know why you would like to study literary translation specifically at Trinity
• can show how your personal, academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme
• know what you would like to do with your degree

The personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme delivers. Students whose aims fall outside the scope of the course are likely to be rejected on ethical grounds.

b) Sample of academic writing: You will require a sample of around 2,500 words of your best academic writing in English. This writing can be on any subject. It is used by our assessment panel to see whether you have the skills required to pass this course.

When we assess your application, we are looking for evidence that:
• you are able to build an academic argument with a research question or thesis statement and conclusions
• you are able to create a logical structure to your argument
• you can critically analyse others' options and the evidence you see
• you have a good working understanding of the apparatus of academic writing, including referencing, quoting, signposting, and using a bibliography
• your command of academic English is strong
This course is highly intensive. The sample of academic writing is your opportunity to show that you have the skills required to pass the course. Students whose sample of academic writing do not demonstrate these skills to a sufficient extent are rejected on ethical grounds.

c) English language qualifications: All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band C (Higher Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band C, see the English Language Requirements page here.

d) Degree certificate(s): You will require the certificates that prove you have completed all of the degrees you mention in your application. If you haven't yet completed your degree, you can still apply and supply these documents when you have them.

e) Degree transcripts: You will need official transcripts showing all of the components you have completed as part of your degree(s). If these official documents are in a language other than English, they may need to be translated by a certified translator.

f) Two reference letters: You should ask two people who are not related to you to write letters of reference, recommending you for this course and laying out why you would be a good candidate.

g) Online application form: Once you have all of these materials, please click on the link below to apply.

Trinity graduates are highly regarded in the translation world. Throughout the year, we run workshops with industry partners and provide regular opportunities to network, collaborate, and build professional connections.