School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

What you'll study

Students begin registered as MPhil and normally upgrade to PhD after the first academic session (second session for part-time). Year 1 requires completion of Doctoral School research training (semester one compulsory; semester two optional) and departmental research training seminars. Key assessed submissions in year 1 include a 5,000-word Common Core Research Module piece (around mid-December) and, for full‑time students by mid‑May, a core chapter and research proposal of about 10,000 words covering rationale, research questions, literature review, theoretical and methodological framework, proposed methods, ethics where applicable, thesis structure, timetable and bibliography. Students must also complete a data management plan and online research ethics training.

Upgrade assessment comprises the written core chapter, a 20-minute oral presentation and discussion; successful upgrade confirms PhD status. Year 2 is typically devoted to fieldwork and research in libraries or other agreed data collection. Year 3 focuses on writing up the thesis, presenting draft work in departmental seminars, and preparing the full thesis for examination. The thesis must not exceed 100,000 words and must be completed within 48 months of registration (or part-time equivalent). Examination is by two external examiners.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requires a 2.1 bachelor's degree (or equivalent), a Masters in an appropriate subject and one reference. Exceptional applicants who do not meet these exact criteria may be considered if they provide evidence of a strong Masters performance and/or substantial relevant professional experience. International applicants should consult the Doctoral School for English language requirements.

Career prospects

The programme is designed to develop the intellectual discipline and research skills expected of doctoral researchers in translation studies. Graduates are prepared for advanced academic research and for roles that require sustained independent research, deep subject expertise and specialist language-region knowledge.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Funding arrangements vary by student and year. Prospective applicants should consult SOAS Doctoral School and departmental pages for information on available scholarships, studentships and external funding sources, and discuss potential funding with supervisors during application.