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Email academic.registry@tcd.ieThe 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.
If you're passionate about language, creativity, and cross-cultural communication, the M.Phil. in Literary Translation at Trinity could be the perfect fit.
Based in the heart of multicultural Dublin, Trinity offers a vibrant setting for exploring translation. Home to literary greats like Samuel Beckett and a pioneer in language teaching since 1776, Trinity combines a rich cultural heritage with a forward-looking approach.
You’ll learn from a diverse team of translation theorists and language specialists, and connect with practising translators through our Literary Translator in Residence scheme and regular events.
This course offers exceptional flexibility. You’ll shape your own programme — choosing what you translate, how you translate it, and which professional skills to prioritise. From your first seminar to your final dissertation, the focus is on your interests, your creativity, and your goals.
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.
There’s strong demand for skilled translators who can bring creativity and linguistic flair to their work-not only in literature, but also in international organisations, publishing, media, the public sector, and education. Our strong links with these sectors ensure that students engage with the real-world possibilities of literary translation from day one.
Choose the pathway that suits your goals:
Progress seamlessly from the Certificate to the Diploma and onward to the M.Phil., subject to satisfactory progress. For more information on part-time and stackable options, please watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4iD1f9939Y
Find out more about entry requirements and application deadlines here.
All students take a core set of modules that explore key aspects of translation theory, practice, and professional development:
In addition, students choose two option modules from a wide-ranging list that changes each year.
In their Literary Translation Portfolio, students translate 8-10 literary texts of their choice, accompanied by critical commentaries on their strategies and aims. The final component on the degree is a dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words, which can take one of two forms: a theoretical study of translation(s), or an experimental translation and reflective commentary proposing a new approach to translation.
Click here for further information on modules/subjects.
This course video is designed to provide an understanding of Literary Translation postgraduate programme at Trinity College Dublin.
September 2026
Dr. James Hadley
30 June 2026
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.
For a full list of postgraduate fees, click here.
To apply, click on the relevant Apply Link below
+353 (0)1 896 3225
Dr James Hadley (course director): hadleyj@tcd.ie
www.tcd.ie/langs-lits-cultures/postgraduate/literary_translation
Register your interest in studying at Ireland’s leading university, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.
The course gave me an impressive theoretical background that improved my professional and academic skills. The workshops and networking opportunities were really helpful and prepared me to take on literary translation projects professionally. The inclusive environment at Trinity made my experience enjoyable and helped me see Literary Translation Studies from a different angle.
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