At UEA we believe literary translation is an art form. On our MA in Literary Translation, you’ll use your passion for books and languages to learn how to write translations that’ll captivate and inspire readers. You’ll focus exclusively on literary translation, combining translation practice with translation theory. You’ll also gain the academic qualification needed for a career as a professional translator, while laying the foundation for further academic research.
Lead by leading translators, you’ll learn how to pitch a book, write a reader’s report, network, and write translations across different genres. Most of all, you’ll discover what makes a literary translation successful—how to craft authentic voices, make stylistic choices, and experiment with language and form. Through specialised workshops with professional translators and the British Centre for Literary Translation Summer School, you’ll gain valuable industry insights and build your professional network.
Based in Norwich, England’s first UNESCO City of Literature , you’ll immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant cultural scene—from regular readings and events at UEA Live to the renowned programme at the National Centre for Writing . You’ll also have the exciting opportunity to join the Editorial Team at Egg Box Publishing and contribute to the publication and launch of our annual anthology.
The course will give you a firm grounding in the history and theory of literary translation. You'll examine translation across various genres and consider the ways texts are disseminated across different cultures.
Some of your modules combine creative and critical approaches, giving you the chance to analyse translations in depth while honing your own translation skills. You’ll also explore translation from an experimental perspective, examining writing, rewriting, and textual intervention—not just as part of the translation process but as elements within the text itself. Plus, you can personalise your studies by choosing optional modules from a wide range of exciting courses across the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing.
Later in the course, you’ll assemble a dossier of your translations for submission to a tutor who’ll be an expert in the source or target language of your choice. Your practical translation workshops will help you prepare for your dissertation, which can be either a critical project or a translation with commentary.
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form (opens in a new window) .