Course details

Summary

The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree, the highest level of degree you can achieve. PhD students are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years. As well as your supervised original research, through your doctoral programme you will have opportunities to expand and develop your personal and professional skills. Doctoral candidates present their work at local and international conferences, and are encouraged to network and collaborate with a wide range of experts in their research field.

This course is also offered at overseas and Manukau location.

Translation Studies

Our programmes are made up of a balanced mix of theoretical issues, hands-on translation practice, and learning to use and understand the electronic tools essential to the modern translator. You will be able to specialize in translation theory, technical translation, literary translation or community interpreting. You will also have the option to learn more about the subject areas of law, medicine and business, of special importance in New Zealand, and to increase your vocabulary in these fields. If your native language is not English, there is also an opportunity to study English discourse and grammar, as well as the editing of English texts.

What you will learn

You will gain an understanding of translation as a professional activity and acquire the practical skills to succeed in the profession.

Career opportunities

Studying translation or interpreting can open doors to a variety of career opportunities, including work in international organisations, in international business and trade, online and offline publishing, or software and website localisation. In New Zealand, as in many other countries, most translators work as freelancers, advertising themselves over the internet and within their local communities, and do work sent to them by translation agencies or directly by end clients. In addition, some work fixed hours for a company as an in-house translator or for a translation agency.

Programme structure

The University of Auckland PhD is a three-to-four year full-time advanced research degree.

On entry to the PhD programme, you will be enrolled provisionally. By the end of your first year, you must meet a number of goals to be confirmed into the PhD programme, including developing a full thesis proposal. After confirmation, you will continue to work on your research before submitting your thesis for examination after three years and within four years of your start date. The examination process includes an oral exam.

As part of your PhD study, you can take part in our doctoral skills programme, designed to help you achieve success in your research and develop skills for your future. We have a dedicated postgraduate careers advisor, and our library service includes specialist subject librarians to help you in your research. The central School of Graduate Studies provides dedicated support and advice for the doctoral community.

Where could this programme take you?

Our PhD graduates are successful in a wide range of fields and careers, as well as the traditional academic research career path. The PhD gives you extensive specialist and transferable skills, which are sought after in many sectors, including industry and government, and can even help you to develop entrepreneurship skills to run your own startup.

Entry criteria

• Masters-level qualification or the equivalent of a bachelors degree with honours
• GPE 5.5
• Evidence of significant research, usually undertaken as part of prior study

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.5; TOEFL (iBT) 90; TOEFL (paper-based) 575; CAE or CPE 176; PTE 58; MELAB 85.