Translate meaning across cultures
Learn to treat translation as a complex creative and cultural act that shapes how texts circulate and evolve, rather than as a mechanical language transfer. Examine the theory, history, and practice of translating creative texts.
Postgraduate Translation Studies combines fields like comparative literature, cultural studies, history, linguistics, and computer science. You'll graduate with a broad knowledge base and the translation skills that are in demand around the world.
Work with award-winning translators and experts. Learn the latest developments and debates in literary and applied translation, including fiction, poetry, drama, creative non-fiction, subtitling, captioning, and localisation.
Take your place in a scholarly community
You’ll be part of the New Zealand Centre for Literary Translation, our innovative hub established in 2008.
The centre promotes the significance of literary translation, translates work by New Zealand writers, and collaborates with literary translators across the motu and the world.
Choose your study path
Postgraduate Translation Studies is open to students who want to study the Master of Arts (thesis) or the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation
Boost your multilingual skills for a career in language services by studying for a qualification in Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation. We offer a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, and Master of Intercultural and Applied Translation.
Our Master's combination of intercultural communication and applied translation is unique in Australasia. It's endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI).
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Translation Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
The skills you learn in your study prepare you for careers in language teaching (ESOL/TEFL), linguistics, and translation. They’re also useful for content strategy work, technical writing, or language technology development.
Depending on your study pathway, you could work in roles like:
- professional translator
- policy analyst
- interpreter
- intercultural communication specialist.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.
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This scholarship is for students who have been accepted into the MA programme at the International Institute of Modern Letters. Applicants must provide a written overview of the work they intend to undertake during their MA study. It will be established that the work being undertaken by the applicant does not infringe upon any copyright law.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in Creative Writing supports a student who has been accepted into the MA in Creative Writing. With one application deadline each year.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or eligible Honours programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
-
The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.
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The scholarship is open to graduates of any university in New Zealand or of the University of the South Pacific, who are enrolled or intending to enrol full-time or part-time, in a Master of Criminology (MCrim) or a PhD in Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage postgraduate study of French and German language at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Academic staff research areas
Yuri Cerqueira dos Anjos
Senior Lecturer
Stephen Epstein
Head of School
Hui Luo
Arts Adviser
Marco Sonzogni
Professor
David Yang
Lecturer
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.