Department of Literature and Translation

The Department of Literature and Translation at SOAS University of London offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in literature and translation, combining deep linguistic expertise with critical theoretical approaches and a profound understanding of the social and intellectual contexts in which literary traditions develop. 

Many of the languages taught here are available nowhere else in the UK. Our BA, MA and PhD programmes develop skills in textual interpretation, intercultural communication, critical thinking, and analytical writing, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers.

What is Literature and Translation at SOAS?

Literature and Translation is the academic study of literary traditions, texts, and the practice of translation across languages and cultures.

At SOAS, this is studied from a genuinely global perspective, engaging with the literary traditions of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, in their original languages. Our academics are at the forefront of the field: translating the work of Nobel Prize-winning author Abdulrazak Gurnah into Swahili, developing global literary theory from the Caucasus, and tracing multilingual networks of ideas across the Silk Road. 

Crucially, we bring these literary traditions into conversation with one another, moving beyond a Eurocentric canon and towards a truly global one.

Study literature beyond the Western canon

Our teaching and research engage with the multilingual and transnational literary fields of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and their diasporas.

Learn in central London

Study in one of the world's most important literary and cultural centres, close to major publishing houses, the British Library and the translation industry.

One of the UK's most international universities

SOAS was ranked joint 1st in the UK for International Faculty (QS World University Rankings 2027), creating an international learning environment with students and academics from across the world.

Ranked among the UK's best

SOAS is ranked top 20 in the UK for Arts and Humanities, and top 25 in the UK for English Language and Literature (QS World University Rankings 2026).

Teaching in the Department of Literature and Translation is shaped by research into comparative literature, cultural studies, translation studies and postcolonial thought. Key areas of expertise include:

• Comparative literature: literary traditions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
• Translation studies: the theory and practice of literary and cultural translation.
• Cultural studies: key cultural studies theories and their use, application and adaption in the cross-cultural contexts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
• Postcolonial studies: focus on the historical relationships and practices of imperialism and colonialism in the modern period through the study of literature and culture.
• Literary translation practice: practical training for careers in professional literary translation.

Research engages with real-world cultural and linguistic challenges, particularly across the Global South. The department works with partners in publishing, broadcasting and international organisations, with research informing both academic debate and professional practice.

Graduates from the Department of Literature and Translation at SOAS University of London leave with skills in written and oral communication, analysis and problem-solving, establishing careers across publishing, broadcasting, translation, and academia. 

Alumni include the Head of Social Impact at Penguin Random House UK and the award-winning literary translators Polly Barton and Asa Yoneda, who have translated the international bestseller Butter and the Booker-nominated Under the Eye of the Big Bird respectively.