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Research Languages (French, German, Spanish) and Translation Studies (by distance learning)

Key information

Registration dates: There are four registration dates a year: 1 October, 1 January, 1 April, 1 July with no application deadlines. 

Distance learning available: Yes

Part-time available:  Yes

Fees (2012/13):
UK/EU students: £3,570 per year 
International students: £5,540 per year

Duration:
These fees apply to students who complete the PhD in 4 years. After this time, a fee of £1785 per year (home students) or £2,770 per year (international students) will apply. The maximum time allowed for completion is 6 years.

Fees (2013/14):
UK/EU students: £3,938 per year 
International students: £5,817 per year

Duration:
These fees apply to students who complete the PhD in 4 years. After this time, a fee of £1,969 per year (home students) or £2,909 per year (international students) will apply. The maximum time allowed for completion is 6 years.

Application & contact:
Daniel Thomson, Research Officer
School of Languages and Social Sciences
Email: lss_research@aston.ac.uk  
Tel: +44 (0)121 204 3972
Fax: +44 (0)121 204 3766

How to apply

Studying by distance learning

Introduction

This new distance learning research programme in the area of Languages (French, German, Spanish) and Translation Studies builds upon our existing experience in providing distance learning PhD programmes.

This programme aims to:

  • deepen your knowledge of key issues at the forefront of French, German, Spanish or Translation Studies
  • enhance your knowledge of a range of research traditions, methods and techniques relevant to your academic and professional development
  • enable you to design and implement a research project that makes an original contribution in the area of French, German, Spanish or Translation Studies in terms of new knowledge, applications or understanding
  • encourage and promote learning, personal development and self-awareness

  • develop the capacity for reflective, critical and independent thought and action in relation to your studies


Jump to:

Programme structure
Research methods
Research staff

How to apply 
Programme Director

Programme structure

The programme is designed to meet the needs of individual students. You will be given an individually-tailored learning pathway, in consultation with the Programme Director and supervisor, based on previous experience and qualifications. During the first two years (of the part-time programme), all students will complete core Research Methods training.

You will be communicating with your supervisor using up-to-date virtual learning environment (VLE) software

All students will submit a qualifying report before the end of their second year. Students who successfully complete the qualifying report will complete a 60,000 word thesis.

The thesis is the culmination of doctoral level study and is a substantial piece of work which constitutes an original contribution to your chosen field. The thesis can be in any area of French, German, Spanish or Translation Studies which is compatible with the research interests of academic members of staff in the School. The thesis should normally be around 60,000 words long and written in English. (It may be possible to submit a thesis in the target language subject to special approval.)

Research methods

Research Methods underpins the whole programme. You will be introduced to the key research traditions in French, German, Spanish or Translation Studies, to the main research methods and to research ethics. You will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of research methods and this will be assessed through a portfolio submission.
   

How to apply


There are no formal deadlines for applications. If successful you will be enrolled on the next available enrolment date.

Entry requirements and application procedures are the same as for on-campus programmes, but please note that you do not need a full research proposal for this programme. You should send an outline of your proposed area of research, making sure you cover all the areas listed below. Your outline should be written in continuous prose and be between one and three sides of A4 (excluding references).

  • The topic of your research

  • The research context

  • The proposed research questions (no more than 4)

  • The reasons why your research is important – please explain (a) why you want to undertake this research, (b) how it relates to existing research and (c) what makes it original.

  • The areas of the literature you intend to consult

  • A list of references you have consulted so far

    Find out how to apply

Programme Director

Dr. Stéphanie Panichelli-Batalla is the programme's course director.

Research staff

Refer to the subject area pages for details of our research staff and their specialisms.