The diploma offers training in basic oral transfer skills, as well as an introduction to the role, ethics and professional and contextual aspects of interpreting appropriate to practice at the NAATI paraprofessional level. You are trained in transfer skills in interpreting only. This diploma is approved by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) at the paraprofessional level. In addition to getting the academic award, if you achieve 70% or above in the final interpreting examination—referred to as the Accreditation Examination—you are eligible to be recommended to NAATI for the paraprofessional interpreter accreditation. Most classroom activities and assessment are practical, and the focus is on developing the necessary interpreting skills to enable you to successfully pass the final examination, which is the NAATI Accreditation Examination.

The diploma is best suited to candidates who have communicative bilingual proficiency and wish to undertake training leading to NAATI paraprofessional interpreter accreditation. It is also a suitable preparatory training program for those interested in applying for the Advanced Diploma but not yet at the requisite level of advanced bilingual proficiency and general knowledge.

RMIT has approval from NAATI to offer a range of languages, including AUSLAN. These languages are offered on the basis of student demand and upon advice from the Program Advisory Committee, which represents the industry and other stakeholders and monitors its needs. Applicants are strongly advised to contact the School to make sure their language of choice is offered prior to applying. Not all languages offered in any one academic year will be offered in both the full-time and part-time modes. Languages will be offered depending on demand.

All languages offered in any one academic year are subject to minimum numbers being achieved. This program has a strong industry base. It is a NAATI requirement that the practical interpreting courses in the programs are taught by NAATI accredited and current practitioners. These practitioners cannot, therefore, be full-time members of staff in the School. Classes may thus be scheduled after hours or on weekends depending on the availability of such practitioners. Class times and staffing are not negotiable by students.

Duration

Six months full-time or one year part-time.

Pathways

Graduates of the diploma who wish to pursue further studies in translating and interpreting may apply for the Advanced Diploma of Translating and Interpreting. Students with a bachelor degree can go on to the advanced diploma and/or the Master of Social Science (Translating and Interpreting Studies). Students with a bachelor degree who complete the advanced diploma after graduating from the diploma will be given a one-semester exemption in the master. They will complete the graduate diploma in one semester, or the master in two semesters.

Diploma graduates who qualify for entry into RMIT’s Bachelor of Art (International Studies) program may be granted one-and-a-half semesters of advanced standing, equivalent to six courses (12 credit points each).

Note: In TAFE, RMIT University recognises and accepts any Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications and Statements of Attainment that are issued by other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Credit will therefore be given for modules or units of competency for which an original official certificate or Statement of Attainment is produced.

Gaining credit for previous study or experience
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer are ways that RMIT recognises applicants’ skills and knowledge gained through formal and informal education and training, work experience, and/or life experience (including volunteer work; committee responsibilities; family duties, hobbies).

Further information about gaining credit for previous study or experience

Further information about pathways

Career Prospects

This qualification can help graduates find work in multilingual communities. In rare language areas, graduates may directly enter the interpreting field.

Professional Recognition

This program is approved by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) at the paraprofessional level. If you successfully complete the diploma and achieve 70% or above in the final interpreting examination-referred to as the Accreditation Examination-you are eligible to be recommended to NAATI for the paraprofessional interpreter accreditation.

Entrance Requirements

Applicants must:

be at least 18 years of age on 1 January of the year of application;
have satisfactorily completed Year 12 units 3 & 4—English (any) or equivalent; and
have successfully completed a bilingual selection test as determined by the School. The test may include written essay and tasks in translation, comprehension, oral and bilingual listening comprehension.

Applicants are screened for potential to achieve the NAATI Paraprofessional Interpreter accreditation.

Note: Selection tests will be conducted once applications have closed. Applicants will be notified in writing by the School of the specific arrangements, times and venues.

It is the responsibility of all applicants for the Diploma of Interpreting to ensure that they attend the selection tests as notified by the School. The timing of the selection tests is not negotiable by applicants, and individual test times cannot be arranged.

Equity admissions schemes
RMIT understands that people’s backgrounds and circumstances can affect their access to education and training. RMIT’s equity admissions schemes allow applicants to explain the circumstances that have adversely affected their education, and demonstrate their capacity for future academic success.

Further information is available at equity admissions schemes

Click here for further information .

Application Procedures

Semester one

Full-time/part-time applicants—RMIT direct application
Note: All applicants must comply with any extra requirements listed.

RMIT direct application
Applicants must apply directly to RMIT University using an RMIT direct application form.

Application closing date: 7 January
Further Information:
Info Corner (formerly Office for Prospective Students)
330 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Tel. 03 9925 2260
Email: study@rmit.edu.au
www.rmit.edu.au/programs/enquiries

Semester two (midyear intake)

RMIT University has places available for the midyear intake in many TAFE and degree (bachelor and postgraduate) programs. From 1 May check to see if this program offers a midyear intake
Note: Applicants must confirm availability of program offered at midyear prior to applying. All applicants must comply with any extra requirements listed.

RMIT direct application
Applicants must apply directly to RMIT University using an RMIT direct application form.

Application closing date: 31 May
Further Information:
Info Corner (formerly Office for Prospective Students)
330 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Tel. 03 9925 2260
Email: study@rmit.edu.au
www.rmit.edu.au/programs/enquiries

Click here for further information .

Fees

TAFE

The following fees relate to 2008 and should be used only as a guide.

State Government Subsidised Place (SGSP)
The 2008 tuition fee for TAFE programs was $1.37 per contact hour with the minimum fee of $55 and a maximum fee of $877 per year. Students eligible for concession contributed a maximum of $55.

Fee Paying Place (FPP)
Selected TAFE programs are available on a fee paying basis.

FPP students are required to pay the complete cost of their program. FPP fees vary according to each program. For details on program fees please contact the relevant school.

Further information is available at: www.rmit.edu.au/programs/fees/tafe

Scholarships

Record spend on RMIT scholarships
RMIT University will spend more than $60 million on student scholarships over the next five years. RMIT has many scholarships and funding opportunities to offer students.

Further information is available at RMIT Scholarships

Click here for further information .

Additional Expenses

Students may be required to purchase certain textbooks, handbooks and other study material.

Program Structure

The following program structure(s) are linked to this program.

Contact Details

Program Coordinator
School of Global Studies, Social Science and Planning
Tel. 03 9925 2328
Fax: 03 9925 3049

Download this information as a pdf brochure (Requires Acrobat Reader)

Owning School

Global Studies, Soc Sci & Plng

Disclaimer

Although RMIT endeavours to ensure the accuracy of this information, there is no guarantee it will remain accurate all year. Applicants are advised to confirm program details with the appropriate school before making an application.