Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting

Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting

POSTGRADUATE

Build on your advanced bilingual skills to understand theories and industrial issues. 

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$26,880 (2023 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$35,520 (2023 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Gain the real-world practical skills you need to take your language abilities to the next level with the Graduate Diploma.

Looking for a way to turn your bilingual abilities into a thriving career? Translators and interpreters are highly sought-after professionals who provide a link between people of different cultures with a language barrier.

Designed for people with advanced bilingual skills who want to further their career, this course will introduce you to theoretical approaches, specialised knowledge of industry, and ethical issues in the field. You'll learn how to use communication media to support translating and interpreting work, and gain insight into the intersection of theory and practice. 

Why choose the Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting at RMIT?

Expert educators

Learn from experts with extensive industry experience, knowledge and connections.

Industry collaboration

Collaborate with industry, gain critical skills and begin an industry-led qualification.

Professional recognition

Endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

Industry collaboration

Collaborate with industry, gain critical skills and begin an industry-led qualification. You'll have access to teachers with extensive industry experience and knowledge.

By linking translation technology, ethics, and professional and theoretical studies to practical issues in translating and interpreting, RMIT graduates are work-ready and prepared to respond to industry requirements. 

RMIT is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). The course caters for a vast range of languages,  including:

  • Arabic
  • Cantonese (interpreting only)
  • Chinese (translation only)
  • French
  • Greek
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Malay
  • Mandarin (interpreting only)
  • Persian
  • Spanish
  • Tamil
  • Turkish
  • Vietnamese

Please note: some languages may not have a designated tutor, and your study may take place in a non-language specific setting.

I chose this course because I wanted to do something practical with my language abilities. Language access is so important. If you are bilingual and enjoy helping people communicate, I highly recommend you do this course.
Portrait of Katy Collie, Master of Translating and Interpreting Katy Collie, Master of Translating and Interpreting

Details

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This degree caters for both face-to-face and online learning modes. 

Learning and teaching

Through your studies in this degree, you will develop specialised knowledge of current and emerging industrial and ethical issues in the field, and gain an advanced understanding of written and spoken discourse analysis.

You'll use translation technologies to streamline translation work and become familiar with technological advances in the field.

You will experience a range of teaching and learning approaches, including independent research, lectures, tutorials and workshops, problem-based learning activities, and professional projects.

Face-to-face tutorials with a LOTE instructor will only be scheduled when there is a substantial number of students of the same language. Otherwise, you will be allocated to a non-language-specific language stream, where you will work with students of other languages and will may have language-specific tuition several a few times a semester where possible.

Assessment methods

Your knowledge and skills will be assessed through written work, presentations, independent and group projects, online discussion, industry-based assessment, and exams and tests. You will also demonstrate a range of verbal, written and online approaches of communication.

Please note that for the translating and interpreting subjects, all content and skills will be delivered in English. Some subjects will have bilingual activities and assessment tasks. You are expected to form study groups and use practice materials provided to maximise skill development and improvement. Periodic feedback on your performance into your language other than English (LOTE) will be facilitated by the teachers and instructors through sending practice recordings/texts/digital files to suitably qualified persons to provide feedback in electronic format.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Members of the teaching staff are all NAATI-certified professional translators or interpreters who bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills to the classes, ensuring teaching and learning are inline with current industry standards.

You will participate in simulated interpreting activities with students from other discipline areas such as community services, criminal justice, occupational therapy and social work, giving you the opportunity to put your skills into practice.

Simulated translation activities and projects using subtitling software, translation memories and computer assisted translation tools give you the opportunity to work in both individual or team settings and experience industry practice.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Graduate Diploma incorporates 96 credit points.

The course structure includes a range of translating, interpreting, discourse and theory subjects. Translating and interpreting electives may not be available in all languages and are offered subject to minimum numbers. All subjects are worth 12 credit points unless otherwise noted.

Core subjects:

  • Theoretical Bases of Translating and Interpreting
  • Discourse Studies for Translators and Interpreters
  • Ethics and Professional Issues
  • Interpreting Certification Practice 1 or Translation Certification Practice (24 credit points)

Elective subjects:

  • Interpreting Certification Practice 1 (24 credit points)
  • Interpreting Certification Practice 2
  • Translation Certification Practice (24 credit points)
  • Translation and Technology
  • Advanced English Language
  • Intercultural Knowledges and Practices
  • Specialised Community Interpreting (24 credit points)
  • Conference Interpreting Practice (24 credit points)
  • Global Language
  • Introduction to Language
  • Language and Society
  • Language Management in Global Organisations.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting
Program code: GD168
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting
City Campus
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, (check Articulation & Pathways section for more detail)
GD168P13
061260G
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, (check Articulation & Pathways section for more detail)
Plan code
GD168P13
CRICOS
061260G
View plan
Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting
City Campus
1 year full-time
GD168P13
061260G
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
GD168P13
CRICOS
061260G
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Graduates of this course are qualified to work in a wide range of work contexts and industries in Australia and overseas.

Potential employers include:

  • multinational firms
  • foreign embassies and posts
  • government departments
  • NGOs
  • localisation industry
  • private businesses.

Broader career prospects include employment in government areas such as:

  • cross-cultural communication
  • social and welfare services
  • security services
  • international trade relations

Graduates can also freelance as translators/interpreters.

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This course is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Graduates will be eligible to sit external NAATI certification test(s) at various levels, depending on the subjects studied in the course.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline.

If you have not completed an undergraduate degree, you may still be considered if you have at least 5 years of relevant work experience in interpreting or translating or in the use of bilingual language skills. If you wish for your work experience to be considered, you must submit a CV and a personal statement detailing your relevant work experience.

You will be selected competitively for all languages based on your grade point average (GPA), relevant experience and the results of any selection tasks you are required to complete.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted credit.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

You must submit a personal statement outlining:

  • the language other than English (LOTE) you would like to study in the program
  • if you want to study interpreting, translating or both streams?
  • if you are applying to study the translation stream or both the interpreting and translation streams, what is your preferred translation directionality (LOTE into English or English into LOTE)? Please note only one direction can be studied in the program. We recommend that you translate into the language in which you are most proficient.

To meet the LOTE requirement, you must have completed a qualification equivalent to an AQF level 7 Bachelor degree that was taught and assessed in your nominated LOTE. If you do not meet this requirement, you must complete the LOTE test.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline.

If you have not completed an undergraduate degree, you may still be considered if you have at least 5 years of relevant work experience in interpreting or translating or in the use of bilingual language skills. If you wish for your work experience to be considered, you must submit a CV and a personal statement detailing your relevant work experience.

Please note: You must indicate in your application the language combination you are applying for. Please refer to the selection task for more information.

You will be selected competitively for all languages based on your grade point average (GPA), relevant experience and the results of any selection tasks you are required to complete.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Statement: You must submit a personal statement outlining

  • the language other than English (LOTE) you would like to study in the program
  • if you want to study interpreting, translating or both streams?
  • if you are applying to study the translation stream or both the interpreting and translation streams, what is your preferred translation directionality (LOTE into English or English into LOTE)? Please note only one direction can be studied in the program. We recommend that you translate into the language in which you are most proficient.

If your bachelor degree was undertaken in English, you must complete a languages other than English (LOTE) test, which includes reading, writing and translating from your second language into your first language (one of them should be English). The program staff may also make arrangements for a brief interview if it's deemed necessary.

If your bachelor degree was undertaken in the LOTE you wish to study in this program, you must satisfy the English language requirements below.

If you do not have a bachelor degree, or your degree was undertaken in a language other than English that is not the language you wish to study in this program, you must complete a LOTE test (which will be provided after you submit your application) and meet the English language requirements below.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this graduate diploma from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon completion of this program, you can continue your studies in MC214 Master in Translating and Interpreting, subject to the program's entrance requirements and receive 96 credit points of advanced standing into the master program.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

When you successfully complete the Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting you are guaranteed entry in the Master of Translating and Interpreting with 2 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 96 credit points).

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT postgraduate programs.

Fees

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2023 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$26,880.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2023 is $326. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$35,520.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information