Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 1 year, Part-time 2 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
AU$23,040 (2020 total)
Next intake
February, July Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 1 year Location
Melbourne City
Overview
In an increasingly globalised world, translators and interpreters are highly sought-after professionals who provide a critical link to overcome language barriers between people of different cultures.
Designed for people with advanced bilingual skills who want to further their career, this program 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/or interpreting practice and gain insight into the intersection of theory and practice.
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.
The RMIT Master of Translating and Interpreting is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). The program caters for a vast range of languages such as:
- Arabic
- Auslan (interpreting only)
- Cantonese (interpreting only)
- Chinese (translation only)
- French
- Greek
- Indonesian
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Malay
- Mandarin (interpreting only)
- Persian
- Spanish
- Tamil
- Turkish
- Vietnamese
These languages are offered as electives and are subject to interest and minimum numbers. Feel free to enquire about other languages beyond the ones mentioned above.
You need to have advanced bilingual skills in the language you select and may be required to demonstrate your knowledge prior to entry into the program.
Graduates who successfully complete this degree will be eligible to sit the external NAATI certification test(s) in order to practise as professional translators and/or interpreters in Australia.
NAATI certification is available at various levels, depending on the courses you study within the program. Visit the NAATI website for more information. Please consider discussing your study options with the program manager.
Successful completion of the program provides a pathway to completing the related Master of Interpreting and Translating with an additional year of study.
Details
You will experience a range of teaching and learning approaches including:
- independent research
- case studies
- lectures
- workshops in interpreting and translating labs
- tutorials
- problem-based learning activities
- professional projects
You will also be required to demonstrate a range of verbal, written and online approaches of communication.
RMIT translating and interpreting programs use Wordfast in training students on Computer Assisted Translation tools.
Assessment is designed to complement your learning experiences. Your knowledge and skills will be assessed through tasks that may include:
- essay writing
- reports
- class presentations
- group work
- online discussion
- industry-based assessment
- examinations and tests
All courses are delivered in English. Some courses may have bilingual activities and assessment tasks.
You will have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
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.
The Graduate Diploma incorporates 96 credit points.
The program structure includes a range of translating, interpreting, discourse and theory courses. Translating and interpreting electives may not be available in all languages and are offered subject to minimum numbers. All courses are worth 12 credit points unless otherwise noted.
Core courses:
- Theoretical bases of translating and interpreting
- Ethics and professional issues
- Discourse studies for translators and interpreters
- Translation and technology.
Program electives:
- Translation accrediting practice (24 credit points)
- Interpreting accrediting practice (24 credit points)
- Language policy and services
- Pedagogy of translating and interpreting.
You can also specialise your practice through additional breadth elective courses in cross-cultural communication; social, health and welfare services; justice and security services; and international trade relations in Australia or overseas.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: GD168
Career
Graduates of this program are qualified to work in a wide range of work contexts and industries in Australia and overseas. There are many global opportunities available for translators and interpreters qualified at postgraduate level. Graduates can also work as freelance or sub-contractor translators/interpreters.
Potential employers include:
- multinational firms and agencies operating in Australia and overseas
- foreign embassies and posts
- government departments and agencies
- 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 in Australia or overseas.
Graduates can also freelance as translators/interpreters.
Admissions
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 significant relevant work experience in interpreting or translating or in the use of bilingual language skills.
Please note: You must indicate in your application the language combination you are applying for.
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.
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 significant relevant work experience in interpreting or translating or in the use of bilingual language skills.
Please note: You must indicate in your application the language combination you are applying for.
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.
Entry requirements
You must submit a personal statement indicating the language combination for which you are applying.
If you wish for your work experience to be considered, you must submit:
- a CV
- a personal statement detailing your relevant work experience
If your bachelor degree was undertaken in English you must complete a LOTE test, which includes reading, writing and translating from your second language into your first language (one of them should be English). The program 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 LOTE you wish to study in this program, you must complete a LOTE test and meet the English language requirements below.
English Language requirements
You must have completed an English proficiency test within the last two years, achieving:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 92 (with minimum of 20 in all sections)
- 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.
You must demonstrate proficiency in the language other than English (LOTE) you wish to study in this program.
To meet the LOTE proficiency requirement you must:
- Have completed a recognised year 12 or senior secondary school qualification (equivalent to an Australian year 12) or tertiary qualification taught in the LOTE you are applying to study in the program.
OR
- Complete an RMIT administered LOTE test (PDF 84KB). The LOTE test includes reading, writing and translating from your second language into your first language (one of them must be English). The program may also make arrangement for an oral test if it deems necessary.
To study this program 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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- 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 Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
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.
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
Advanced standing
If you have completed an Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in a business (or related) discipline from a recognised tertiary institution, you will receive exemptions from the four business enabling courses.
Masters exemptions
If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications you will be eligible for exemptions as detailed in the table below.
The masters exemptions listed indicate the maximum exemptions offered, including advanced standing and courses where content matches previous study.
| Qualification level | Masters exemptions offered | Remaining program duration* |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) - business-related discipline | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Bachelor degree (Honours) (AQF level 8) - business-related discipline | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8) - business-related discipline |
Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) |
| Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8) - business-related discipline |
Up to 120 credit points (equivalent to two-and-a-half semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) |
| Master degree (AQF level 9) - business-related discipline | Up to 120 credit points (equivalent to two-and-a-half semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full time study) |
* Duration indicated is the normal study duration; for some programs spring and summer semesters may be offered, reducing the study time.
If you have a major in a non-business discipline, you will begin your studies at Graduate Certificate level. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Commerce you will be admitted to the Master program, which requires the successful completion of further courses.
Credit
You may also be eligible for further credit. Learn more about eligibility for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Exemptions from this program 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
2020 indicative fees
Full-fee places: AU$23,040.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amount quoted is the 2020 total program tuition fee, and is based on a total annual load of 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.
Learn more about fees for postgraduate study.
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 the Department of Human Services for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.
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 2020 is $308.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
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.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.