GRADUATE DIPLOMAS
Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting
Melbourne City
Provide a critical link in developing and facilitating communication between people who do not share a common language, around the globe.
Designed for people with advanced bilingual skills, this program helps you to develop professional translating and/or interpreting skills and a sound knowledge of underlying theoretical approaches and industrial issues.
You’ll be trained to work as a professional translator and/or interpreter in both domestic and international contexts in the public service; the legal, health, business and security fields; and in global organisations and agencies.
RMIT is approved by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) to offer the Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting in the following languages:
- Arabic
- Auslan (interpreting only)
- Cantonese (interpreting only)
- Chinese/Mandarin (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.
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 the requisite core and elective courses at the required standard and achieve NAATI accreditation standards in selected assessment tasks will be recommended for NAATI accreditation at the appropriate level. Successful completion of the program provides a pathway to completing the related Master of Interpreting and Translating with an additional year of study.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
The Master program incorporates the Graduate Diploma: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time and Graduate Certificate: 6 months full-time or 1 year part-time.
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 have bilingual learning outcomes and assessments.
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-accredited 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.
Graduates of this program are qualified to work in a wide range of occupations 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 a freelance or sub-contractor translator/interpreter.
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.
Professional recognition and accreditation
The program is approved by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Graduates who meet the requirements may be eligible for translator and/or interpreter accreditation with NAATI.
To be eligible for NAATI accreditation, you must graduate from the Master of Translating and Interpreting program by completing Translating Accrediting Practice and/or Interpreting Accrediting Practice electives and achieve a minimum grade in some assessment tasks in these courses (which may be higher than the academic pass to reflect the NAATI standards).
At a minimum, you must complete the Graduate Diploma degree in order to be recommended to NAATI for accreditation at the appropriate level.
Graduates can also freelance as a translator/interpreter.
RMIT’s Education Abroad Office supports students to undertake an exchange or short term mobility activity with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
For further information about this program, please make an enquiry.
330 Swanston Street (cnr La Trobe Street)
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel. +61 3 9925 2260
Make an enquiry
Program and course information
Key content
Connect people
Provide people with access to necessary services and support by alleviating the language barrier.