Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting

In this graduate diploma course, you will build knowledge of current and emerging industrial and ethical issues, and advanced theoretical frameworks relevant to the field. You'll learn a range of specific interpreting techniques, such as conversation turn-taking and its dynamics, note-taking for consecutive interpreting, and identifying and employing cohesion and intonation patterns applicable to oral communication. You'll use technology to streamline and translation tasks, and become familiar with Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) systems, such as Wordfast.

You will experience a range of teaching and learning approaches, including independent research, lectures, workshops and tutorials, and professional projects. You will also be required to demonstrate a range of verbal, written and online approaches of communication. You will be assessed through include written work, presentations, group discussions, industry-based assessment, and examinations and tests.

In addition to weekly lectures, you also have access to two weekly three-hour tutorials with a qualified interpreting and translating trainer in your language group. You can also take one-on-one practice sessions and receive personalised feedback.

Your teachers are all NAATI certified professional interpreters or translators who practice as independent or contracted professionals across the community, business and diplomatic domains.

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. Students are expected to form study groups and use practice materials provided by the course to maximise skill development and improvement. Periodic feedback on student performance into their language other than English (LOTE) will be facilitated by the course through sending practice recordings/texts/digital files to suitably qualified persons to provide feedback in electronic format.

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, students will be allocated a non-specific language stream, where they will work with students of other languages and will have language-specific tuition several times a semester.

Want to know more? Explore our frequently asked questions for translating and interpreting courses.

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 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 accrediting practice (1) or Translation accrediting practice (1)

Elective subjects:

• Translation accrediting practice (1 or 2)
• Interpreting accrediting practice (1 or 2)
• Translation and technology
• Advanced English language (1)
• Professional English.

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.