Master of Translating and Interpreting

Master of Translating and Interpreting

POSTGRADUATE

Develop expertise and deepen your understanding of language and communication.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus and blended
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Reduced duration available
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$35,520 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Expand on your love of languages and develop the skills to use, translate and interpret language every day, in settings as diverse as policy making, strategic debate, and analytical thinking.

Studying the Master of Translating and Interpreting in the heart of Melbourne, you'll learn how to use communication media to support translating and interpreting, and gain insight into the intersection of theory and practice.

You also have the option to undertake further study in interpreting for community health, medical fields, police and legal contexts, and conferences.

By linking translation technology, ethics, and professional and theoretical studies to practical issues in translating and interpreting, you’ll be prepared for whatever path your interpreting or translating career takes you.

Why study translating and interpreting at RMIT?

World-class facilities

Our pedagogical infrastructure and teaching facilities enable the best outcomes for face-to-face and remote learning.

Learn from industry

Work on simulated or real-life assignments with highly experienced teachers who are leaders in the industry.

Industry awards and mentorship

Be part of a vibrant community of translators and interpreters, with a myriad of opportunities to excel.

National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)

The RMIT Master of Translating and Interpreting is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) and caters for a vast range of languages, such as:

  • Arabic
  • Cantonese (interpreting only)
  • Chinese (translation only)
  • French
  • Greek
  • Indonesian
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Malay
  • Mandarin (interpreting only)
  • Persian
  • Spanish
  • Tamil
  • Thai
  • Turkish
  • Vietnamese
Students wearing headphones at a desk, in front of individual microphones

Launch a global career

Use your advanced bilingual skills to join a field that links communities and cultures. As a translator and interpreter, you'll help overcome language barriers in a broad range of professional settings.

Female student miming a hand-gesture inside a classroom

Flexible skills

Graduates are qualified to work in a wide range of contexts and industries both nationally and internationally. Our specialisations cover the needs and industry expectations of any prospective translator and interpreter.

RMIT’s courses emphasise career-ready graduates, with many connections to real translators and interpreters. I chose RMIT because I knew they would be able to give me the direction and support I needed to help me achieve my goals.
Portrait of Ben Owen, Master of Translating and Interpreting at RMIT Ben Owen, Master of Translating and Interpreting graduate

Details

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

Learning and teaching

Through your study 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 stream, where you will work with students of other languages and may have language-specific tuition a few times a semester where possible.

Assessment methods

At different stages of your learning, 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. Students are expected to form study groups and use practice materials provided to maximise skill development and improvement. Periodic feedback on student performance into their 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.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

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 in line 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.

  • 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing).
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.

The Graduate Certificate in Translating and Interpreting and Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting are available as exit awards of this degree. Any advanced standing you receive for the masters program is not transferrable to an exit award. If you wish to exit early with one of these programs, you must have completed all courses specified in the relevant program structure.

  • 2 years full-time (without advanced standing).
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.

Study in this degree requires attendance and participation in weekly lectures (2 hours each) and tutorials (2-3 hours each) per class, as well as independent study time.

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 Master consists of 192 credit points. This incorporates a Graduate Diploma exit point (96 credit points).

Your studies will include a range of translating, interpreting, discourse and theory topics. Translating and interpreting electives may not be available in all languages and are offered subject to minimum numbers.

Core subjects:

Year 1

  • 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)

Year 2

  • Advanced theory of translating and interpreting
  • Advanced discourse studies
  • Research strategies - social sciences
  • Extended professional project (24 credit points).

Elective subjects:

  • Translation accrediting practice (2) and/or
  • Interpreting accrediting practice (2)
  • Translation and technology
  • Advanced English language (1)
  • Professional English
  • Community health interpreting
  • Specialist medical interpreting
  • Police interpreting
  • Court interpreting
  • Advanced conference interpreting
  • Research strategies - social sciences
  • Minor thesis (12 or 24 credit points).

Course structure

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

Master of Translating and Interpreting
Program code: MC214
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Translating and Interpreting
City Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, Reduced duration available
MC214
079083F
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, Reduced duration available
Plan code
MC214
CRICOS
079083F
View plan
Master of Translating and Interpreting
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC214
079083F
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC214
CRICOS
079083F
View plan

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

Career

Upon completion of this degree, you’ll be qualified to work in a wide range of contexts and industries in Australia and around the world.

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.

Job Outlook projects that work opportunities for social professionals (translators and interpreters) are set to increase by 18.1% to 2024, and that the average salary for a translator in Australia is between $120,000 and $140,000, and between $75,000 and $90,000 for an interpreter.

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The program 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 their degree.

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.

Selection for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) is competitive, and places are limited. You will be selected 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.

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 language other than English (LOTE) requirement, you must have completed an AQF level 7 Bachelor degree (or overseas equivalent) 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 masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications in translating and interpreting, languages and/or linguistics, you will be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants with a bachelor degree (honours), graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

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

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

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

Alternatively, you can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Coming from a partner institution?

RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.

If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications in translating and interpreting, languages and/or linguistics, you will be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

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 weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

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

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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Entry for this program is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2023 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2023 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,124 to AU$15,142*.

Full-fee places

  • AU$26,880 (2023 annual fee)*.

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

  • You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
  • For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.

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.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2023. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2023 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2023
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,124 per standard year
$515 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,301 per standard year
$1,037 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $11,800 per standard year
$1,475 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $15,142 per standard year
$1,892 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

If you are offered a full-fee 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.

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.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

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 HECS-HELP, 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.

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 annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$35,520.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$71,040.

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