Master of Translating and Interpreting
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Eligible for advanced standing, Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 years Location
Melbourne City
Overview
In an increasingly global world, translators and interpreters are highly sought-after professionals who provide a critical link in overcoming language barriers between people of different cultures.
Designed for people with high-level bilingual skills who want to further their career, this program will introduce you to advanced theoretical approaches, specialised knowledge of current and emerging 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.
RMIT is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) to offer the Master of Translating and Interpreting in the following languages:
- 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.
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 (please view page four of the pdf document, which relates to RMIT) for more information. Please consider discussing your study options with the program manager.
A Graduate Diploma exit point is also available.
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
- projects.
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 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.
1.5 years full-time or 3 years part-time (with advanced standing)
2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing)
For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.
The Master consists of 192 credit points. This incorporates a Graduate Diploma exit point (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:
Year 1
- Theoretical bases of translating and interpreting
- Ethics and professional issues
- Discourse studies for translators and interpreters
- Translation and technology.
Year 2
- Advanced theory of translating and interpreting
- Advanced discourse studies
- Research strategies - social sciences
- Extended professional project (24 credit points).
Program electives:
Elective courses required for NAATI accreditation:
- Translation accrediting practice (24 credit points) and/or
- Interpreting accrediting practice (24 credit points).
Other program elective courses:
- Language policy and services
- Pedagogy of translating and interpreting
- Minor thesis (24 credit points).
You can also specialise your practice through additional 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: MC214
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.
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
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.
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.
Languages other than English (LOTE) test (PDF 154KB)
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 and meet the English language requirements below.
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.
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
If you have successfully completed undergraduate studies in a cognate discipline of translating and interpreting, languages or linguistics, you may be eligible for up to 48 credit points' exemption for up to 4 courses in the program's first year.
International students who have successfully completed a Masters of Translating and Interpreting studies from the following universities are eligible to receive one year of advanced standing into the RMIT Master of Translating and Interpreting:
- Fu Jen Catholic University (Taiwan)
- Central China Normal University (CCNU)
Fees
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.
2019 indicative fees
- Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*
- Full-fee places: AU$22,080*
* 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.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.
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?
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. 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.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 per standard year |
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-HELP, HECS-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 will 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 2019 is $303.
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$29,760.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$60,480.
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.