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
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.
Flexible skills
Graduates are qualified to work in a wide range of contexts and industries both nationally and internationally, and our specialisations to cover the needs and industry expectations of any prospective translator and interpreter.
This degree 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 interpreting practice and gain insight into the intersection of theory and practice.
As part of your studies, you'll develop the skills to work at a level where you can engage in policy, strategic debate and analytical thinking. You also have the option to undertake further study in interpreting for community health, medical fields, police and legal contexts, and conference interpreting.
By linking translation technology, ethics, and professional and theoretical studies to practical issues in translating and interpreting, graduates are prepared to respond to industry requirements.
Details
You'll 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.
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 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.
An exit point to the Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting or to the Graduate Certificate in Translating and Interpreting is also available.
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).
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).
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC214
Career
Graduates 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 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.
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 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.
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 (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.
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 already developed areas of skill and knowledge included in this program (for example, through prior studies or work experience), you can apply for credit once you have enrolled in this program.
If you have gained one of the following qualifications in translating and interpreting, languages and/or linguistics, you will be eligible for masters exemptions relevant to your qualification level as stated in the table below. Please note that credit granted towards masters exemptions cannot be transferred to an exit award such as a graduate certificate or graduate diploma.
Qualification level |
Exemptions |
Remaining program duration |
Bachelor Degree |
48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) |
144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
Bachelor honours degree |
96 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) |
96 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
Graduate certificate |
48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) |
144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
Graduate diploma |
96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
Applicants with a bachelor honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may be eligible for credit transfers of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).
For more information on the type of credit that may be available to you, please see RMIT’s credit policy.
Upon successful completion this program, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including Postgraduate Research programs, subject to each program’s entry requirements. More specifically, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in Postgraduate Research Programs if you have achieved 70% or above in HUSO2079 Research Strategies and successfully completed Minor Thesis as an elective either under HUSO2351 and HUSO2352 (12 pts each) or HUSO2350 (24 pts).
The Graduate Certificate in Translating and Interpreting (GC185) is available as an exit award of the Master of Translating and Interpreting (MC214) if you have successfully completed the 48 credit points listed in this structure. If you wish to exit early with the Graduate Certificate you must have completed all 48 credit points or have been granted credit for previous study at an equivalent level (AQF 8).
The Graduate Diploma in Translating and Interpreting (GD168) is available as an exit award of the Master of Translating and Interpreting (MC214) if you have successfully completed the 96 credit points listed in this structure. If you wish to exit early with the Graduate Diploma you must have completed all 96 credit points or have been granted credit for previous study at an equivalent level (AQF 8).
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.
2021 indicative fees
- Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$3,700 to AU$14,500*.
- Full-fee places: AU$24,000*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
- 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.
Payments and 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 announced amendments to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students commencing their program in 2021 and are subject to the passage of legislation. 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 2021
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2021 |
Agriculture, english, languages, mathematics, nursing, postgraduate clinical psychology, teaching |
$$3,700 per standard year $462 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Architecture, creative arts, engineering, environmental studies, health, information technology, science |
$7,700 per standard year |
Dental, medical and veterinary science |
$11,300 per standard year |
Arts, commerce, communications, economics, humanities (excluding languages), law, management |
$14,500 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 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.
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 2021 is $313.
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 2021 is AU$31,680.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$65,280.
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.
Applying for refunds
For information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student, please see Refunds.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.