Build your bilingual skills to become a translator.
Not applicable
IELTS 6.5
AU$10,000 (2021 annual)
The Advanced Diploma of Translating is designed to teach people with bilingual skills to translate special purpose texts for specific audiences across banking, law, health, social and community services industries.
As a student in this qualification, you will capitalise on your industry experience and build upon it through projects with real-world relevance, while enjoying the flexibility of self-paced online study.
RMIT is a leader in translation education that creates work-ready graduates, with more than 40 years’ experience delivering translating and interpreting courses. We are the only education provider covering a full spectrum of translating and interpreting courses from vocational education through to post graduate level. In Semester 1, 2022, we are offering:
Languages run each semester subject to interest and minimum numbers. If a language you wish to study is not running this semester, please submit an expression of interest.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
As a student in this advanced diploma, you will participate in structured activities including readings, lectures, case studies, practical translation demonstrations, reflective journals, and computer-aided translation.
You will work with our experienced teaching staff, who can offer personalised support to guide you through your studies.
Assessment may include written reports, translation demonstrations and projects, and typesetting and formatting tasks.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
Members of teaching staff are all NAATI-certified translators and bring a wealth of experience, current knowledge and skills into the classes. Through this connection, students are exposed to the most up-to-date translation practice to address the translation needs arising in sectors such as business, legal, medical and community services.
You will participate in simulated translation activities. Projects using translation memories and computer-assisted translation tools give you the opportunity to work in both individual or team settings and experience industry practice.
In addition to your industry-informed course content, you will also have access to industry events hosted by your course, and have the opportunity to explore professional associations such as Translators and Interpreters Australia and the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT). You may also be interested in participating in RMIT Mentoring, where you will be matched with an industry professional.
Throughout this advanced diploma, you can expect to spend an average of 15 hours of study at your own pace per week over two 17-week semesters.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this advanced diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
You will complete 5 core and 8 elective subjects which are delivered in 5 clusters:
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Demand for independent professional translators is increasing due to high levels of interaction between people and cultures as a result of globalised economies, advanced technology and migration.
Graduates work as contractors to translating agencies or in public and private sector organisations, or practice as freelancers. You will be prepared to work in domains that include legal, business, health, education and a wide range of community services.
Possible job titles may include:
The program is approved by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). The Advanced Diploma of Translating meets the training prerequisite for translators who wish to sit the Certified Provisional test with NAATI.
NAATI is the body responsible for setting and monitoring the standards for the translating and interpreting profession in Australia. It does this through its system of accreditation. Certain employment conditions, assignments and work roles will require practicing translators to have NAATI accreditation.
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
You must have:
Completed the Interpreting Skills for NAATI Certification or Translating Skills for NAATI Certification skill set
OR
Completed the Diploma of Interpreting or Diploma of Translating or a diploma or above in a related field
OR
A NAATI certification at Certified Provisional Interpreter or Recognised Practicing Interpreter or above
OR
At least 2 years of documented work experience as an interpreter or a translator.
If you are applying on the basis of work experience you must include a CV that shows your relevant experience (i.e. you have been contracted, employed or engaged in translation or interpreting duties). You must also include referee details in your CV for employment verification. Voluntary or pro bono work will also be considered.
You must indicate your choice of language in a word document and upload it within your RMIT application. The document should be in the format: Your Name_Language Selection (e.g John Smith_Language selection.docx).
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
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:
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.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Graduates of this course will be eligible for exemptions from the courses below, subject to meeting the entry requirements.
For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.
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 2022* is $315.
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 Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.
Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (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 see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.
If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.
It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$10,000.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.