Diploma of Interpreting (LOTE-English)

Diploma of Interpreting (LOTE-English) - PSP50916

VOCATIONAL

Learn language and interpreting skills from industry experts.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

IELTS 6.0

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$12,250 (2023 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Gain the essential qualifications for a career in professional interpreting.

Interpreting tutor looking at students work

Interested in working as an interpreter?

This diploma is your first step towards professional practice where you will verbally translate conversation between speakers of different languages.

This diploma is suitable for those who already have bilingual skills, but have not yet reached the required level of specialised language proficiency for the Advanced Diploma of Interpreting.

Interpreters provide a critical service, helping people to overcome language barriers when accessing community services in areas such as health, education, law, business and travel.

You’ll gain basic transfer skills for interpreting in general conversational settings, learn about professional ethics, and improve language proficiency. You'll develop the skills to conduct transactions, interactions, and negotiations at a functional level.

Students studying spoken language will explore legal and medical terminology, while Auslan interpreting students will learn about health and education terminology.   

RMIT is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) to offer up to 40 languages. In Semester 1, 2023, the following language may be offered subject to demand:

  • Arabic
  • Auslan
  • Karen
  • Mandarin
  • Persian

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.

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Scholarships available

The Victorian Government is offering scholarships to Karen and Persian language interpreting students in the Diploma of Interpreting in 2023. Check your eligibility and find out how to apply. 

Learn more

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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RMIT is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) to offer up to 40 languages. These include:

  • Amharic
  • Arabic
  • Assyrian
  • Auslan
  • Bangla
  • Bosnian
  • Burmese
  • Cantonese
  • Chin (Haka, Tedim)
  • Dari
  • Dinka
  • Hakka
  • Hazaragi
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Karen
  • Khmer
  • Korean
  • Kurdish (Kurmanji, Sorani) and Kurdish Southern (Feyli)
  • Malay
  • Mandarin
  • Nepali
  • Nepali
  • Ormoro
  • Punjabi
  • Pashtoi
  • Persian
  • Rohingya
  • Samoan
  • Somali
  • Spanish
  • Swahili
  • Tamil
  • Thai
  • Tigrinya
  • Turkish
  • Vietnamese

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 diploma is flexible in its delivery and offers many opportunities for you to apply your knowledge and skills.

You will participate in learning activities including scenarios, case studies, role plays, online practice tools, group discussions and projects, practical demonstrations, reflective journals and simulations. 

A range of learning activities help you achieve competency, including lectures, tutorials, online collaborations, peer workgroups and simulation sessions, as well as extensive practice materials. Assessment may include:

  • assessment reports and reflective reports
  • quizzes
  • presentations
  • oral interviews and interpreting demonstrations
  • class observation and peer review.

All practice materials and exams simulate the NAATI testing conditions to prepare students for their certification test.

Subjects are delivered in English, but some may have bilingual activities and assessment tasks.

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.

Teaching staff are all NAATI-certified professional 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.

Each semester there are opportunities to work with students from social work, criminal justice backgrounds, and occupational therapy backgrounds. RMIT also work with Northern Health Hospital, where you have the opportunity to attend a one-week practicum, shadow an in-house interpreter, and observe a variety of interpreting appointments.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Diploma of Interpreting (LOTE-English) typically requires 2 days per week on-campus study, and an additional 3 hours of independent study time per subject per week.

You will complete 7 core subjects and 5 elective subjects.

This diploma introduces you to the profession of interpreting and will train you to:

  • analyse, recall and reproduce source language messages in the target language in a broad range of settings
  • apply effective linguistic transfer skills and discourse management strategies.

Through classes, workshops and guided group and individual learning activities, you will practise your interpreting skills and gain an appreciation of professional ethics and industry knowledge.

Course structure

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

Diploma of Interpreting (LOTE-English)
Program code: C5364
National curriculum code: PSP50916
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Interpreting (LOTE-English)
City Campus
12 months full-time
C5364
094336J
Location
City Campus
Duration
12 months full-time
Plan code
C5364
CRICOS
094336J
View plan
Diploma of Interpreting (LOTE-English)
City Campus
12 months full-time
C5364
094336J
Location
City Campus
Duration
12 months full-time
Plan code
C5364
CRICOS
094336J
View plan

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

Career

Female interpreting student communicating with sign language

Start a career you'll love

The Diploma of Interpreting is designed to help you build the hands-on skills, practical experience and direction you need to turn your love of languages into a career.

Demand for qualified interpreters is increasing due to high levels of interaction between people and cultures. This is a result of globalised economies and movement of people due to immigration and humanitarian reasons. A large number of people face language barriers due to physical disabilities such as deafness or impaired hearing and require language assistance.

You’ll find employment as freelancers, contractors to language services agencies, or work in public and private sector organisations such as hospitals, courts, businesses, government departments and agencies.

Job Outlook projects that work opportunities for social professionals (translators and interpreters) are set to increase by 18.1% to 2024. Job Outlook also estimates that the most common annual salary for an interpreter in Australia is between $75,000 and $90,000, 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 the external NAATI Certified Provisional Interpreter test after completing this program.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements.

In Semester 1, 2023, the following languages may be offered subject to demand:

  • Auslan
  • Arabic
  • Mandarin
  • Karen
  • Persian

Additional languages may be offered subject to demand. If the language you wish to study is not listed above, you can register your interest by completing this form.

All applicants must meet both the English language requirements and the LOTE requirements specified below.

English language requirements

You must meet one of the following:

  • Successful completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or an equivalent qualification in a country recognised by RMIT as English speaking; or
  • Successful completion of an approved English proficiency test within the last two years, achieving:
    • Versant English Placement Test: minimum overall score of 51 (with no individual skill less than 46). If you do not have any of the test results below, RMIT can arrange for you to complete the Versant English Placement Test at no cost (maximum one test sitting per applicant per intake). To access this online test, please submit your application and RMIT will contact you to arrange the test.
    • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.0 (with no individual band below 5.5)
    • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 60 (with minimum score of 10 in Reading, 9 in Listening, 16 in Speaking and 19 in Writing)
    • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 50 (with no communication band less than 42)
    • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 169 with no less than 162 in any component
    • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): minimum of 169 with no less than 162 in any component.

LOTE requirements

Arabic | Mandarin | Karen |Persian

You must meet one of the following:

  • Successful completion of a qualification equivalent to an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education undertaken in the LOTE you wish to study in this program; or
  • Successful completion of a LOTE test, which includes comprehension and, writing tasks in LOTE. If you are required to sit the LOTE test, you will receive the test via email after you have submitted your application. You may also be interviewed if further information is required.

Auslan

Applicants for the Auslan Interpreter stream must attend an interview in Auslan and English, which tests receptive (sight) comprehension skills, and appropriate sign production and articulation skills in Auslan.

Interviews will be held from 8 - 9 December 2022. Eligible applicants will be contacted by email with interview details and invitations in late November.

Applications for the Auslan stream close on 25 November 2022. Applications received after this date may not be considered.

Semester 1, 2023

All applicants must submit the Diploma of Interpreting (LOTE-English) selection task.

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application by the date below. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
All applicants 3 February 2023

The selection task requires:

  • Indication of which language you wish to study. (Languages offered are subject to demand per intake).
  • If you have not completed a Year 12 qualification in the language (other than English) you wish to study you will also be required to complete a LOTE test, which includes comprehension and writing tasks in your LOTE.

Interview

Some applicants will be interviewed if further information is required.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

You must demonstrate proficiency in the language other than English (LOTE) you wish to study in this program. To meet the LOTE proficiency requirement you must:

  • Have completed a recognised year 12 or senior secondary school qualification (equivalent to an Australian year 12) or tertiary qualification taught in the LOTE you are applying to study in the program.

OR

  • Complete an RMIT administered LOTE test (which will be provided to you after you submit the application). The LOTE test includes reading, writing and translating from your second language into your first language (one of them must be English).

Interview:

Some LOTE applicants will be interviewed if further information is required.

All Auslan applicants must attend an interview. You will be asked to demonstrate receptive (sight) comprehension skills, and appropriate sign production and articulation skills.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.0 (with no individual band below 5.5)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 60 (with minimum of 10 in Reading, 9 in Listening, 16 in Speaking and 19 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 50 (with no communication band less than 42)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 169 with no less than 162 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 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

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Understanding pathways

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.

Explore the pathway finder
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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

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 may gain entry into the following programs:

Diploma of Interpreting graduates with a Bachelor degree may gain entry into one of the following postgraduate programs:

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

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You can gain entry to this diploma from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

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 their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete this diploma, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.

Fees

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2023 fees

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.

  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU$5,000* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$7,000* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

*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.

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

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.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**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

Defer your payment

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.

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.

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.

VET Student Loans

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.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

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.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

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. 

Victorian Government scholarships

Scholarships are available for eligible students applying to study interpreting and translating in Karen and Persian in 2023. Visit the Victorian Government website to check your eligibility and find out 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 total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$12,250.

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