Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan)

Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan) - PSP50922

VOCATIONAL

Learn to communicate across a range of contexts and gain the skills needed to pursue a career in Auslan across various sectors.

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

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

*Free TAFE course

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

The Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan) has been designed to equip you with the skills you need to confidently interpret general dialogue and monologue settings in Auslan.

Your studies in this diploma will explore how to communicate across a range of subjects, including health and education, incorporating relevant cultural contexts and standards of ethical practice.

You will learn to interpret both independently and as part of a team. With the knowledge developed in this diploma, you will be able to pursue fulfilling roles in the community services sector, including education, welfare, government, and more.

*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Throughout this diploma you will have the opportunity to develop and apply your knowledge and skills.

Your learning will take the form of scenarios, simulations and role plays, case studies, online practice, group discussions, practical demonstrations, reflective journals. You may also engage in interactive online learning, independent reading and practice, and both online and library research.

Your assessment in this diploma may take the form of quizzes, role plays and demonstrations, and written work spanning questions and answers, reports, and self-reflections.

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.

Throughout your learning in the Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan), you will engage with industry in either practical or simulated contexts.

This offers you the opportunity to apply and demonstrate your knowledge in professional contexts. Several of your subjects will feature real or simulated interpreting assignments, and you will receive feedback on your performance according to industry standards.

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

To graduate from this diploma, you must undertake and successfully complete five core subjects and seven elective subjects.

Your core subjects will span codes and standards of ethical practice, how to manage interactions in general settings, and the use of routine subject area terminology.

Your elective subjects will cover health and education terminology, demonstrating language proficiency in different subjects and cultural contexts, interpreting as part of a team, sight translating, and more.

Course structure

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

Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan)
Program code: C5423
National curriculum code: PSP50922
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan)
City Campus
12 months full-time
C5423
Location
City Campus
Duration
12 months full-time
Plan code
C5423
CRICOS
View plan

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

Career

Upon successful completion of this diploma, you will have the skills and knowledge necessary to offer interpreting services in a range of settings.

You may work in community services, education, welfare, government, or other sectors in which Auslan interpreting is required.

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The Diploma is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). The Diploma meets the training prerequisite for interpreters who wish to sit the Certified Provisional Interpreter test with NAATI.

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.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in both English and AUSLAN.

All applicants must meet both the English language requirements and the AUSLAN Skills assessment 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.

AUSLAN Skills assessment requirements

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

Applicants will be contacted to schedule the skills assessment.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

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 65% (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.

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

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

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.

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.

When you successfully complete this diploma, you may be eligible to apply for further studies at RMIT such as an advanced diploma or undergraduate degree. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options or browse your options.

Fees

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Free TAFE for priority courses

The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.

Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.

If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.

The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.

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

  • 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

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. 

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 2022 is AU$XX,XXX.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$XX,XXX.

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.

Sorry, this program is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

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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