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Monash University

Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies

Course code: 3921 ~ Course abbreviation: MInter&TransSt ~ Total credit points required: 72 ~ 1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time ~ Managing faculty: Arts

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Clayton)

Course description

The Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies is aimed at students with advanced bilingual proficiency and seeks to develop their skills in translation/interpreting from/to English and another language, and their awareness of practical and theoretical approaches to translation/interpreting practice and translation/interpreting studies. Students gain a foundation in theories of translation and interpreting and receive training in research on translation/interpreting studies. Upon completion of this course, students are able to conceptualise translation/interpreting studies as an academic discipline in its historical, cross-disciplinary and intercultural context.

All the units cover basic topics related to the theory and practice of both translation and interpreting. The higher level theoretical units focus on more recent research issues in the emerging field of interpreting studies and in familiarising students with current research models and methodologies in translation studies. The core units provide intensive language-specific practice in written and oral transfer skills to the NAATI professional level. In addition to the relevant theoretical frameworks, the core units also provide students with the discourse analysis, ethical and professional frameworks that are essential for professional interpreting and translation practice.

The main languages available are Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. Other languages may be available dependent on student numbers. Please check the web site at http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/current/study-areas/postgraduate for the languages available for the interpreting stream in any given year.

Course objectives

Students successfully completing this course will have: 1. a sound knowledge of diverse aspects of the academic discipline; 2. an understanding of the world view of the field of study; 3. a critical appreciation of the secondary literature in the field of study; 4. a familiarity with many of the key texts and cultural products pertaining to the field of study; 5. advanced reading and communication skills, both written and verbal; 6. advanced analytical skills; 7. a grasp of research methodology and ethics, and an ability to undertake a small, independent research project in one of the disciplines represented in the program.

Minimum pass grade

To graduate with the Masters, students must gain a credit (60 C) or above in core units and a minimum credit average overall.

Course structure

Students complete a maximum of 48 points at fourth-year level and a minimum of 24 points at fifth-year level. All units are 12 points unless otherwise stated. There are several different pathways available.

Course objectives

Combined interpreting and translation stream

Semester one
  • TRN4040 Translation 1: Discourse analysis (12 points)
  • TRN4200 Theory and practice of interpreting (12 points)
Semester two
  • TRN4050 Translation 2: Languages for special purposes
  • TRN4300 Intermediate interpreting (12 points)
Semester three
  • TRN5202 Minor translation project (12 points)
  • TRN5400 Advanced interpreting (12 points)

To be recommended for NAATI accreditation in interpreting, students must meet the required pass level (70 per cent) in the examination component of TRN4050. If students wish to be recommended for NAATI accreditation in translation (in addition to interpreting), students must also meet the required pass level (70 per cent) in TRN5400.

Translation only stream

Semester one
  • TRN4030 Introduction to interpreting and translation studies (12 points)
  • TRN4040 Translation 1: Discourse analysis (12 points)
Semester two
  • TRN4050 Translation 2: Languages for special purposes
  • TRN5201a Major translation project (Part one) (12 points)
Semester three
  • TRN5201b Major translation project (Part two) (12 points)

and one of:

  • TRN5060 Theoretical issues in translation studies (12 points)
  • TRN5080 Research project in translation/interpreting studies (12 points)

To be recommended for NAATI accreditation in translation, students must meet the required pass level (70 per cent) in the examination component of TRN4050.

Research stream

For students who wish to undertake the course with a more specific focus on research, there are a number of different pathways available after the first semester of study.

Semester one
  • TRN4030 Introduction to interpreting and translation studies (12 points)
  • TRN4040 Translation 1: Discourse analysis (12 points)
Semester two
  • TRN4050 Translation 2: Languages for special purposes
  • TRN5201a Major translation project (Part one) (12 points)

or:

  • TRN4202 Minor translation project (12 points)
Semester three

If enrolled in TRN5201a:

  • TRN5201b Major translation project (Part two) (12 points)

and one of:

  • TRN5060 Theoretical issues in translation studies (12 points)
  • TRN5080 Research project in translation/interpreting studies (12 points)

or if not enrolled in TRN5201a:

  • TRN5090: Dissertation in translation/interpreting studies (24 points)

To be recommended for NAATI accreditation in translation, students must meet the required pass level (70 per cent) in the examination component of TRN4050.

Course coordinator

Dr Rita Wilson