Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Course

The Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies is aimed at students with advanced bilingual proficiency and seeks to develop their skills in translation and interpreting from/to English and another language, and their awareness of practical and theoretical approaches to translation/interpreting practice and studies. Students gain a foundation in theories of translation and interpreting and receive training in research in the field. 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.

The course covers 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 National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (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. Contact the school for details.

Students successfully completing this course will have:

• a sound knowledge of diverse aspects of the academic discipline
• an understanding of the world view of the field of study
• a critical appreciation of the secondary literature in the field of study
• a familiarity with many of the key texts and cultural products pertaining to the field of study
• advanced reading and communication skills, both written and verbal
• advanced analytical skills
• 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.

To be recommended for National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accreditation in translation, students must meet the required pass level (70 per cent) in the examination component of APG4815. 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 TAPG5885.

Students complete one of the streams outlined below. Students must 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.

Combined interpreting and translation stream

• APG4691 Intermediate interpreting
• APG4814 Translation 1: Putting theory into practice
• APG4815 Translation 2: Languages for special purposes
• APG4816 Theory and practice of interpreting
• APG5690 Advanced translation
• APG5885 Advanced interpreting
• APG5895 Health Interpreting
• APG5896 Legal Interpreting

Translation only stream

• APG4813 Introduction to translation studies
• APG4814 Translation 1: Putting theory into practice
• APG4815 Translation 2: Languages for special purposes
• APG5876 Theoretical issues in literary and cultural translation or APG5874 Technology and translation or APG5877 Research project in translation/interpreting studies
• APG5883 Major translation project part 1
• APG5884 Major translation project part 2

Research stream

Students who wish to undertake the course with a more specific focus on research, complete four core units and one of the options outlined below.

Core units

• APG4813 Introduction to translation studies
• APG4814 Translation 1: Putting theory into practice
• APG4815 Translation 2: Languages for special purposes
• APG5883 Major translation project part 1 or APG4690 Advanced translation

Option one

If enrolled in APG5883, complete:

• APG5884 Major translation project part 2

and one of:

• APG5876 Theoretical issues in literary and cultural translation
• APG5877 Research project in translation/interpreting studies

Option two

If not enrolled in APG5883, complete:

• APG5878 Dissertation in translation/interpreting studies (24 points)

Students may apply to exit after successful completion of:

• 24 points with a related graduate certificate
• 48 points with a related graduate diploma.

Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies