Postgraduate - Course3921 - Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies

NOTE: This course has had one or more changes made to it since publication on 1 October 2011. For details of change/s, please consult the change register at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2012handbooks/2012-change-register.html.

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, 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.

For the conference interpreting and translation stream, NAATI accreditation at Professional level with a minimum of three years of experience will be required.

(Please contact the course coordinator for more information).

Practicum/Internships

The practicum is aimed at helping students gain real world experiences in the Translation and Interpreting industry. By working with professionals in the industry and/or alongside professionals who frequently use interpreters, students will be able to pick up useful skills that will help prepare them for the transition from university to work place. In applying the knowledge acquired in the classroom, students are able to develop a better understanding of way in which theory relates to practice. It is also a requirement for NAATI accreditation. Employers participating in the practicum may also become a useful recruitment resource for graduates of the program.

To be recommended for National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accreditation at a Professional level in translation, students must meet the required pass level (70 per cent) in the examination component of APG4815 or APG4814 (depending on entry date in the translation stream), or APG5690 (for the combined stream). To be recommended for NAATI accreditation in interpreting (in addition to translation), students must be enrolled in the combined stream and also meet the required pass level (70 per cent) in APG5885.

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 from the units outlined in the chosen stream. All units are 12 points unless otherwise stated.

Combined interpreting and translation stream

• APG4813 Introduction to translation studies
• APG4815 Translation 2: Language for special purposes
• APG4816 Theory and practice of interpreting
• APG5690 Advanced translation
• APG5691 Intermediate interpreting
• APG5885 Advanced 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
• APG5878 Dissertation in translation and interpreting studies (24 points)
• APG5883 Major translation project part 1
• APG5884 Major translation project part 2
• up to 24 points of approved electives in interpreting or translation studies or a cognate area

Conference interpreting and translation stream

This stream will be offered from 2013 with specific entry requirements (contact the course coordinator for details)

• APG4813 Introduction to translation studies
• APG4816 Theory and practice of interpreting
• APG5616 Conference interpreting
• APG5690 Advanced translation
• APG5691 Intermediate interpreting
• APG5874 Practice of conference interpreting and translation
• up to 24 points of approved electives in interpreting or translation studies or a cognate area

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