Postgraduate - Course3921 - Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies

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, or Conference level for the conference interpreting stream. 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, Russian and Spanish. Other languages may be available depending on student numbers. Contact the course coordinator for details.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes. For more information refer to http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate a sound knowledge of diverse aspects of the academic discipline
• articulate and apply an understanding of the world view of the field of study
• demonstrate a critical appreciation of the secondary literature in the field of study
• apply a critical familiarity with many of the key texts and cultural products pertaining to the field of study
• apply advanced reading and communication skills, both written and verbal
• demonstrate advanced analytical skills
• demonstrate a thorough understanding of research methodology and ethics, and an ability to undertake a small, independent research project in one of the disciplines represented in the program

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 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 and the conference streams). 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, or be enrolled in the conference stream and also meet the required pass level (80 per cent) in APG5616 for accreditation at Conference level.

This course consists of coursework units, or coursework units and project work depending on the stream. Students must complete a maximum of 48 points at fourth-year level and a minimum of 24 points at fifth-year level in one of the streams. All units are 12 points unless otherwise stated.

Students must complete 72 points from one of the streams below.

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
• up to 24 credit points of approved elective units in interpreting or translation studies or a cognate area

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
• APG5883 Major translation project part 1
• APG5884 Major translation project part 2
• up to 24 credit points of approved elective units in interpreting or translation studies or a cognate area

Conference interpreting and translation stream

NAATI-accredited Professional interpreters with at least three years of documented practice may be eligible to start this stream from semester two. 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 credit points of approved elective units 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