Postgraduate - CourseMaster 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.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

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

• demonstrate advanced skills in translation and interpreting from/to English and another language, and their awareness of practical and theoretical approaches to translation/interpreting practice suitable for accreditation articulate and apply knowledge of global best practice in interpretation and translation in diverse professional contexts
• apply a critical familiarity with many of the key texts and cultural products pertaining to the field of study
• apply advanced reading, analytical 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.

Students maybe eligible for credit to a maximum of 25 per cent of the course requirements for previous graduate level studies. Credit or exemptions up to a maximum of 24 credit points is available for an honours degree level qualification in a related discipline.

24 credit points

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 develop 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. 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 APG5048 (Translation for special purposes) or APG5690 (Applied translation)
• Professional level in interpreting (in addition to translation), students must complete the combined interpreting and translation stream and also meet the required pass level (70 per cent) in APG5885 (Advanced interpreting)
• Conference interpreting level, students must complete the conference stream and also meet the required pass level (80 per cent) in APG5616 (Conference interpreting).

This course consists of core and elective units, including capstone units which allow the student to demonstrate their understanding of the course and the skills they have acquired.

Students complete one of the following structures as determined by any credit granted for prior studies:

• Structure 1: 72 points over one and a half years full-time, or part-time equivalent
• Structure 2: 48 points over one year full-time, or part-time equivalent.

Note: Students eligible for credit for prior studies may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options if they choose.

All students must complete a minimum of 48 credit points at level 5, and so should take care when choosing between units offered at level 4 and 5 (where this option is offered).

Units are 12 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Structure 1 - 72 credit points

Students must complete one of the following streams.

Combined interpreting and translation stream

Students must complete:

(a.) the following core units (60 points):

• APG5048 Translation for special purposes
• APG5049 Theory and practice of interpreting
• APG5690 Applied translation
• APG5691 Intermediate interpreting
• APG5875 Introduction to interpreting and translation studies

(b.) the following capstone unit (12 points):

• APG5885 Advanced interpreting

Translation only stream

Students must complete:

(a.) the following core units (36 points):

• APG5048 Translation for special purposes
• APG5690 Applied translation
• APG5875 Introduction to interpreting and translation studies

(b.) the following capstone units (24 points):

• APG5883 Major translation project part 1
• APG5884 Major translation project part 2

(c.) one of the following electives (12 points):

• APG5059 Internship (postgraduate)
• APG5707 Special topic in languages, cultures and linguistics
• APG5876 Theoretical issues in literary and cultural translation

Conference interpreting stream

Students must complete:

(a.) the following core units (60 points):

• APG5049 Theory and practice of interpreting
• APG5690 Applied translation
• APG5691 Intermediate interpreting
• APG5874 Practice of conference interpreting and translation
• APG5875 Introduction to interpreting and translation studies

(b.) the following capstone unit (12 points):

• APG5616 Conference interpreting

Structure 2: 48 points

The Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies as 48 point structure cannot be completed in the conference interpreting or combined interpreting and translation streams as course requirements which lead to professional accreditation (NAATI, etc.) cannot typically be met in the 48 point program.

For the translation-only stream, a student is eligible only if they completed APG4813 (Introduction to interpreting and translation studies) in the honours year of their undergraduate course.

Translation only stream

(a.) the following two core units (24 points):

• APG5048 Translation for special purposes
• APG5690 Applied translation

(b.) the following two capstone units (24 points):

• APG5883 Major translation project part 1
• APG5884 Major translation project part 2

Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies