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. The course offers two specialisations, focusing on:

• translation (Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish)
• interpreting and translation (Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish)

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.

Double degrees

The Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies course can be taken as part of a double degree course with the following universities:

• Jean Moulin Lyon III (Translation specialisation)
• Kobe City University of Foreign Studies (Interpreting and translation specialisation)
• South East University* (Interpreting and translation specialisation)
• Universitas Trieste (Translation specialisation or Interpreting and translation specialisation).

In each case you will study one year at Monash University in Australia and one year at the partner university. In each case you will receive two master's degrees, the Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies from Monash University and an equivalent qualification from the partner university.

*This double degree course is only open for enrolment from South East University in China.

Specialisations

Translation

This specialisation will equip you for work in areas where written translation and writing skills are required such as literary and cultural translation, cross-cultural communication, business, law, science and technology, publishing, editing, journalism etc. Students in this specialisation work from their B language into their A language. This stream also focusses on research methodologies for those who want to pursue doctoral studies in translation studies.

Interpreting and translation

This specialisation will equip you for work in areas where interpreting (i.e. verbal translation) and cross-cultural skills are required such as healthcare, legal, business, court, education but also diplomacy and international meetings and conferences. Training is bi-directional and in two languages and prospective students must be highly proficient and able to fluently converse in both.

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://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

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

1. 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
2. articulate and apply knowledge of global best practice in interpretation and translation in diverse professional contexts
3. apply a critical familiarity with many of the key texts and cultural products pertaining to the field of study
4. apply advanced reading, analytical and communication skills, both written and verbal
5. demonstrate advanced analytical skills
6. demonstrate a thorough understanding of research methodology and ethics, and an ability to undertake a small, independent research.

Practicum

Practicum is embedded into the certain units, helping you 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, you will develop useful skills and 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 APG5048 (Translation for special purposes) or APG5690 (Applied translation)
• Professional level in interpreting and translation, students must complete the interpreting and translation specialisation and also meet the required pass level (70 per cent) in APG5616 (Conference interpreting)
• Conference level in interpreting and translation, students must complete the interpreting and translation specialisation and also meet the required pass level (80 per cent) in APG5616 (Conference interpreting).

The course is structured in two parts. Part A. Foundations for advanced interpreting and translation studies and Part B. Core master's study. Depending upon prior qualifications, students in the translation specialisation (only) may receive credit for Part A.

Note that if you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit.

Part A. Foundations for advanced interpreting and translation studies (24 points)

The focus of these studies is the theory and practice of both translation and interpreting and familiarising you with current research models and methodologies in translation studies. Students in the interpreting and translation specialisations will also focus on more recent research issues in the emerging field of interpreting studies.

Part B. Core master's study (48 points)

These studies draw on best practices within the broad realm of interpreting and translation practice, providing 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 will also provide you with the discourse analysis, ethical and professional frameworks that are essential for professional interpreting and translation practice.

The course comprises 72 points structured into two parts: Part A. Foundations for advanced interpreting and translation studies (24 points) and Part B. Core master's study (48 points).

Depending on prior qualifications you may receive entry level credit (a form of block credit) which determines your point of entry to the course:

• Students admitted at Entry level 1 complete 72 points, comprising Part A and Part B.
• Students admitted at Entry level 2 (translation specialisation only) complete 48 points, comprising Part B.

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

Units are 12 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Foundations for advanced interpreting and translation studies (24 points)

Students complete two units, depending upon their specialisation.

Translation

• APG5875 Introduction to interpreting and translation studies

and one of:

• APG5044 Professional internship
• APG5876 Theoretical issues in literary and cultural translation
• APG5856 Faculty research project

Interpreting and translation

• APG5875 Introduction to interpreting and translation studies
• APG5049 Theory and practice of interpreting

Part B. Core master's study (48 points)

Students complete the following four units, depending upon their specialisation.

Translation

• APG5048 Translation for special purposes
• APG5690 Applied translation
• APG5883 Major translation project part 1*
• APG5884 Major translation project part 2*

* Students in the translation specialisation may elect to replace these two project units with a research thesis option, APG5848 Research thesis (24 points).

Interpreting and translation

• APG5048 Translation for special purposes
• APG5690 Applied translation
• APG5616 Conference interpreting
• APG5885 Advanced interpreting

Students in the translation specialisation can complete a research thesis (24 points) that will provide a pathway to a higher degree by research.

Students may exit this course early and apply to graduate with one of the following awards, provided they have satisfied the requirements indicated for that award during their enrolment in this master's course:

• Graduate Certificate in Arts after successful completion of 24 credit points of study with a minimum of 18 credit points at level 4 or above
• Graduate Diploma in Arts after successful completion of 48 credit points of study with a minimum of 36 credit points at level 4 or above.