Description
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, Russian, Spanish)
- interpreting and translation (Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish).
Note: Languages on offer in any one year may vary depending on student enroments.
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 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.
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 (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 converse fluently in both.
The translation component will equip you for work in areas where written translation is required such as cross-cultural communication, business, law, science, technology etc. Students work in translation from their B language into their A language.
Outcomes
These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9 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:
- 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.
Fieldwork
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 and translators, 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.
Professional recognition
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 the designated unit in their last semester of study
- Professional level in interpreting, students must complete the interpreting and translation specialisation and also meet the required pass level (70 per cent) in the examination component of the designated unit in their last semester of study
- Conference level in interpreting, students must complete the interpreting and translation specialisation and also meet the required pass level (80 per cent) in the examination component of the designated unit in their last semester of study.
Structure
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 (48 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.
Requirements
The course comprises 96 points structured into two parts: Part A. Foundations for advanced interpreting and translation studies (48 points) and Part B. Core master's study (48 points).
- Students admitted at entry level 1 complete 96 points, comprising Part A and Part B.
- Students admitted at entry level 2 complete 72 points, comprising 24 points from Part A and all of 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 (48 points)
Students complete four units, depending upon their specialisation.
Translation
- APG5875 Introduction to interpreting and translation studies
and three units chosen from:
- APG5044 Professional internship
- APG5856 Research project
- APG5874 Global translation and interpreting professional practices
- APG5876 Theoretical issues in literary and cultural translation
Interpreting and translation
- APG5875 Introduction to interpreting and translation studies
- APG5049 Theory and practice of interpreting
and two units chosen from:
- APG5044 Professional internship*
- APG5874 Global translation and interpreting professional practices*
- APG5856 Research project
Part B. Core master's study (48 points)
Students complete the following four units for their specialisation.
Translation
- APG5048 Translation for special purposes
- APG5690 Applied translation
- APG5883 Major translation project part 1**
- APG5884 Major translation project part 2**
Interpreting and translation
Alternative exits
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.
Progression to further studies
Students in the translation specialisation can complete a research thesis (24 points) that will provide a pathway to a higher degree by research.