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Graduate Diploma of Translating and Interpreting

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Faculty:
Faculty of Human Sciences
Award:
Graduate Diploma of Translating and Interpreting (GradDipTransInter)
Admission Requirement:
• Australian level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent in a language or communication related field including translation studies, translating and interpreting, linguistics, speech and hearing sciences, speech-language pathology, language or literary studies, comparative literature, creative writing, education, journalism, media or communication studies, law, or a related discipline
• GPA of 4.50 (out of 7.00)
• Proficiency in one of the available languages
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent
Study Mode:
Full-time, Part-time
Attendance Mode:
Internal
Candidature Length:
Full-time: 0.5 years - 1 year
Commencement:
North Ryde — Session 1 (February)
North Ryde — Session 2 (July)
Korea — Session 1 (February)
Korea — Session 2 (July)
Volume of Learning:
Equivalent to 1 year
General requirements:
Minimum number of credit points at 800 level or above 32
Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below

In order to graduate students must ensure that they have satisfied all of the general requirements of the award.

Specific minimum requirements:

Credit points

800 level

Required
4
Translation Practice 2 (4)
 
Required
4
Interpreting Practice 1 (4)
 
Required
4
Interpreting Practice 2 (4)
 
Required
4
Introduction to Translation and Interpreting (4)
 
Required
4
Technology for Translating and Interpreting (4)
 
Required
either
or
 
Professional Practice in Translating and Interpreting (4)
 
4
Approaches to Translation and Interpreting (4)
 
Required
4
Translation Practice 1 (4)
 
Required
4
Communication Skills for Translators and Interpreters (4)
 

TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM

32
Program Learning Outcomes and Additional Information
AQF Level Level 8 Graduate Diploma
CRICOS Code 083771C
Overview and Aims of the Program The Postgraduate Diploma of Translating and Interpreting is a one-year graduate diploma program. It is a pathway to the Master of Translation and Interpreting Studies. It aims to provide proficient bilinguals with the linguistic, technical and professional skills to work as professional translators and/or interpreters, as well as an academic grounding in translation and interpreting theory and research skills. Classes are conducted in computer labs equipped with high-tech facilities designed to enhance student learning. Languages offered include Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese and Korean as well as other languages on demand.
Graduate Capabilities

The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:

Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative


Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible

Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning

Program Learning Outcomes By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:

1. demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of established theories and professional conducts in translation and interpreting (K, J)
2. demonstrate core interpreting skills such as analytic listening, memorisation, note-taking, and research as well as strategies to applying them to different modes of interpreting (T, P)
3. exhibit core capabilities of critical analysis, problem-solving, self/peer reviews, and creative thinking for translation (T, P)
4. define self-strategies to improve language skills and knowledge for interpreting and translating (T, E, J)
5. apply advanced language and research skills to analyse and manage complex information, problems, and concepts for translation and interpreting (K, T, P, J)
6. apply interpersonal and communication management skills in order to convey messages between A and B languages accurately and clearly (K, C)
7. demonstrate the application of specialised knowledge and professional conducts for the benefit of peers, clients and the general public (K, T, C, E)
8. apply knowledge and skills creatively and ethically, with a high level of personal autonomy and professional accountability (T, E).
Learning and Teaching Methods In this program, you will be guided and encouraged to acquire the theoretical knowledge and understanding as well as practical skills and methods required to become a professional translator or interpreter. Progressively, you will also be guided to achieve this collaboratively, as well as independently in various practical, research and theoretical activities. These will include lectures, discussion classes, tutorials, seminars, workshops as well as a practicum, online activities, all based on a student-centered approach where you will learn to work collaboratively with peers, but also independently.

Since the program is a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, you will be exposed to a variety of teaching and learning interventions and tasks. These tasks will include various reading activities, information gathering activities, practical exercises, independent research tasks, and self-reflective activities, as well as a practicum where you will obtain experience in a real-world context. You will be encouraged and guided to apply the theoretical knowledge you will acquire in certain parts of the program, in the practical component of the program.

There is a strong technological component in the program, through which you will be trained to engage with and apply various computer tools in both translation and interpreting. Technology is playing an increasingly central role in the work of language professionals, and you will be prepared to engage with various types of technology in executing your practical tasks. Through this emphasis on technology, you will also be guided to acquire skills that will allow you to adapt to a fast-changing reality.

In addition to the skills and knowledge you will acquire, you will also be guided to develop the ability to find creative solutions to complex linguistic problems through practical activities. Through these activities you will learn to engage with linguistic choices in translation and interpreting, conduct yourself in interpersonal relations with various agents in the translation and interpreting communication context in a professional and ethical manner.
Assessment The assessment in this program takes a variety of formative and summative forms that can be divided, broadly speaking, into practical assessments, theoretical and analytical assessments. Clear standards and criteria for these assessments, for what is assessed and how it is assessed, are contained in each unit guide. Some of the practical assessments may be done in part or wholly by other students as peer assessment, and you will also be guided towards improved self-assessment as this is an essential professional skill for translators and interpreters.

The practical component of the coursework constitutes approximately half of the full program, and this weight is also reflected in the assessment in the program. In the first instance, self- and peer-assessment will form an important part of the practical tutorials. The tasks you will be required to complete in these tutorials will also be assessed formatively during the tutorials by lecturers and or tutors, as well as summatively in longer assignments, tests and examinations. In isolated practical units, the summative assessment will also comply with NAATI requirements for accreditation (application for NAATI accreditation remains an individual choice for students).

The theoretical and analytical component of the coursework will be assessed formatively in shorter written assessments in the theoretical units but also as analytical assessments in the practical units. This component will also form a substantial part of the summative assessment in the program.

Students will also be assessed formatively in terms of professional practice through the compilation of a portfolio of practical assignments.
Recognition of Prior Learning

Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit. 


Domestic Students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl


International Students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl

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Support for Learning

Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.

Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/

Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/wellbeing

Program Standards and Quality

The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders.

Graduate Destinations and Employability Graduates will be eligible to work as interpreters and/or translators in Australia as well as international markets. In the case of Australia, there is a constant demand for community interpreters and translators who can linguistically mediate for immigrants in such settings as court, education, and healthcare. In graduates’ home country (e.g. China, Korea, and Japan), interpreters and translators are always in demand as they expand exchanges with foreign countries in business and government sectors. Through rigorous training and intensive practices, graduates will demonstrate advanced language and communication skills to meet such demands successfully.
Assessment Regulations

This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy.

Accreditation This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.

NAATI (the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) is the certifying authority for translators and interpreters in Australia. Students will be required to meet all the assessment requirements set in each semester throughout the period of their study in order to be eligible to apply for certification from NAATI.

2017 Unit Information

When offered:
S1 Day
Prerequisites:
Permission of Executive Dean of Faculty
Corequisites:
None
NCCWs:
HSC Chinese, CHN113, CHN148