Master of Translation

The Master of Translation prepares the highly skilled professionals who will mediate Australia's international relations over the coming decades. Initially focussed on China, the Master of Translation is aimed at Chinese-English bilinguals who intend to work as professional translators or in professional roles that demand high level translation and inter-cultural skills. Graduates may work in fields such as government, commerce, law, international relations, or specialized technical areas. The Master of Translation is notable for its access to the intellectual resources of Australia’s No.1 university, and in particular the Asia Institute.

The Master of Translation focusses on written translation between English and Chinese and vice-versa. Participants will develop professional competence in translating specialised topics, managing terminology, using translation technologies, and negotiating the cultural and intellectual boundaries of the Chinese- and English-speaking worlds. Practical learning is underpinned by study of theories of translation. Preparation for professional practice is provided by an internship.

Study methods include intensive small group sessions, autonomous study through learning technologies, and placement in a professional translation environment.

It is planned that the course will be further developed to offer other Asian and European language combinations.

The 150-point Master of Translation includes the option to choose one or two electives from the broad field of culture and communication, allowing participants to strengthen their foundation knowledge and skills.

This course is approved by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI).

Students who complete this course should be able to:

• successfully translate text, taking into consideration major the theories underpinning the practice of Translation;
• to successfully apply strategies for translating different types of text, varying in register, style and domain;
• critically understand the cultural and intellectual foundations of the English- and Chinese-speaking worlds;
• utilise the range of technologies used in translation;
• work in team-based and project-based work environments;
• produce high quality translations that demonstrate the integration and application of theory and technical skills. This will be achieved by planning and executing an internship capstone experience that brings together theory, technical skills and interpersonal competence, as well as professional practice, judgment and decision-making;
• demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills to plan and execute a substantial research-based project;
• translate to publication quality in selected specialized genres, including managing terminology, and accessing research tools; and
• demonstrate an extended understanding of recent developments in the discipline of translation or its professional practice.

150 Point Program

Duration: 1.5 years full time

• nine compulsory subjects (125 points)
• elective subjects (25 points)

Capstone Requirement:

All students are required to complete the Capstone Requirement for the program (25 points).

Capstone Stream 1: TRAN90010 Translation Internship

Purpose: Translation Internship is a 25-point subject where participants are placed in a professional translation environment. They will work on individual and team-based translation projects that require them to integrate their linguistic, technical and collaborative skills, and to experience the variety of roles in professional translation such as commissioner, editor and reviser.

For policies that govern this degree, see Academic Services Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Framework.

Compulsory Subjects

9 compulsory subjects (125 points)

Elective Subjects

25 points

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have:

• an undergraduate degree in any discipline with at least an H2B (70%) weighted average; and
• native speaker competence in one of English or Chinese, and at least near-native competence in the other language

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance; and
• relevance of previous studies.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 6.5. See http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/entry-requirements/language-requirements for further information.

Please note:

Credentials for language competence will be determined by the course coordinator/selection committee, and may include prior study, tests, and interviews. Native speaker is broadly defined here as a person who has spoken the language from birth and has had the majority of their education in the medium of that language.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Students who successfully complete the Master of Translation program may be eligible for entry into other Masters by Coursework programs.

The Melbourne Experience enables graduates to become:

• Knowledgeable in their specialist discipline with skills to examine issues with multiple disciplinary perspectives;
• Aware of social and cultural diversity in communities; and
• Potential leaders in their professions and their communities.

Please see http://learningandteaching.unimelb.edu.au/curriculum/graduates for further information.

The generic skills that students who complete this course should develop are:

• the ability to communicate effectively;
• the ability convey information appropriately and accurately;
• the ability to apply knowledge in practice, research skills development.

The Master of Translation program is usually undertaken full time; however applications for part-time study may be considered for students who are admitted into the program and are unable to maintain full time study due to special circumstances.