Master of Arts (Interpreting, Translation and Transcultural Communication)

THIS PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY SUSPENDED AND NOT TAKING ENROLMENTS

Facilitate understanding

This two-year degree is for students fluent in both Chinese and English seeking a career as a professional interpreter and/or translator.

It has received qualification endorsement of the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

What will you do?

In our Master of Arts (Interpreting, Translation and Transcultural Communication) you’ll:

  • take courses in cultural and social studies
  • explore approaches to cross-cultural communication
  • build practical interpreting and translation skills
  • undertake a professional internship
  • complete a research project in transcultural communication and/or translation.

Where could it take you?

When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to take NAATI’s Certified Interpreter and Certified Translator tests. From here you might become a medical, judiciary or literary translator. You could pursue interpreting roles in business, tourism, education or public relations. Perhaps you’ll work with government alongside foreign affairs ministers. You may also continue on to do a PhD in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics. 

  • Strong predicted employment growth for interpreters and translators^
  • use skills to prevent avoidable misunderstandings
  • Degree endorsed by NAATI

^Imip.gov.au, Job predictions

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed Bachelor's degree or equivalent in any discipline, with at least a credit average, with an advanced level of proficiency in both Chinese (Mandarin) and English; or a completed Graduate Diploma in Interpreting, Translation and Transcultural Communication from the University of Adelaide. If previous tertiary study does not include Chinese language studies, please submit a 500 words essay/writing in Chinese about study/life/work experience and 5 minutes of recorded speech in Mandarin. The topic can be any but must reflect Chinese proficiency level.

  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students 2 100.0%
    All students 2 100.0%

Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

There has been a significant increase in the demand for Chinese-speaking, transcultural and transnational professionals in the global market. The program complements this demand by providing students with the skills and knowledge to work and communicate effectively in an environment requiring translation and cross-cultural communication expertise. The program prepares students for a career as a professional translator and/or interpreter working in a range of fields, such as government, business, commerce, law, international relations and other specialised areas. 

The substantial research component in this program makes it possible for aspiring graduates without an honours qualification from an Australian university to undertake PhD study, thereby providing a career path for them to pursue research careers at a global level.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Professional Accreditation

The degree is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Students who successfully complete this program will be eligible to undertake the Certified Interpreter and Certified Translator tests conducted by NAATI.

Potential careers

Linguist, Communications Officer, Public Relations Officer, Public Servant, Education Coordinator, Education Officer, Education Officer / Educator, Electronic Publisher, Social Media Strategist, Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Translator, Information Officer, Interpreter / Translator

Degree Structure

You will complete courses to the value of 48 units: 30 units of core courses, 6 units of Arts elective courses, then 9 units of research equivalent courses (a research thesis) plus 3 units of Arts electives, or 12 units of research equivalent courses (an extended research thesis).

The standard duration of the program is two years of fulltime study. This program is available part time.

Students who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Interpreting, Translation and Transcultural Communication will be granted 24 units of credit towards upgrading their qualification to  MA (ITTC).

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Related Degrees

Graduate Diploma in Interpreting, Translation and Transcultural Communication

Testimonial

The comparative study on different cultures helped me develop into an effective transcultural communicator.
Lu Li

Lu Li

Master of Arts (Translation)

Faculty of Arts, Business Law & Economics

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Wednesday, 13 Sep 2023