Additional Information
The below information is relevant to students commencing study in 2018.
What is the difference between the Graduate Certificate and Master’s Program?
Graduate Certificate in Arts in Chinese Translation and Interpreting
This six-month (one semester), full time program is an option for those looking for an introduction into the world of Chinese translation and interpreting. It is also an option for those not necessarily looking for a full Master degree, but for those who wish to up skill their current level. Students who consider progression to the Master of Arts in Chinese Translation and Interpreting, can use their Graduate Certificate to apply for course credit. This program does not provide students with the option to apply for NAATI certification. Refer to the Future Students website for further details.
Master of Arts in Chinese Translation and Interpreting
This two year, full time program is ideal for those seeking a Master’s level qualification and also the option to apply for NAATI certification. The Master’s program has been endorsed by NAATI for training Professional Translators/Interpreters. This means that students who have successfully completed the Master’s program are eligible for the following NAATI certification tests: Certified Translator, Certified Interpreter, Certified Specialist Interpreter – Legal*, and Certified Specialist Interpreter – Health**.
NAATI Certification is an acknowledgement that an individual has demonstrated the ability to meet the professional standards required by the translation and interpreting industry in Australia. Refer to the Future Students website for further details.
*To be eligible for specialist certification testing (Certified Specialist Interpreter – Legal), students must have undertaken and successfully completed CHIN7444 as part of the Master’s program.
**To be eligible for specialist certification testing (Certified Specialist Interpreter – Health), students must have undertaken and successfully completed CHIN7666 as part of the Master’s program.
What are the entry requirements?
Students applying for entry into the postgraduate Chinese interpreting and translation programs require:
- An approved Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university or other tertiary educational institution with a GPA of 4.5.
- International students also have additional Visa and English proficiency requirements.
Further details on entry requirements can be found on the Future Students Website.
What is the aptitude test?
The aptitude test is designed to assess candidates' linguistic competence in English and Chinese. The aptitude test consists of a written test of 2 hours duration (with no perusal time), in which candidates will be asked to translate one passage from English into Chinese and the other from Chinese into English. Dictionaries are allowed in the test.
Who is required to sit the Aptitude Test?
Certain categories of applicants will not be required to sit the aptitude test. They are as follows:
Not required for:
- Chinese citizens residing in China (includes Hong Kong and Macau) and Taiwan
All other applicants, including domestic students, are required to sit the Aptitude Test.
Applicants who are required to sit an aptitude test will be contacted by email after lodgement of the application.
When and where will the aptitude test be held?
On receipt of your application, the School of Languages and Cultures will contact you by email and will provide you with information about the forthcoming aptitude test. If you are in Australia, you can attend the test which will be held at the St Lucia campus of The University of Queensland. If you are overseas or not in the metropolitan area of Brisbane, arrangements can be made for you to sit the test in your local area at any time throughout the year after the receipt of your application.
When will I know the result of the aptitude test?
Applicants will be informed by email.
Can I re-sit the aptitude test again if I am unsuccessful?
Yes. After six months from sitting the aptitude test, applicants are able to re-sit the test.
How can I apply?
Please check the Future Students Website for information and follow the prompts on ‘How to apply'.
Ask a question regarding your application.
Is there a quota for this program?
There are limited places available each semester and entry into the program is competitive.
What is the NAATI Certification system and what are the certification types?
NAATI Certification is an acknowledgement that an individual has demonstrated the ability to meet the professional standards required by the translation and interpreting industry in Australia.
View information about the NAATI Certification system and the certification types on the NAATI website.
Will I get NAATI Certification automatically after I complete the Master program?
NAATI Certification is not automatic. Students who have successfully completed the Master’s program are eligible for the following NAATI certification tests: Certified Translator, Certified Interpreter, Certified Specialist Interpreter – Legal* and Certified Specialist Interpreter – Health**.
NAATI certification is only awarded to a student once they graduate (or are a graduand) from the Master of Arts in Chinese Translation and Interpreting program, and once they have passed the NAATI certification test. Refer to the NAATI website for further information.
*For specialist certification testing eligibility (legal), students must undertake and complete CHIN7444 as part of the Master program.
**For specialist certification testing eligibility (health), students must undertake and complete CHIN7666 as part of the Master program.
If I complete the Graduate Certificate, will I be eligible for the NAATI certification test?
No.
Can I choose to study translation or interpreting only?
Students are required to study both translation and interpreting.
Can I study part time?
No. Only a full-time program is offered.
Is there a mid-year intake?
Yes. There are two intakes for this program.
For semester 1, 2018 the closing date for applications is 30 November of the previous year
For semester 2, 2018 the closing date for applications is 31 May of the year of commencement
Can I study by distance mode?
No. The program is offered on campus only.
Is there financial assistance or scholarships available?
There are ways to get help if you need it. The Future Students site has information on financial assistance available for both domestic and international students. There are also a number of scholarships available for postgraduate students which are listed on the UQ Scholarships site.
What employment prospects are there after graduation?
Australia has a large Chinese-speaking community, is geographically close to Chinese-speaking countries and regions such as mainland China and Taiwan, and has strong links with them in different fields including business, education, tourism and cultural exchanges. There is a large and growing demand for translation and interpreting services. Furthermore, NAATI certification is recognised and/or enjoys a high reputation in many countries and regions such as mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and Singapore. Graduates with internationally recognisable qualifications will be more competitive in their future employment than those without such qualifications.
Further enquires
Please send your question to languages-cultures@uq.edu.au.