Auslan, sem 1 only
Part-time only
External study with some on-campus block sessions

Approximately 2 years of study

Jemina Napier

An undergraduate degree, NAATI Paraprofessional accreditation and two years interpreting experience post-NAATI accreditation. Substantial experience of Auslan interpreting is necessary. Applicants requesting recognition for previous extensive interpreting experience in lieu of undergraduate qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, and will be required to provide evidence of substantial professional development activity.

Aims

The primary goals of the Auslan/English Interpreting program at Macquarie University are to:

1. Up-skill NAATI accredited interpreters from Paraprofessional to Professional Interpreter Level;

2. Improve the professional skills of practitioners already accredited at NAATI Professional Interpreter Level.

The overall aim of the Postgraduate Diploma in Auslan/English Interpreting is to enhance the qualifications and skills of practising sign language interpreters. The goal of the program is for graduates to be critically reflective practitioners, with solid practical skills. All students are provided with a foundation of theory in translation and interpreting, with a strong focus on the application of theory to practical skills development.

The Diploma is NAATI approved, therefore students meeting certain requirements will be eligible to apply for NAATI Interpreter level accreditation at graduation.

Students completing the Postgraduate Diploma requirements have the option to transfer to the Master of Translating and Interpreting.

The units are offered externally only, through a combination of on-campus block sessions and online contact.

The program is delivered in cooperation with The RIDBC Renwick Centre, which is affiliated with the University of Newcastle, and based at the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, a short distance from Macquarie University. The RIDBC Renwick Centre is a centre for professional training and research in the area of deafness and education. One subject relating to cultural aspects of deafness is currently offered through cross-institutional enrolment.

28 credit points are required to complete the Postgraduate Diploma.

Core Units

TRAN 821 Interpreting Techniques (4 credit pts)

TRAN 822 Interpreting Practice (4 credit pts)

TRAN 851 Discourse Analysis of Auslan Skills (4 credit pts)

TRAN 854 Linguistics of Signed Languages (4 credit pts)

Optional Units - 12 credit pts from:

TRAN 816 Introduction to Translation Theory and Practice (4 credit pts)

TRAN826 Community Interpreting and Translating (4 credit pts)

TRAN 835 Advanced Auslan Interpreting (2 credit pts)

TRAN 838 Advanced Auslan Interpreting in Legal Settings (2 credit pts)

TRAN 852 Auslan Interpreting in Educational Settings (2 cp)

TRAN 853 Auslan Interpreting in Medical Settings (2 cp)

LING 903 Languages and Cultures in Contact (4 credit pts)

LING 904 Pragmatics (4 credit pts)

LING 972  Language and Gesture (4 credit pts)

EDUC 6057 Social, language & cultural studies of deafness (4 credit pts)

When you are ready to apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Auslan/English Interpreting, you will need to contact the Linguistics Postgraduate Office in order to be sent a DVD of 2 video clips, as follows:

1. Spoken English presentation (approx 4.5 mins). The topic is “Adapting to a new culture” and is being delivered to ESL/international students. Imagine that you are interpreting the lecture for a student with the same communication style as the signer in clip 2.

2. Auslan presentation (approx 3 mins). The topic is the Auslan Educators Network (AEN) and how it was first established. The signer makes reference to 2 TAFE colleges which may not be known to applicants outside NSW: Petersham and Blacktown.  Imagine that the talk is being delivered to a TAFE Deaf Studies class.

Videoing yourself:

For the English to Auslan interpretation (clip 1), make sure the video camera clearly captures your signing and that the volume on the English clip is high enough to be heard on tape.

For the Auslan to English interpretation (clip 2) point the video camera at the video screen, so that it records the Auslan signing and the sound of your voiced interpretation.  (You do not need to be in the picture.)

Then burn both interpretations to a DVD with your name clearly marked on the disc.

You should then follow the instructions below for making a formal application for the program and for submitting this CD/DVD.  There are different application procedures for NZ citizens, Australian citizens and permanent residents; and for international students (including NZ permanent residents).

NB If you are already accredited at NAATI Professional level (level 3) then you are not required to submit these interpreting tasks.

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen:

You can apply through UAC (University Admissions Centre) on-line by clicking on the following link:  http://www.uac.edu.au/postgraduate/

Please note that it is advisable to read through all the COURSE DETAILS on the UAC website before you commence the application process, then follow the steps to submit your application on-line.

Auslan applicants are also required to submit a written explanation of why they are applying for the course (250 words) PLUS 2 samples of interpretation (English to Auslan and Auslan to English) – supplied on DVD (details above).   You should also include a copy of your NAATI accreditation plus evidence of relevant experience and training if you do not have an undergraduate degree.

This should be sent (together with a coversheet which can be downloaded from: http://www.postgrad.mq.edu.au/home/PGCoverSheet.pdf) to:

By post: Linguistics Postgraduate Office, Building C5A, Room 563,

Macquarie University NSW 2109

OR fax: 9850 9352

OR email: lingpgo@ling.mq.edu.au

Your application will be assessed by Academic staff in the Department of Linguistics and you will be advised of the outcome of your application by UAC.

If you are an Australian citizen, you may be eligible for financial support through the federal government HECS-HELP scheme - see http://www.goingtouni.gov.au

If you are an international student (or NZ permanent resident):

Macquarie International handles all applications for international students.

You can access application forms and step-by-step information on how to apply:

Application forms for International students (External mode)

https://www.international.mq.edu.au/pdfs/MQTransnationalapplication.pdf

Auslan applicants are also required to submit a written explanation of why they are applying for the course (250 words) PLUS 2 samples of interpretation (English to Auslan  and Auslan to English) – supplied on CD/DVD (details above). This should be included with your application documents to Macquarie International.  You should also include a copy of your NAATI accreditation plus evidence of relevant experience and training if you do not have an undergraduate degree.