Part-time only, starting in March of each year

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)