Skip to Content

Department of Linguistics

Postgraduate Diploma in Auslan/English Interpreting

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 and analytical skills, knowledge and capabilities. 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.

Outcomes

By the end of the program, graduates should expect to be able to:

  • Exhibit the Macquarie University graduate capabilities of self-awareness, interpersonal skills, communication and critical analysis skills, problem-solving and creative thinking skills
  • Demonstrate advanced language skills in both language directions for signed language interpreting (and translation)
  • Identify key interpreting theories
  • Apply translation & interpreting theory to practice
  • Utilise different interpreting techniques and strategies
  • Conduct self and peer analysis and critique of interpretations
  • Discuss the role of the Auslan-English interpreter in specific contexts
  • Define ethical and professional Auslan-English interpreting practice
  • Apply linguistic analysis in discussion of Auslan-English interpreting

Availability:

 

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

Duration:

 

Approximately 2 years of study

Convenor:

 

Della Goswell

Admission requirements:

 

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.

Description:

 


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.

32 credit points are required to complete the Postgraduate Diploma.

HOW TO APPLY  

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.
  1. 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. 

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

[Back to top]