Interpreting is transferring meaning orally across two languages. Through the diploma, you will gain basic oral transfer skills, as well as an introduction to the role, ethics and professional and contextual aspects of interpreting appropriate to practice at the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) paraprofessional level.
You will be trained in transfer skills in interpreting only; the transfer of meaning in writing (translating) is part of the advanced diploma training.
Most classroom activities and assessments are practical. The focus is on developing the necessary interpreting skills to enable you to successfully pass the final examination and to work as an interpreter at the paraprofessional level.
The diploma is best suited to those who are proficient in bilingual communication. It is also an excellent preparatory training program for those interested in applying for the advanced diploma, but who do not yet possess the requisite level of advanced bilingual proficiency and general knowledge required.
RMIT has approval from NAATI to offer a range of languages, including AUSLAN. These languages are offered on the basis of student demand and upon advice from the program advisory committee, which represents the industry and other stakeholders and monitors its needs. Prior to application, you are strongly advised to contact RMIT to make sure your language of choice is offered. Not all languages offered in any one academic year will be offered in both full-time and part-time modes.
The qualification has a strong industry base. It is a NAATI requirement that the practical interpreting courses in the program are taught by NAATI accredited and current practitioners.
Depending on practitioners’ availability, classes may be scheduled after-hours or on weekends. Class times and staffing are not negotiable by students.
Most commencing students will enrol online. If you are required to enrol online you need to log in to myRMIT and click on the link to Enrolment Online. You can enrol online at any time before the deadline in your offer letter from any computer with internet access.
If you need to enrol via the paper-based process your offer letter will tell you and you will enrol at your program information session.
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