Graduate Diploma in Translation Studies

The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.

The Graduate Diploma in Translation Studies introduces you to a broad range of theoretical approaches to translation and the history of translation theory in the Western tradition. With units covering professional ethics, comparative cultural studies, and advanced language skills, students are able to train in the practical translation of general and technical documents, under the guidance of experienced, qualified professionals.

Our degree has real-world application, with inbuilt units dedicated to advanced practical translation, an intensive translation practicum, and a translation project. You’ll also enter the field with a competitive advantage acquired through internship experiences at Sydney-based international translation agencies, community language newspapers, magazines, and other businesses and organisations.

This program prepares students for employment and further postgraduate research in areas of both non-literary and literary translation. Aimed at those pursuing careers in translation research, translation education and full-time translation practice with national and international agencies, our graduates are well versed in the complementary fields of subtitling, software translation and localisation.

A balanced curriculum provides a solid grounding in both translation theories and their everyday application, with our longer program structure enabling the kinds of deep knowledge that sets our graduates apart. This unique structure caters to the needs of both domestic and international students, producing highly skilled translators and potential researchers across the discipline.

Please note: The Graduate Diploma in Translation Studies will not be available from semester 1, 2014.

Units of study

Further course information

Study plan

The Graduate Diploma in Translation Studies requires the satisfactory completion of 6 units of study (36 credit points) (cp), including 3 core units of study (18cp) from the designated selection, which are normally TRNS6902 Practical Translation, TRNS6904 Text Analysis and Traslation, and TRNS6906 Bicultural Comparison for Translators. Other units of study are normally chosen from the list of approved electives, or undertaken in a relevant or related field, subject to the approval of the academic coordinator. Candidates planning to transfer to the Master of Translation Studies are advised that TRNS6902 Practical Translation is a prerequisite for TRNS6903 Advanced Practical Translation (12cp). A result of 70 per cent or above in TRNS6902 is required for progression to TRNS6903.

Graduate opportunities

Career opportunities can be found in full-time or freelance translation with national and international agencies, in subtitling, software translation and localization. Translator accreditation also gives graduates a competitive edge in many other professions, such as law, commerce and journalism. Furthermore, high proficiency in English and NAATI accreditation earn bonus points for those applying for immigration to Australia under the Skilled Migration Programme

Admission

Admission requirements

Admission to candidature for the Graduate Diploma in Translation Studies requires:

(a) a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (60%) average from the University of Sydney, including a major in a relevant subject area in the humanities or social sciences, or an equivalent qualification; and

(b) a level of competence in a language other than English at a standard acceptable to the Faculty.

How to apply

Domestic students

How to apply

Australian citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, and holders of a permanent humanitarian visa, apply through UAC - click on the 'Apply now' icon on this page to proceed with your application.

Please note: not all courses are offered in the July semester intake.

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply:

(i) directly to the University via the International Office. Further information on applications and English language requirements and support services for international students is available on the International Office website; or
(ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent).

Note: International students are required to enrol on a full-time basis.

Fee disclaimer

Domestic students

Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount

Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Graduate Diploma in Translation Studies.

Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount

Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Graduate Diploma in Translation Studies.

Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee

This 2013, tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.

Annual review for postgraduate domestic tuition fee

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents

Please note that if you are classified by the University as a Research Training Scheme student in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2010, you will be exempt from the payment of any SCA or tuition fees for courses undertaken as part of a Research Masters degree and Research Doctoral degree. More information about your eligibility for this Scheme is available here.

International students

International tuition fees for postgraduate students

This 2013, tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. The University's Future Students' webpage has further information about these additional incidental fees for postgraduate coursework students and postgraduate research students.

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.