Duration
Full-time: 18 months
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2023 Semester One – 27 February
2024 Semester One – 26 February
Available locations
City
Points
180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught options available

Programme overview

This masters programme provides specialised training for professional translators or those starting a career in the field.

You can gain the practical skills and knowledge required to work in translation and related fields of intercultural communication. You will use cutting-edge professional tools to translate software, websites and audiovisual content. You will become well attuned to today’s global industry requirements.

Courses consist of lectures and practical laboratory sessions where you will have the opportunity to interact with industry professionals.

This programme is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

Programme structure

The Master of Translation is a 180-point taught programme. It is made up of both taught courses and practical courses informed by academic research and industry developments. It can be completed full-time in 18 months, or part-time in up to six years. 

You will complete four compulsory core courses, and choose two elective courses based around your chosen language.

  • Four core courses in digital translation, computer-aided translation, translation theory and advanced practical translation work (120 points).
  • One core course focusing on specialised translation in your chosen language (30 points).
  • One advanced language acquisition course in your chosen language, or a course in community translation and interpreting (30 points). 

Translation and Interpretation accreditation

The MTrans is an endorsed programme by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to take three NAATI certification tests:

  • Certified Translator
  • Certified Advanced Translator*
  • Certified Provisional Interpreter**

*Conditional on taking TRANSLAT 700 Digital Translation and TRANSLAT720 Translation Portfolio courses during your programme
**Conditional on taking TRANSLAT 101 Interpreting for Communities and TRANSLAT 713 Community Translation and Interpreting courses during your programme.

TRANSLAT 101 (15-point) is a new online course and has to be taken in addition to the full MTrans 180-point programme.

Please check your eligibility for the MBIE support funding to cover the costs of the TRANSLAT 101 and TRANSLAT 713 courses.

Find out more information about getting NAATI accreditation through the MTrans. (97KB, PDF)

Postgraduate pathway

Download the Arts postgraduate pathway (14KB, PDF)

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Sample programme structure

Year 1 120 points

  • Code:
    TRANSLAT 712
    Name:
    Computer-aided Translation (CAT) Tools
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    TRANSLAT 719
    Name:
    Translation Theories and Paradigms
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    TRANSLAT 713
    Name:
    Community Interpreting and Contextual Studies
    Type:
    Core taught
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    Stage VII course
    Name:
    Specialised translation course in your chosen language
    Type:
    Elective course
    Points:
    30 pts

Year 2 60 points

  • Code:
    TRANSLAT 700
    Name:
    Digital Translation
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    TRANSLAT 720
    Name:
    Translation Portfolio
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts

Subjects available in this programme

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2022 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Bachelor of Arts.

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Taught 180 points

You need to have competence in one of the languages offered for the MTrans (Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish) other than English, equivalent to at least the level of a B+ grade in a language course at Stage III.

An interview and written aptitude test may be required.

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree in Arts.

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    7.0

    Overall score of 7.0 and no bands below 6.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Taught 180 points

You need to have competence in one of the languages offered for the MTrans (Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish) other than English, with a GPE of 6.0 in a language course at an advanced level equivalent to at least the level of a B+ grade in a language course at Stage II (equivalent to above B2 in CEFR).

If you are not a native speaker of English and have not had at least three years of tertiary education with English as the language of instruction, you need a minimum overall score of IELTS (Academic) 7.0 or equivalent.

An interview and written aptitude test may be required.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Translation cost per year?

2022 fees

Domestic students
NZ$8,809.20*
International students
NZ$37,891*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.16 per point, estimated at $1,468.80 for full-time study (180 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2022
14 February 2022

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

Completing this masters programme will set you apart in the translation profession, with specialised training including localisation and audiovisual translation. You will be equipped with an extensive knowledge of translation technologies and tools.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Captioner
  • Copy editor
  • International marketing manager
  • Localiser
  • Public service translator
  • Subtitler
  • Technical translator
  • Terminologist

Graduate story: Quintin Ridgeway

The translation work that Quintin Ridgeway does for the Department of Internal Affairs has a clear and direct effect on people's lives.

Meet Quintin

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