Duration
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2022 Semester Two – 18 July
2023 Semester One – 27 February
Available locations
City
Points
120
Programme type
Postgraduate

Programme overview

This postgraduate diploma is the first level in professional translator training. You will gain a sound appreciation of translation as a professional activity and learn about the local and global translation market.

You will engage in hands-on translation practice, learn to use and understand the electronic tools essential to the modern translator, and explore translation theory and cutting-edge research.

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

Programme structure

This 120-point programme combines taught and practical courses in translation theories, computer-aided translation and translation practice in your chosen language over one year full-time or up to four years part-time.

You will complete four courses as part of the programme:

  • Two compulsory core courses in translation theories and computer-aided translation (60 points)
  • One course in either community translation and interpreting or in language acquisition in your chosen language (30 points)
  • One course in specialised translation in your chosen language (30 points)

You can become a full member of the New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters (NZSTI) if you receive a B grade average or higher and at least a B+ in your translation practice course.

Translation and interpretation accreditation

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

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

  • Certified Translator
  • Certified Provisional Interpreter (conditional on taking courses TRANSLAT 101 AND TRANSLAT 713 during your programme)

TRANSLAT 101 (15-point) is a new online course and has to be taken in addition to the full PGDipTranslationStud 120-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 PGDipTranslationStud. (95KB, PDF)

Postgraduate pathway

You can find the requirements for your study in the PGDipTranslationStud Schedule, and take a look at our postgraduate courses in Translation Studies.

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 one 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

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 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelors degree

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Taught 120 points

You must have completed a bachelors degree in any subject and have competence in one of the languages offered for the PGDipTranslationStud equivalent to at least the level of a B+ grade in a language course at Stage III (equivalent to at least C1 level in CEFR).

If you have not undertaken tertiary study in your chosen language you will need to sit a language test to demonstrate your competence.

Other pathways to study

If you have not completed the required prior study, or do not meet the required GPA, the Graduate Diploma in Arts is a suitable pathway.

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 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree

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

    No bands less than 6.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Taught 120 points

You must have completed one of the following:

  • An undergraduate degree in any subject from a recognised university (or similar institution), and have competence in one of the languages offered for the PGDipTranslationStud equivalent to at least a GPE of 6.0 in a language course at an advanced level (equivalent to at least C1 level in CEFR).
  • Professional experience or training in translation equivalent to a degree.

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 IELTS Academic score of 7.0.

If you have not undertaken tertiary study in your chosen language you will need to sit a language test to demonstrate your competence.

Other pathways to study

If you have not completed the required prior study, or do not meet the required GPE, the Graduate Diploma in Arts is a suitable pathway.

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Translation Studies 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 $979.20 for full-time study (120 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
Semester Two 2022
4 July 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?

You will gain a good foundation for entering the translation profession. Many translators work as freelancers, others work as in-house translators or for translation agencies. Translators usually specialise in areas such as software and website localisation, or technical, audiovisual or literary translation.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Copy editor
  • Localiser
  • Technical translator
  • Terminologist
  • Translation project manager

Further study options

See all study options

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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