Why Study/Key Benefits

• Develop professional-level skills in translation or interpreting through a focused 60-point postgraduate qualification.
• Gain practical experience with computer-assisted translation tools and/or community interpreting.
• Develop skills relevant to cross-cultural communication, including crisis and disaster communications, an area in which UC has specialist expertise.
• Choose a language specialisation including Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish or Te Reo M?ori. Other languages may be possible with approved supervision.
• The qualification provides recognised preparation to apply for certification with the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
• UC identifies career applications across crisis communications, international business relations, government, software development, academia, tourism and teaching.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The 60-point qualification consists of one compulsory course and one elective/choice course.

Compulsory:

• TRIN401 – In Other Words What: Theory and Practice of Translation and Interpreting
  • 30 points
  • Introduces the theory and practical application of translation and interpreting.
  • Current course assessment includes translation practice, translation from English, Treaty of Waitangi-related work, interpreting reflection, translation into English and a theory/application assessment.

Choose one:

• TRIN403 – Translating in the Digital Era: Tools and Practices
  • 30 points
  • Focuses on contemporary translation practice and computer-assisted/digital translation tools.

or

• TRIN404 – Translating and Interpreting for the Community
  • 30 points
  • Focuses on translation and interpreting in community settings.
  • Current course assessment includes translation assignments, a professional case briefing and an interpreting test. 

Disciplines/Specialisations

Students can specialise in:

• Chinese
• French
• German
• Japanese
• Russian
• Spanish
• Te Reo Maori

Programme Highlights

• 60-point focused postgraduate qualification.
• Six-month full-time completion option.
• Professional focus on translation and interpreting.
• Choice between translation and interpreting-oriented study.
• Practical use of translation technology and community-interpreting approaches.
• Seven named language options.
• Potential availability of additional languages through approved supervision.
• Strong emphasis on cross-cultural communication.
• Includes UC's specialist expertise in crisis/disaster communications.
• Designed to meet the educational requirements to apply for NAATI certification.
• Provides a pathway into the PGDipT&I and Master of Applied Translation and Interpreting, subject to the relevant requirements and approval.

Career Outcomes

Potential career areas include:

• Professional translator
• Interpreter
• Community interpreter
• Government language services
• International business relations
• Crisis and disaster communications
• Tourism
• Teaching
• Academic/research environments
• Media and communication
• Language-related software development
• Cross-cultural communication roles

atest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current UC programme page confirms the qualification is active in UC's programme information and lists a February/ Semester 1 start.
• The current programme regulations came into force on 1 January 2026.
• The qualification was first offered in 2023.
• There are no majors or minors; the qualification is structured specifically around Translation and Interpreting.
• Students must complete TRIN401 plus either TRIN403 or TRIN404.
• English proficiency is particularly important: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no band below 6.5 is explicitly required for applicants whose first language is not English.
• The qualification is associated with the NAATI certification pathway, but successful completion does not itself mean that the student automatically becomes NAATI-certified; UC states that graduates meet the requirements to apply for certification.
• UC's current 2027 Postgraduate Prospectus is available from the programme page.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students who intend to study this qualification physically in New Zealand generally need to meet the requirements for the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that the Fee Paying Student Visa:

• Costs from NZ$850.
• Can be granted for up to 4 years.
• Requires an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Requires evidence of tuition funding/payment or an applicable scholarship.
• Requires evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Requires acceptable medical/travel insurance.
• Requires applicants to meet health, character and genuine-intention requirements.
• Requires the student to demonstrate they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.