The Master of Applied Translation and Interpreting (MATI) is a 180-point postgraduate qualification at the University of Canterbury designed to develop advanced language, cultural, translation and interpreting skills for professional practice. UC describes the programme as highly practical, with opportunities for translation projects, computer-assisted translation, internships and overseas language immersion. The programme is available for international students.

Why Study / Key Benefits

• Develops advanced translation, interpreting, language, cultural and communication skills.
• The programme is strongly practical rather than being purely theoretical.
• Students can undertake practical translation projects and develop a professional portfolio.
• Computer-assisted translation tools and contemporary translation practices are incorporated into the programme.
• UC provides an option for an internship with agencies, government departments or other organisations that require translation and interpreting services.
• Students may have the opportunity to study overseas at a partner university in a country where their chosen language is predominantly spoken.
• UC identifies crisis translation and interpreting, including work associated with natural disasters, as an area of specialist expertise within the programme.
• The degree is the only master's degree in translation studies in Te Waipounamu South Island, according to UC.
• Graduates can potentially progress to PhD study in Translation and Interpreting or in their chosen language.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MATI consists of 180 points.

The structure includes:

• 120 points of compulsory courses.
• 60 points of elective courses.
• Students can select either a research-oriented pathway or a practical pathway involving projects, portfolio work and/or internship options.
• The second-semester component can potentially be completed at UC or through an overseas partner university, subject to placement availability.

Current compulsory/core options include:

• TRIN401 – In Other Words What: Theory and Practice of Translation and Interpreting
• TRIN403 – Translating in the Digital Era: Tools and Practices
• TRIN404 – Translating and Interpreting for the Community
• TRIN409 – Introduction to Simultaneous Interpreting: Foundations and Practice
• TRIN406 – Translation and Interpreting Research Project
• TRIN405 – Translation and Interpreting Portfolio
• PACE495 – Professional and Community Engagement Internship.

The programme also includes language-focused study.

At UC, students may choose 30 points from:

• Chinese
• French
• German
• Japanese
• Russian
• Spanish
• Te Reo M?ori

Students can also select one of:

• LING400 – English Structures
• LING615 – World Englishes
• WRIT402 – Writing for Community Change.

Disciplines / Specialisations

UC currently identifies seven principal language specialisations:

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

Other languages may be considered where UC has approved supervision available.

The degree can also develop expertise in areas such as:

• Translation
• Community interpreting
• Simultaneous interpreting
• Digital/computer-assisted translation
• Professional translation
• Translation research
• Translation portfolio development
• Crisis translation and interpreting
• Language acquisition
• Intercultural communication
• Professional/community engagement.

Programme Highlights

• Qualification: Master of Applied Translation and Interpreting.
• Level: NZQCF/NZQF Level 9.
• Total: 180 points.
• Duration: 12–18 months full-time.
• Maximum part-time duration: 3 years.
• Intakes: February and July.
• Seven principal language specialisations.
• Practical translation and interpreting training.
• Translation portfolio option.
• Research project option.
• Community interpreting option.
• Simultaneous interpreting foundations.
• Computer-assisted translation and digital translation tools.
• Internship opportunity.
• Overseas study opportunity, subject to placement availability.
• Potential pathway to PhD study.
• Strong application across international relations, government, business, media, tourism, publishing, policy and other multilingual environments.

Career Outcomes

UC states that advanced translation and interpreting skills can provide national and international career opportunities. Translation and interpreting skills are sought in sectors including:

• Media and entertainment
• Business
• International relations
• Policy
• Diplomacy
• Publishing
• Tourism
• Marketing
• Teaching
• Other multilingual professional environments.

Potential roles can include:

• Translator
• Interpreter
• Community interpreter
• Conference/simultaneous interpreter
• Government or public-sector translator/interpreter
• International communications professional
• Language specialist
• Translation project professional
• Localisation-related roles
• Multilingual communications roles
• Translation researcher

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current UC programme information confirms:

• Both February and July entry are available.
• The programme is 180 points.
• Full-time study normally takes 12–18 months.
• Part-time study can take up to three years.
• The programme has practical and research options.
• Overseas study is subject to partner-university placement availability.
• The programme permits specialisation in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish or Te Reo Maori.
• At least 60 points of 300-level study with a B+ GPA is required in an approved language area.
• English-language applicants need IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with no section below 6.5.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying this programme in New Zealand, the usual route is the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to the student's individual circumstances.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires applicants to have:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an appropriate scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds for onward travel where required.
• Any required health and character documentation.
• Genuine intentions to study.
• Compliance with the conditions of the student visa.