Master of Arts in Translation

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to train highly professional and competent translators or interpreters, equipping them with the practical and methodological skills appropriate to the discipline. Further to ensure an in-depth knowledge of the theoretical issues in Translation studies. The purpose of the qualification is also to enhance the career of the postgraduate by preparing him/her for high-level translation work. Further, the purpose of the qualification is to produce postgraduates who can contribute to the economy of South Africa by translating nationally, regionally and internationally.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners who fall outside of the regular admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have a qualification or experiential- or work work-based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a qualification specified above (under Formally Accredited Learning), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning. Learners who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but need further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary programmes prior tobefore admission or parallel programmes after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Translation, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Translation and Interpreting, NQF Level 8.

The qualifying learner is able to

1. The qualifying learner is able to access and process information using a range of technologies

1.1 Use a full range of terminology and key concepts in different disciplines in South African and International literature.

1.2 Use specialist primary and secondary research resources, materials and methodologies.

1.3 Show extensive in-depth understanding of own position in relation to debates within Translation Studies (translation or interpreting).

2. The qualifying learner is able to communicate and produce information a range of technologies

2.1 Apply understanding of current debates and research findings.

2.2 Demonstrate sophisticated understanding of academic, oral and written conventions.

3. The qualifying learner demonstrates critical analytic competence and problem solving

3.1 Analyse and evaluate subject matter of the discipline.

3.2 Identify problems and suggest possible solutions within the field.

4. The qualifying learner demonstrates research competence

4.1 Demonstrate understanding of research methods and their application.

4.2 Apply in-depth understanding of relevant literature.

4.3 Contribute to the advancement of knowledge by producing extended assignments.

5. The qualifying learner shows competence to manage him/herself

5.1 Apply knowledge of the importance of individual responsibility in generating ideas and executing a research study.

5.2 Possess advanced knowledge needed for self-directed independent learning.

6. The qualifying learner demonstrates social competence

6.1 Understand group dynamics and processes and roles and when to use them for desired purposes.

6.2 Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of diversity as an asset.

7. The qualifying learner shows ecosystemic competence

7.1 Have an in-depth diversity of the world in all its diversity.

7.2 Understand the nature of working relationships.

7.3 Have an awareness of the social context of science and technology and its impact on the environment.

7.4 An in-depth understanding of how the ethical principles of the profession relate to a broader society.

1. The qualifying learner shows disciplinary and/or professional competence (can substitute field of enquiry for discipline):

8.1 Understand and use the concepts, methods, theories and analytical processes which are accepted and/or contested in the discipline of Translation Studies.

8.2 Be familiar with related fields of enquiry as linked to developments in the discipline.

8.3 Demonstrate competence in advanced disciplinary knowledge and specialised knowledge in focused area of research.

The qualifying learner is able to

• Demonstrate sophisticated selection and search strategies for appropriate databases and information resources.
• Articulate own position within debates.
• Process and critically evaluate different kinds of data and texts across a wide range.
• Use appropriate conventions and representational technologies to sustain cogent arguments.
• Present effectively in oral and written form, ideas, theories, discipline-specific information.
• Critically evaluate limitations of different theoretical models and suggest alternatives examine innovative approaches and conceptual tools with which to analyse practice.
• Critically evaluate theoretical models.
• Apply subject matter to real life situations.
• Apply scholarly, analytical or scientific research methods.
• Produce a research report in a satisfactory written style or replicate an existing small scale study in a new context.
• Design a focused and small-scale enquiry.
• Be capable of becoming a mentor/tutor/role model in imparting skills and knowledge one has learnt to others.
• Show the ability to be a purposeful, self-directed scholar and researcher.
• Demonstrate a capacity to balance and manage a range of academic and life commitments.
• To solve problems effectively and demonstrate leadership, independence and purposefulness when appropriate.
• Work constructively with diversity within a dynamic situation.
• Have the ability to negotiate effectively with clients and ensure recognition of the ethics of the profession.
• Plan, execute and evaluate research practice within an ecosystemic paradigm.
• Apply concepts, methods, theories and analytical processes to new information and situations.
• Apply disciplinary knowledge to self-motivated enquiry.
• Understand the connections and conflicts between writers in the field.
• Apply knowledge and methods from related fields, where necessary.
• Demonstrate ability to translate a wide range of texts and discourses with high level professional competence or, in the field of interpreting, ability to function effectively as a simultaneous interpreter.

Integrated Assessment

Practical professional competence is assessed by translation/interpreting examinations and methodology examinations. Theoretical competence is assessed using essays, examinations and the Research Report.

ASSOCIATED VALUES.

The qualifying learner is aware of the importance of the need to

1. Commit him/herself to evaluate published research.

2.1 Respect and acknowledge the ownership of intellectual property.

2.2 Adhere to ethical standards of discipline applicable to research project.

3.1 Commit him/herself to responsible decision-making.

3.2 Be sensitive to different ways of constructing knowledge and apply knowledge in an ethically sensitive manner.

4.1 Take ethical responsibility with respect to research subjects.

4.2 Undertake socially responsible research.

1. Pursue excellence, recognise accountability and resourcefulness.

6.1 Commitment him/herself to collaborative processes.

6.2 Value diversity.

7.1 Appreciate the complexity of society.

7.2 Value the ability to adapt and live with change.

8.1 Adhere to the ethical standards of Translation Studies.

8.2 Be sensitive to the ethical implications of his/her own practices.