Postgraduate Diploma in Translation and Interpreting

The purpose of the qualification is to train professional translators and interpreters by equipping them with the practical and methodological skills appropriate to the discipline.

The purpose of the qualification is also to enhance the career of the diplomate by giving him/her professional competence.

Further, the purpose of the qualification is to produce diplomates who can contribute to multilingual policy issues and the economy of South Africa.

Formally Accredited Learning

The typical applicant has a Bachelor of Arts degree or an equivalent University-approved qualification, which needs normally to have been achieved with a certain minimum percentage and a proficiency in at least two languages that they intend to use for translation - consult the application information for the year of study for which application is being made.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants who fall outside of the normal admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have a qualification or experiential- or 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. Applicants who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need of further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary programmes prior to admission or parallel programmes after admission.

The qualifying learner is able to

1.1 Apply knowledge and understanding of use of basic specialist research resources, bibliographies

1.2 Apply knowledge and understanding of the parameters and criteria for in-depth data base searches.

2.1 Apply knowledge and understanding of written, oral academic conventions at this level

2.2 Apply knowledge of computer literacy.

3.1 Apply knowledge and understanding of how knowledge is reported within disciplines

3.2 Apply knowledge and understanding of conventions of critical analysis

3.3 Apply knowledge and understanding of key concepts, debates, issues and concerns of the disciplines.

4.1 Apply knowledge and understanding of one or more research methods and their appropriate applications

4.2 Apply knowledge and understanding of the relevant literature.

5.1 Apply knowledge to the challenges and problems posed in the world of work

5.2 Apply increasing knowledge of the importance of making the shift to self-directed, independent learning.

6.1 Apply knowledge of group dynamics and processes

6.2 Show self awareness of own group role and the role of others in the profession

6.3 Apply knowledge of the range of diversity in own and other contexts.

1. Show understanding of the interrelatedness of issues and debates between the translation and interpreting professions and the broader social context.

8.1 Demonstrate competence in basic theoretical and practical principles of Translation Studies

8.2 Know how new knowledge is generated in the discipline

8.3 Be aware of contemporary debates in translation and interpreting in relation to established knowledge

8.4 Knowledge and understanding of the ethical principles informing the translation and interpreting professions.

Critical Cross-field Outcomes

a) "Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made" - see Exit Level Outcomes (ELO) 3 & 4.

b) "Working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community" - see ELO 6.

c) "Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively" - see ELO 5.

d) "Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information" - see ELO 1.

e) "Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion" - see ELO 2 & 4.

f) "Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others" - see ELO 1, 2, 4 & 7.

g) "Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts does not exist in isolation" - see ELO 7.

h) "Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:

• (i) "Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively" - see ELO 5.
• (ii) "Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities" - see ELO 7; note also that learners act in accordance with the code of conduct of the University and, where relevant, that of the professional discipline being studied.
• (iii) "Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts" - see ELO 6.
• (iv) "Exploring education and career opportunities" - see ELO 5.
• (v) "Developing entrepreneurial opportunities" - see ELO 7 & 8.

The qualifying learner is able to

1.1 Develop appropriate database search strategies and selection criteria

1.2 Collect, select, organise and interpret different kinds of data

1.3 Read and carry out critical evaluation of texts and data.

2.1 Use written and spoken language with skill and flexibility to articulate sustained argument and position

2.2 Use appropriate written and oral academic conventions for a small scale research project

2.3 Begin to articulate own lines of inquiry within discipline

2.4 Apply appropriate word processing technologies.

3.1 Interpret and criticise subject matter of the discipline

3.2 Critically synthesise information and theory to solve problems

3.3 Recognise limitations of different theoretical models.

4.1 Provide a rationale and conduct a study for a small scale practical report

4.2 Apply an appropriate research method

4.3 Write up the study using the appropriate disciplinary conventions and techniques for analysis and interpretation.

5.1 Develop increasingly sophisticated ability to assess oneself in oral and written presentations

5.2 Establish a pattern of goal setting, time management

5.3 Match learning strategies to task requirements.

6.1 Identify, receive and execute tasks responsibly

6.2 Communicate effectively

6.3 Work collaboratively taking account of diversity.

1. To execute tasks and evaluate professional practice and research as located within the broader social context.

8.1 Identify own lines of enquiry within the discipline of Translation Studies and track the necessary information

8.2 Demonstrate ability to translate a wide range of texts and discourses with professional competence

Interpreting option

8.3 Demonstrate an ability to function effectively as a consecutive interpreter

8.4 Demonstrate creative ability to solve problems arising in professional practice.

Integrated Assessment

Practical professional competence is assessed by translation and/or interpreting and methodology examinations and by means of a short practical report.

ASSOCIATED VALUES

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

1.1 Fully understand that accurate representation and acknowledgement of work of others is essential in all written submissions

1.2 Commit him/herself to evaluate published research.

2.1 Show respect for intellectual property by acknowledging sources fully

2.2 Demonstrate responsibility and integrity within the discipline.

3.1 Demonstrate sensitivity with regards to ways of constructing knowledge

3.2 Recognise the importance of applying knowledge in an ethically sensitive manner.

4.1 Take ethical responsibility with respect to research subjects

4.2 Undertake socially responsible research.

5.1 Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing reflective practice and professional development

5.2 Acknowledge accountability for his/her professional work.

6.1 Recognise and value diversity

6.2 Recognise and value collaborative processes.

1. Value the interconnectedness of the environments in which translation and interpreting take place.
2. Recognise and accept personal responsibility for the social consequences of professional practise and behaviour.