Translation

The Master of Translation at the Australian National University is a comprehensive program designed to develop advanced language and intercultural communication skills essential for professional translation roles. This program is tailored for graduates who possess a high level of proficiency in at least one language other than English and wish to deepen their expertise in translation practices, theories, and technologies. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical application, ensuring students acquire the necessary tools to excel in various translation settings, including literary, technical, legal, and multimedia contexts.

Throughout the program, students engage with a wide range of topics such as translation studies, language-specific translation techniques, translation software, and the ethics of professional translation. The coursework emphasizes a balance between language accuracy, cultural sensitivities, and specialized subject matter knowledge, enabling graduates to produce precise and culturally appropriate translations across diverse fields. The program also offers opportunities for students to participate in internships and collaborative projects, facilitating real-world experience and industry connections.

The Australian National University’s translation program is distinguished by its strong emphasis on research-led teaching and its integration of cutting-edge translation technologies. Students learn to utilize tools such as computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools and machine translation, preparing them for the evolving demands of the translation industry. The program's faculty comprises experienced professionals and scholars who bring a wealth of industry knowledge and academic expertise, providing students with mentorship and insights into current industry standards.

Graduates of the Master of Translation are well-equipped to pursue careers in international organizations, translation agencies, government departments, publishing houses, and as freelance professionals. They possess the linguistic proficiency and technical skills necessary to deliver high-quality translations that meet professional standards in a globalized context. Additionally, the program prepares students for further research or doctoral studies in translation and related areas. With its rigorous curriculum, practical focus, and distinguished faculty, the Master of Translation at ANU offers a pathway to a successful and fulfilling career in the dynamic and growing field of translation services worldwide.

The Master of Translation requires completion of 96 units, which must consist of:

12 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

LANG6001 Translation across Languages: The Translation of Literary Texts

LANG6002 Translation across Languages: Specialised Materials

24 units from completion of the English Language specialisation

12 units from completion of translation and language courses from the following list

ASIA6101 Language in Asia (L)

CHIN6041 Case Studies in Translation: Chinese/English

CHIN6042 Toolkit for Chinese Studies and Translation

CHIN6220 Translating Chinese Literature: Pointing to the Moon

INDN6004 Readings in Southeast Asian Culture

INDN6015 Translation from Indonesian

JPNS6513 Japanese-English Translation

JPNS6102 Japanese Seminar A

LANG6016 Translation Project

LANG6023 Translation Workshop: Translators and Their Experience

LANG6103 Acquiring Pragmatics of a Second Language

LANG6040 Critical Readings for Translators

LING6015 Language, Culture and Translation

LING6021 Cross Cultural Communication

LING6002 Language and Society

LING6018 Languages in Contact

LING6525 Special Topics in Linguistics

LING8010 Topics in Language, Text and Discourse

24 units from completion of courses from any of the following:

Ancient Greek Language and Culture specialisation

Arabic Language and Culture specialisation

Australian Indigenous Languages specialisation

Chinese Language specialisation

French Language and Culture specialisation

German Language and Culture specialisation

Hindi Language specialisation

Indonesian Language specialisation

Italian Language and Culture specialisation

Japanese Language specialisation

Korean Language specialisation

Latin Language and Culture specialisation

Persian Language and Culture specialisation

Portuguese Language and Culture specialisation

Russian Language and Culture specialisation

Sanskrit Language specialisation

Spanish Language and Culture specialisation

Thai Language specialisation

Turkish Language and Culture specialisation

Vietnamese Language specialisation

BURM6002 Introduction to Burmese

PASI6010 Talking the Pacific: Melanesian pidgins and creoles in social context

PASI6020 An introduction to Languages of the Pacific

MNGL6002 Mongolian 1A

MNGL6003 Mongolian 1B

TETM6002 Tetum 1A

TETM6003 Tetum 1B

URDU6508 Advanced Readings in South Asias Cultures

URDU6108 Readings in South Asian Cultures

URDU6300 Urdu 2A

URDU6400 Urdu 2B

URDU6500 Urdu 2C

URDU6600 Urdu 2D

24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

A course used to satisfy the requirements of one list may not be double counted towards satisfying the requirements of another list.

A Bachelor degree or international equivalent with an average mark of at least 65 per cent and with a successful assessment of a language other than English.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate attainment of the Learning Outcomes in a major in their language of focus. This can be through demonstration of having completed a language major at an Australian tertiary institution or its international equivalent, or of having language ability equivalent to the level attained by completion of a language major as determined by a language assessment conducted by an ANU staff member in the relevant language of focus.

All applicants must meet the University's English Language Admission Requirements for Students

Applicants with a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline may be eligible for 24 units (1 semester) of credit.

Applicants with a Graduate Diploma or Honours in a cognate discipline may be eligible for 48 units (1 year) of credit.

Cognate Disciplines

Languages, Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, English, Literature, Communication, Translating/Interpreting

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

The Master of Translation at the Australian National University (ANU) is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with advanced skills in translation, intercultural communication, and linguistic analysis. This program caters to individuals seeking to develop their professional capabilities as translators and interpreters across a variety of languages and specialized fields. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical application, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the translation industry in national and international contexts. Courses typically cover translation theory, cross-cultural communication, translation technology, and ethical considerations, providing a balanced blend of academic knowledge and hands-on experience. Students often have opportunities to specialize in particular language pairs, such as English and other languages, and engage in internships or practical projects to gain real-world experience. The program is designed for graduates holding a relevant undergraduate degree, as well as for professionals looking to enhance their translation expertise. ANU’s program leverages its strong links with government, industry, and academic institutions, enabling students to access a broad network of resources and employment opportunities. Graduates are prepared for careers in translating written documents, interpreting verbal communication, working in international organizations, governmental agencies, legal or medical settings, and private sector companies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural awareness, and ethical practice, essential skills for effective translation and interpretation in diverse settings. State-of-the-art translation software and resources are integrated into coursework, ensuring students are proficient with current industry tools. Moreover, the program fosters research capabilities, allowing students to explore specialized areas within translation studies, such as literary translation, technical translation, or multimedia localization. With a combination of rigorous academic training and practical experience, the Master of Translation aims to produce highly skilled professionals capable of addressing complex communication challenges across borders. Graduates of this program join a global network of language professionals, contributing to international understanding and collaboration. The program’s duration, admission criteria, and specific language options may vary, but its core focus remains on preparing students for successful careers as expert translators and interpreters in a multilingual and multicultural world.