M.A. / Postgraduate Diploma (Conference Interpreting)

Tá leagan Gaeilge den leathanach seo ar fáil anseo.

Course code 

Course level

Duration of course 

Start date

Number of places available 

Course overview

This is a fulltime course with the Postgraduate Diploma course running over one academic year, and the M.A. running for a calendar year (September to August).

Both courses provide intensive training in the field of professional conference interpreting. Irish and English are the active languages offered on this year’s programme, with provision for passive English, Irish, French, Spanish and German provided also. Other languages may also be provided based on student demand.
(A Languages: EN and/or GA
B Languages: EN, GA
C Languages: EN, GA, ES, FR, DE)

During the course, students will study the theory and practice of interpreting, where, amongst other topics, students will learn the history of the profession and the distinction between translation and interpreting.

In order to prepare the students for their future professional careers, the programme also covers  various communication skills i.e voice coaching, public speaking etc. Students will also examine professional ethics, conference preparation/procedures, along with working practices and conditions.

This course provides training in both modes of conference interpreting (consecutive and simultaneous interpretation). At the end of the course students will be able to provide a fluent and effective interpretation of a speech in their target language(s) from their passive languages. The training required to perfect these skills entails a variety of exercises such as content analysis, memory exercises, consecutive interpretation without notes, sight interpreting and note-taking techniques.

Throughout the course students will study the European Union and other International Organisations where interpreting is key. The programme will examine the workings of such organisations with a view to providing students with the requisite knowledge of operational processes and procedures in place in these institutions. In addition to this class work, the University will organise a study week at the European Parliament and Commission which will afford students an insight into the work of the conference interpreter in those institutions.

Course outline

**At the programme’s conclusion, students who have achieved at least 60% in the Postgraduate Diploma can avail of the opportunity to complete a research project or write a thesis, based on research of a particular aspect of interpreting in order to obtain an M.A qualification.

Aims and objectives

Considerable employment opportunities are available in the EU institutions to graduates in the areas of translation and interpreting for those with Irish and/or English as part of their language combination. This programme seeks to equip students with the requisite professional skills in conference interpreting, as well as providing specific knowledge of the interpreting profession profession, so that they will be able to avail of the aforementioned employment opportunities.

This programme is based on the European Masters in Conference Interpreting – a programme developed in conjunction with the European Union which is offered in 18 countries across Europe. It is the only programme of its kind in Ireland.

ECTS rating 

Postgraduate Diploma: 60 ECTS.
M.A.: 90 ECTS.

Course location 

Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge,
The National University of Ireland, Galway,
University Road,
Galway City,
Ireland.

Entry requirements 

Students must hold a 2:2 honours degree, as well as an excellent knowledge of their mother tongue (EN and/or GA). Students must have a command of at least two of the languages from the following list: EN, GA, ES, FR, DE – if candidates wish to present a language that is not on that list it may be possible to arrange its inclusion and must be done through contacting the course coordinator. In addition, candidates will be expected to have:
 

• A sound knowledge of international current affairs, of the cultural, social and economic backgrounds of Ireland and the countries of their other working languages
• good powers of concentration, analysis and synthesis. 
• good communication skills
• a high degree of motivation
• the ability to work under pressure 
• a readiness to accept advice
  

Fees

€6,015 for EU applicants and €13,250 for international students. These fees are subject to change. Further information on fees can be found at www.nuigalway.ie/fees.

Selection Criterium

Admission to the course is subject to success in both a suitability test and an interview.

Qualification for M.A.

An overall mark of 60% in the Postgraduate Diploma is required to continue to the M.A. programme.

Career opportunities 

Students must obtain a post graduate qualification in Conference Interpreting to allow them to sit the Inter-Institutional Accreditation Tests and work as a professional conference interpreter. As a result, students who complete this course can avail of considerable employment opportunities.
For further information on these employment opportunities and the global shortage of interpreters see:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v="Drj3ltsEriU&feature=related
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v="bzqIu0FOp8U&feature=related
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA2fWvtMPDU
• http://europarltv.europa.eu/en/player.aspx?pid="c70ef439-b3bf-4ae9-a514-9ee800a488ea
• http://flipflashpages.uniflip.com/2/44815/96564/pub/

Be aware however that employment opportunities do not lie uniquely within the E.U institutions. Work is also available in Ireland as interpreting services are in increasing demand at conferences, festivals and meetings across the country.

How to apply to this course

Applications to this programme are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). The relevant PAC application code is GYA85.

Direct link

http://www.pac.ie/oegaillimh

Further information 




             

Susan Folan,
Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge.

E-mail: susan.folanoegaillimh.ie
Web:    http://www.acadamh.ie/