PSP50922 Diploma of Interpreting (Spoken Language)

This qualification reflects the role of individuals who interpret between two languages, in general dialogue and monologue settings where the interpreter is able to control the interaction to assist retention and recall.

In a general setting the context is usually broad and routine and the content or complexity of the situation can usually be predicted and planned for. There are typically two dialogue settings or a few monologue setting participants, to whom the interpreter has physical, visual or audio access.

The Diploma of Interpreting prepares interpreters for work typically in the community and business domains, including sectors such as general health, welfare and community services, educational and social contexts, and tourism. It also includes interactions such as initial police interviews, over the counter interviews in customer and community information services, non-complex disability assistance, and other informal business and workplace interactions. The interpreting takes place where miscommunication or the consequences of errors in communicative intent can be readily managed through consultation and preparation, and where there are opportunities for error correction.

Duration24 Weeks
National CodePSP50922
CRICOS Code120976A
Delivery ModeFace-to-face: 13.5 hrs/week
Online: 6.5 hrs/week
Tuition Fee$8000
Materials Fee$600
Enrolment Fee $200

Course Structure

Qualification Packaging Rules:

Five (5) core units and seven (7) elective units of competency must be completed successfully to achieve the qualification.

Core Units of Competency

  • PSPTIS102 – Apply codes and standards to ethical practice
  • PSPTIS104 – Prepare to translate or interpret
  • PSPTIS112 – Interpret in general dialogue settings
  • PSPTIS114 – Manage interactions in general settings
  • PSPTIS115 – Use routine subject area terminology in two languages

Elective Units of Competency

  • PSPTIS103 – Build glossaries for translating and interpreting assignments
  • PSPTIS116 – Demonstrate routine language proficiency in different subjects and cultural contexts
  • PSPTIS118 – Use routine health terminology in two languages
  • PSPTIS119 – Use routine legal terminology in two languages
  • PSPTIS113 – Interpret in general monologue settings
  • PSPTIS117 – Use routine education terminology in two languages
  • PSPTIS135 – Sight translate

Entry Requirements

All Applicants must:

  • be at least 18 years old and have successfully completed Year 12 of secondary education or its equivalent or have appropriate and relevant experience; and
  • demonstrate proficiency in English with one of the following requirements:
    • IELTS overall band score 6.0
    • A TOEFL (iBT) overall band score of 64
    • A PTE Academic overall band score of 50
    • complete at least a recognised Certificate IV or above in an English-speaking country
    • undertake an entry test consisting of two dialogues in a para-professional level interpreting test to demonstrate adequate competency in both English and LOTE (Language Other Than English) as part of the enrolment process. Students need to achieve 45 percent or higher to be admitted into the program

Pathways from the qualification

After achieving this qualification, students may undertake the Advanced Diploma of Translating at AIC or the Advanced Diploma of Interpreting at other institutions. Articulation into programs in higher education may be possible.

Career Opportunities
Employment in interpreting varies with the market for interpreting in particular languages and domains. This diploma prepares interpreters for work typically in community and business domains such as general health, welfare and community services, non-complex disability assistance, educational and social contexts, initial police interviews, over-the-counter interviews in customer and community information services, tourism, and other informal business and workplace contexts where the consequences of errors in communicative intent can be readily managed.

The majority of interpreters are self-employed and are contracted on a sessional basis either directly or through interpreting service providers to work on interpreting assignments, but may find permanent employment in a specific sector such as education, government or health, or may work with a diverse range of clients and sectors. Interpreters may be contracted to work in a team.