The Advanced School of Translation and Interpretation of the University of Buea proudly offers a rigorous and rewarding Master of Arts (M.A.) in Interpretation programme. This two-year postgraduate programme is designed to cultivate highly skilled professional interpreters capable of thriving in diverse national and international settings. This detailed guide provides prospective students with a comprehensive understanding of the programme’s structure, curriculum, and career prospects.

Program Overview

Housed within Division II (Interpretation), this programme emphasises both theoretical grounding and practical application. Students will develop the linguistic proficiency, intercultural competence, and professional skills necessary to excel in the demanding field of interpretation. The programme’s core objectives are twofold: to train highly competent professional interpreters and to foster research and scholarship within interpreting studies.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised institution. Crucially, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in at least one of the language combinations offered by the programme, exhibiting a university-level command of reading, listening, and speaking in their working languages. While not mandatory, familiarity with word processing software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), image processing, internet usage, and email is highly advantageous.

Curriculum and Assessment

The M.A. programme utilises a blended learning approach, combining lectures, tutorials, practical exercises, and a crucial internship placement. Assessment is continuous, incorporating class assignments, take-home assignments, end-of-semester examinations, and presentations of research papers. A minimum of 90% class attendance is required for students to be eligible to sit for end-of-semester examinations. Exceptions may be made for repeating students who opt for distance or sandwich learning (at an additional cost).

Program Structure

The programme is structured across two academic years (four to eight semesters), with a total credit requirement of 120. The curriculum encompasses core courses, electives, a practicum, and a final dissertation.

Year One

The first year lays the foundation for professional interpreting. 

Courses covered

– Introduction to Consecutive Interpretation: Develops fundamental skills in consecutive interpretation.

– Note taking for interpreters: Teaches essential note-taking techniques for efficient interpretation.

– Interpretation Theory and Methodology: Explores the historical and scientific underpinnings of interpreting.

– Introduction to Simultaneous Interpretation: Introduces the complexities of simultaneous interpretation.

– Sight Translation: Develops proficiency in sight translation techniques.

– Public Speaking: Enhances communication and presentation skills.

– Conference Terminology and Parliamentary Procedure: Familiarises students with specialised terminology and procedural aspects of conferences.

– Interpretation, Law, and Economics: Provides foundational knowledge in legal and economic terminology.

– Research Methodology: Introduces research methods relevant to interpreting studies.

Year 2:

The second year builds upon the foundational skills acquired in the first year, focusing on advanced techniques and professional development. Courses include:

Advanced Consecutive Interpretation (Consecutive into French 1& 2, Consecutive into English 1 & 2): Refines consecutive interpreting skills with more complex texts.

Advanced Simultaneous Interpretation (Simultaneous into French 1&2, Simultaneous into French 1 & 2): Develops advanced simultaneous interpreting skills.

Professional Practice and Entrepreneurship: Covers professional ethics, business practices, and career development.

Practicum: Provides real-world experience in a professional interpreting setting.

Dissertation: Culminates in a substantial research project contributing to the field of interpreting studies.

Elective Courses:

Students can further specialize their studies by choosing from a range of electives, including:

-Community Interpreting (including interpreting from/into African languages)

– Portuguese

– Korean

Graduation Requirements:

To graduate, students must

– Earn a minimum of 120 credits.

– Successfully complete the final examination.

– Complete the programme within four to eight semesters.

– Satisfy all requirements stipulated by the university senate.

Skills Acquired:

Graduates will possess a comprehensive skillset encompassing:

Generic Skills: Note-taking, reading and listening comprehension, consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, terminology research, interpreting technology, and professional ethics.

Specific Skills: Dubbing, voice-over, community interpreting, media interpreting, basic translation, and sign language interpreting.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the M.A. in Interpretation programme are well prepared for a variety of rewarding careers, including:

– Freelance or staff interpreter

– Audio transcriber

– Reviser

– Language service provider

– Conference consultant

– Language teacher

– Interpretation teacher

– Researcher

Conclusion:

The Master of Arts in Interpretation programme in ASTI provides a high-quality education that prepares students for successful and fulfilling careers in the field of interpretation. The programme’s rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and emphasis on practical training equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly globalised world. We encourage you to explore this programme further and consider joining our vibrant community of interpreters.