Master of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation

Advance your translation skills and learn about the crucial role of communication across languages and cultures. Get ready for a career in the growing language services industry and beyond.

Launch a career that breaks linguistic and cultural barriers

In a highly globalised and technology-saturated world, intercultural communication and practical translation skills are increasingly sought after by employers across all sectors.

Unique in Australasia, the 180-point Master of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation will take your bilingual or multilingual skills to the next level and open doors to a career in the language services industry.

Build on your undergraduate degree or update your professional translator and interpreter credentials. You’ll gain the theoretical and practical skills needed to be cross-culturally competent and learn how to apply this by communicating information across languages and cultures in a variety of professional settings.

Discover the Master of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation

NAATI certification

This qualification is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI). From July 2024, all interpreters working for government agencies or government funded agencies will be expected to be on the NAATI certification framework. Find out more about this requirement—including about the financial and other support that you can receive—on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website.

On completing the Master's programme, graduates can apply directly to NAATI to sit certification. Our Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate in Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation are also endorsed by NAATI.

State-of-the-art technology

The MICAT will give you experience with state-of-the-art computer-assisted translation environments, including translation memory and captioning software, and you’ll explore how language professionals can add value and subtlety to these technologies.

Distinctive edge

With the University’s strengths in translation and cross-cultural and applied linguistic expertise, you’ll learn from lecturers who are experts in their field and committed to supporting the values and practices of indigenous people in Aotearoa and elsewhere.

You’ll also benefit from real-world experience working in an applied translation placement and on a translation project mentored by a professional.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Careers

Gain skills that are in demand across areas as diverse as biotechnology, the creative industries, health, information technology, international business, law, and education.

You’ll be qualified to work in a range of roles in government and non-governmental organisations, translation agencies, and cultural and diplomatic institutions.

The MICAT will also prepare you to complete professional certification as a translator or interpreter or provide a pathway to doctoral study.

Live and study in New Zealand’s creative and diverse capital, home to many embassies, cultural institutions, and large multinational companies. Take advantage of the University’s links with government and creative industries.

Community

Postgraduate study will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff, and future colleagues. Make the most of opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops, and social functions.

Scholarships

You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.

Find out what you’ll study in the Master of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation.

Qualification family structure

The MICAT is part of a tiered family of qualifications. These tiers are structured so that [courses] completed for each qualification can count towards the next step.

• Postgraduate Certificate of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation
• Postgraduate Diploma of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation
• Master of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation.

Choose the qualification with the entry requirements, time commitment, and career benefits that suit you.

What you’ll study

The 180-point Master of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation can be completed in one year of full-time study (three trimesters). Domestic students studying part time may complete the programme within three years.

Part 1

The first part of the MICAT comprises courses taught over Trimesters 1 and 2.

Three core courses will give you an understanding of translation and intercultural communication theories and practices. Gain insights into the creative production and critical evaluation of various types of translation and learn how culture is expressed in different linguistic and cultural contexts. You’ll also study the challenges of intercultural communication practices in professional settings.

Choose an additional course from: Advanced Language Study for Translating and Interpreting (ICAT 401), Language Learning for Intercultural Competence in the Workplace (ICAT 501), or other approved electives.

Part 2

Part two of the MICAT takes place in Trimester 3.

You’ll gain direct insights into the relevance and impact of intercultural communication and translation skills through a series of practical, interactive learning activities in a variety of professional contexts and practices. These include:

• workshops delivered by representatives from government and industry (translators, interpreters, intercultural communicators, and consultants, for example)
• visits to the Translation Service of the Department of Internal Affairs.

You’ll also strengthen your research and independent translation skills with an applied translation project, while working closely with an academic staff member or other qualified practitioner.

Postgraduate certificate and diploma

The PGCertICAT will be awarded if you complete two approved courses from Part 1. For the PGDipICAT, you’ll study the two core courses and two additional course as outlined in Part 1.

Workload

Full-time study entails a workload of about 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time domestic students should expect around 20 to 23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you have other commitments.