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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Translation and Interpreting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112463  Postgraduate Diploma in Translation and Interpreting 
ORIGINATOR
University of Fort Hare 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Communication Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
Provincial departments, local government structures and NGO's need learners that require training in the field of Translation and Interpreting. The purpose of this qualification, therefore, is to develop competent language practitioners in this particular field who can assist with the efficient day-to-day administration of these various domains.

The qualification falls within the broader field of Applied Linguistics, which is a well-established and internationally recognised field of study at the graduate and postgraduate levels. There is a formal teaching component as well as exposure to the workplace through a system of an internship.

Rationale:
The qualification provides an academic platform for the study of the universal practice of translation and interpreting. The qualification contributes to the intellectual and ethical skills that are necessary for the learners to function optimally in society.

The conceptual and specific aims are as follows:
This qualification aims to equip the learners with a thorough understanding of translation and interpreting and its essential function within a multilingual society such as South Africa. We believe that this promotes human resource development through the provision of a qualification that is responsive to the social, cultural and economic needs of the country and which meets the highest standards of academic scholarship. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution conducts RPL according to its policy and procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning.

Some learners may have been performing duties that reflect competencies contained in this qualification at the workplace for many years without having received any formal qualification. Learners able to demonstrate competency through the assessment criteria attached to this qualification receive Recognition of Prior Learning.

Applicants who possess short modules or qualifications in the field, which reflect learning outcomes and skills that form part of the qualification may also receive recognition upon presenting evidence.

Such learners will through this qualification, receive Recognition of Prior Learning to enable them to acquire this qualification wholly or in part. Learners in possession of an approved portfolio related to activities in the field of translation or interpreting may receive an exemption from one or more modules that form part of the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Languages or a Language major, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 144 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 8, 144 Credits:
  • Translation Studies: Theory and Practice, 32 Credits.
  • Interpreting Studies: Theory and Practice, 32 Credits.
  • Language A: Applied Studies, 32 Credits.
  • Language B: Applied Studies, 32 Credits.
  • Internship, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge of translation theory and techniques in translating written texts of a specialised and non-specialised nature, across a range of contexts.
    2. Apply knowledge of interpreting techniques and methodological approaches to interpret spoken communication of a specialised and non-specialised nature.
    3. Critically evaluate debates and practices around translation and interpreting.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge and application of principles of professionalism and ethics in the practical field of translation and interpretation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate ability to write in different styles in a non-native language.
  • Apply basic practical and key skills needed for professional translation.
  • Produce texts that demonstrate the student's ability to encompass the requisite academic and professional knowledge relating to translation of a variety of texts in a rigorous and methodologically consistent and appropriate manner.
  • Identify key elements of information in a range of different types of written text.
  • Organise ideas and evidence in the production of written text.
  • Use computer-based laboratory technologies in translating and use IT skills that include word-processing and use of translating and subtitling software.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interpret spoken communication simultaneously in an oral form, both specialised and non-specialised language content.
  • Apply basic practical and key skills needed for employment in professional interpreting.
  • Use language that is appropriate to different spoken registers and written genres.
  • Use computer-based laboratory technologies in interpreting and use IT skills that include use of interpreting software.
  • Apply appropriate procedures and techniques to unfamiliar situations relating to interpretation through compilation of a portfolio comprising cases of a variety of situations and application of techniques in formal and informal environments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Conduct research into various theories and debates relating to use of language conventions and styles in different contexts of translating and interpreting.
  • Critically evaluate theories according to cultural and contextual relevance and most appropriate practices in differing situations and circumstances.
  • Evaluate national and international debate on issues around translation and interpreting, with consideration of cultural context, practicality and effectiveness.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply knowledge and understanding of the regulatory environment and legal framework in which translation and interpretation takes place.
  • Work autonomously showing organisation, time-management, self-discipline and ethical accountability.
  • Display principles of professional practice, ethical issues and appropriate conduct in the working environment.
  • Collaborate with others to produce mutually acceptable solutions to problems.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification utilises the following assessment strategies to achieve the purpose of the modules:
  • Formative and summative assessment methods such as written assignments, oral individual and group presentation, tasks and written examinations.
  • An integrated assessment approach through an evaluation of assignments on translation that draws on the whole range of skills imparted in the module.
  • The questions tend to be conceptual, and they test the learner's understanding of the issues discussed in the relevant unit. The tasks are more practical and refer to particular translations provided to a corpus that is put together by the learner himself/herself. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The University of Essex, England offers a PG Diploma in Translation and Interpreting.

    Similarities:
    There are important similarities between the PG Diploma in Translation and Interpreting that is offered at the University of Essex and this PG Diploma in Translation and Interpreting.

    The Essex qualification aims:
  • To introduce students to the principles underlying the practice of translation of texts from different genres from one language into another.
  • To introduce students to the principles underlying the practice of interpreting in a range of contexts of language use.
  • To develop students' ability to translate/interpret quickly and accurately between English and Chinese.

    Differences:
    There are several differences between the PG Diploma in Translation and Interpreting offered at the University of Essex and this qualification. Both qualifications make provision for a formal teaching component, but this qualification also makes provision for exposure to the workplace by means of a well-designed system of internships within the field of translation and interpreting:
  • Interpreting Studies.
  • Translation Studies.
  • Intercultural Communication.
    This qualification makes provision for enhancement of the learners' interpreting skills by means of training provided in a language laboratory which is equipped with state-of-the-art electronic interpreting equipment. The Essex qualification does not make provision for training of this nature.

    The Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Postgraduate Diploma Programme in Translation Studies.

    Similarities:
    There are important similarities between the PG Diploma in Translation and Interpreting that is offered at Kenyatta University and this qualification. At Kenyatta University: BA (Linguistics) Degree or BA Degree with majors in English and/or Kiswahili.

    Differences:
    There are several differences between the PG Diploma in Translation and Interpreting offered at Kenyatta University and this qualification. This includes the following:
  • Both qualifications make provision for a core teaching component, but the Kenyatta University qualification also makes provision for the following optional themes:
    > Translation of religious texts
    > Media translation
    > Legal translation
    > Translation of literary texts
  • This qualification makes provision for exposure to the workplace by means of a well-designed system of internships within the field of translation and interpreting.
  • This qualification makes provision for the offering of the following modules in Applied Language Studies:
    > IsiXhosa: Applied Language Studies.
    > English: Applied Language Studies.
    > Afrikaans: Applied Language Studies.
  • This qualification makes provision for enhancement of the learners' basic interpreting skills by means of training provided in a language laboratory which is equipped with state-of-the-art electronic interpreting equipment. The Kenyatta University qualification does not make provision for training of this nature.

    The Western Sydney University, Australia offers a Graduate Diploma in Translation.

    Similarities:
    There are important similarities between the PG Diploma in Translation and Interpreting offered at Western Sydney University and this qualification. This includes the following:
    Both qualifications make provision for a practical component. Western Sydney University seeks to enhance learning experiences by enabling learners to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This course includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience. However, this qualification makes provision for exposure to the workplace by means of a well-designed system of internships within the field of translation and interpreting.

    Differences:
    There are certain differences between the PG Diploma in Translation and Interpreting offered at Western Sydney University and this qualification. This includes the following:
  • Source and target languages.
  • There are important differences between the source and target languages offered in terms of the international qualification and This qualification:
    > Western Sydney University: Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, Persian (Farsi), Vietnamese and Spanish.

    Western Sydney University offers a module in Audio-visual Translation: Subtitling and Captioning. While this qualification does not make provision for training of this nature.

    This qualification makes provision for enhancement of the learner's interpreting skills by means of training provided in a language laboratory which is equipped with state-of-the-art electronic interpreting equipment. The Western Sydney University programme does not make provision for training of this nature. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Applied Linguistics, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and African Languages, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.