Program Overview

Master in Interpreting Studies

The Master in Interpreting Studies is a taught programme that aims to help students develop the consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills required to work for the European institutions.

Programme Overview

The first language (A language) in this programme is Maltese. The second language (B language) is English or Italian. Alternatively, students can apply with Maltese as an A language and two passive languages (C languages*).

• Official EU languages

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be in possession of:

1. any first cycle degree from the University of Malta or another higher education institution recognised by Senate, obtained with at least Second Class (Honours) or Category II or equivalent
2. have a good spoken and written command of the English language (IELTS 6.5 level or higher) and
3. have a high level of proficiency in one own native language (at C2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Programme Structure

Year 1

The students A language must be Maltese. The A language (native language or equivalent) is a language which the student masters perfectly and into which they are capable of interpreting consecutively and simultaneously from their B and C languages.
Students must be proficient in English or Italian as a B language. The B language is a language which the student masters at near-native level and into which they can provide fluent and accurate consecutive and simultaneous interpretation from the A language. This is called retour interpreting. If the students do not have a B language, they must have two C languages (official EU languages, one of which must be English, French or German). C languages are passive languages which the student fully understands and from which they work into their A language.
Students are eligible to apply for the course with the following language combinations, in line with the current interinstitutional accreditation test profiles: A + B or A + CC.
The students proficiency in all languages will be assessed prior to the course through a compulsory aptitude test. The aptitude test will be held during the first half of September.

Semester 1

• TTI5019 | Theoretical and Practical Foundations of Interpretation | 5 ECTS
• TTI5020 | Consecutive Interpretation | 5 ECTS
• TTI5023 | Language Proficiency: Interpreting Skills and Training (A language) | 5 ECTS
• TTI5024 | Language Proficiency: Interpreting Skills and Training (B/C languages) | 5 ECTS
• TTI5025 | Interpreting for the EU and other International Institutions | 10 ECTS

Semester 2

• TTI5021 | Advanced Consecutive Interpretation | 5 ECTS
• TTI5022 | Interpretation of Mock Debates | 5 ECTS
• TTI5026 | Simultaneous Interpretation (B/C to A) | 10 ECTS
• TTI5027 | Simultaneous Interpretation (Retour and Relay) | 10 ECTS

Year 2

Semester 1

• TIS5090 | Dissertation | 30 ECTS

Programme Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will:

• Have the necessary skills to work as a professional interpreter, including the ability to deal with unexpected or stressful situations.
• Be highly proficient in their working languages.
• Be able to identify and operate in a variety of language styles and registers.
• Be able to undertake research in interpreting and related subject areas.

Tuition Fees

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 10,800
Yr 1: Eur 10,800 - Yr 2: NIL

Career Opportunities

As a graduate, students will be able to work as an interpreter using different modes, including consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. They may choose to enrol in a doctorate programme offered at the University of Malta, or at a foreign university abroad, if they would like to enter an academic career of teaching and research.