Institute of Linguists Educational Trust (IoLET) Diploma in Translation [MODULE 3]  CPD

This continuing professional development (CPD) course in practical translation prepares you for the Institute of Linguists Educational Trust (IoLET) Diploma in Translation examination. It consists of three modules that can be taken in any order (subject to availability of places in individual language groups).

This module consists of 6 assignments (past papers from the IoLET Examination) and two 30-minute telephone or email tutorials. The modules follow the pattern of the IoLET's examination.

The assignments are not formally assessed; you will develop your translation competence on the basis of your tutor's feedback.

Please note that students bear the cost of telephone tutorials.

The IoLET's Diploma in Translation is a professional qualification intended for those who, having reached a level of linguistic competence at least equivalent to a good Honours degree, wish to embark on a career in professional translation.

Successful candidates are entitled to use the designation 'Dip Trans' and may be eligible to apply for full membership of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL).

The course is suitable for:

• Practising translators who wish to gain a formal translation qualification
• People who wish to embark on a career in translation
• Practising or future translators who wish to familiarise themselves with principles of translation theory.

You will work on practical translation assignments, such as past papers and/or papers of a similar length and difficulty. We may also use shorter papers to familiarise you with the requirements of the course or specific text types or domains. The theory module (starting in September 2013) provides a theoretical framework with a practice-related approach.

Although you can take individual modules, we usually recommend taking all available practical modules in order to cover the full range of chosen semi-specialist options.

Certificate of Completion

On successful completion of each module, you receive a Certificate of Completion, which may be used as evidence of Continuing Professional Development.

Please note, fees for taking the IoLET examinations are not included in the course fees. A guide to examination fees is available from the CIoL.

Course Information

Eligibility

You should be a native speaker of your target language (the language you translate into). In rare cases, where the language you use daily has taken the place of your mother tongue, you should contact the course coordinator before registering for a course. The University reserves the right to decide whether you have a sufficient level of proficiency to be admitted on a course.

You are not required to present evidence of formal qualifications to the University or the Institute of Linguists. However, the IoLET stresses that you should have at least one of the following (for full details, see the Institute's Handbook and Advice to Candidates (pdf)):

• a degree/combined degree in the source language (the language they translate from)
• a pass in an exam qualifying for CIoL membership, or a qualification recognised by the Institute
• extensive knowledge of the source language.

You should also have the following:

• a good understanding of the source language and target language grammar, including spelling (this is an essential prerequisite; the course does not cover grammar)
• at least an Honours degree level of competence in the source language
• excellent competence, including writing skills, in the target language
• an understanding of the source language and the target language cultures
• an interest in current affairs
• time-management and organisational skills (these are particularly essential for completing the distance learning modules within the tight timeframe)
• a high degree of self-discipline and a commitment to the course
• an ability to assess, and reflect on, your own work.

You will also need to research your texts in terms of background knowledge and, if applicable, specialist terminology.

In order to have a fair chance of passing the exam, you will also need to have, or to develop, the following:

• an eye for detail
• an awareness of language usage in different genres, both in the source language and target language
• background knowledge in your chosen semi-specialised areas
• an ability to use resources critically.

If you have been living in a source-language environment for some time you need to be particularly aware of, and willing to address, a possible loss of mother-tongue competence, and of interference from the source language.

Further requirements:

• reliable and regular email access
• Word 97-2003 or later versions
• applicants are expected to have informed themselves of the nature of the examination before enrolling on a course. Detailed information, including the Institute's Handbook and Advice to Candidates, can be found via the Institute of Linguists' website.

This course is not suitable for those who wish to practise high-level foreign language skills. It is specifically designed for students who wish to gain the IoLET Diploma in Translation.