NUI Galway - Conference Interpreting

Course Overview/Contact:

This programme trains students in the professional skills of conference interpreting, enabling them to avail of employment opportunities as qualified interpreting professionals. The curriculum is based on the European Master’s in Conference Interpreting, a programme developed in conjunction with the European Union, and the only recognised programme of its kind in Ireland.

The training provided covers both modes of conference interpreting, consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, and employs recommended techniques: concentration exercises, interpretation from memory, sight interpreting, note-taking techniques and monitored use of the institutional speech repository. Students study the theory and practice of interpreting, where they learn about various communication skills and gain experience through voice coaching and public speaking. Students also examine professional ethics and conference preparation/procedures, along with working practices and conditions. Throughout the course, students will study the institutions of the European Union, and the University organises a study visit to the European Parliament and Commission, giving an insight into a conference interpreter’s working life. Irish, English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German have been offered on the programme to date, with provision for other languages, where possible, based on student demand.

Special Features:

• This is the only postgraduate conference interpreting programme in Ireland.
• This qualification is essential to apply for the multitude of positions available to interpreters internationally.
• The course is based on the European in ConferenceInterpreting curriculum.

Continuous assessment, essays, and practical examinations.

Career Opportunities:

Students must obtain a postgraduate qualification in Conference Interpreting to allow them to sit the Inter-Institutional EU Accreditation Tests and work as a professional conference interpreter. Students completing this course can avail of considerable employment opportunities worldwide. Though many of our graduates work with EU institutions, opportunities are also available outside the large international organisations. Demand is also increasing in Ireland as interpreting services are frequently required at conferences, seminars, and so on.

Programme Content:

Susan Folan, Course Coordinator

Entry Requirements:

Applications are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code(s) above.