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Masters degrees by coursework

Master of Sign Language – Interpreting – Melbourne (Bundoora) (HMSLI)
Master of Sign Language – Linguistics – Melbourne (Bundoora) (HMSLL)

Linguistics stream

This course is for students who have a good working knowledge of Australian sign language (AUSLAN) and wish to pursue research in the area. Subjects cover the linguistics and sociolinguistics of sign language, the study of deaf culture and the deaf community (including deaf history), and a detailed study of the methodologies appropriate to the study of non-literate languages and minority cultures.

Interpreting stream

This course covers the following three areas:

• Theory and Practice of Interpreting: focuses on issues such as simultaneous and consecutive interpreting, note taking and contrastive linguistics of AUSLAN and English. This area involves a strong practical component, Professional Studies, in which students will study ethics and the professional code of conduct, in addition to gaining an understanding of the interpreting profession.
• Cultural Studies: students are expected to develop a good knowledge of current affairs and a clear understanding of the procedures of interaction, particularly in meetings and conferences.
• Research Methodology: students are introduced to appropriate methodologies for studying interpreting involving non-literate languages, and are expected to carry out a small research project.

Admission requirements

Candidates with a three-year bachelor degree are eligible for entry to a two-year program (240 credit points). Applicants to the one year program or part 2 (120 credit points) should have a Bachelor of Education, an Honours degree, or a specialised graduate diploma from a recognised university or institution.

Course structure – Part 1 (120 credit points)

Students complete six subjects of 20 credit points each before proceeding to Part 2.

Course structure – Part 2 (120 credit points)

Students are able to complete the degree in one of two ways:

• coursework of six teaching period subjects. There is a 5000-word, internally assessed essay (or equivalent) for four of the coursework subjects. The remaining two subjects are examined through a research essay of 12,000–15,000 words. Students who achieve a high B average for the first two subjects may apply to transfer to coursework and minor thesis, or
• coursework of three teaching period subjects and a minor thesis of 15,000–20,000 words. The course consists of 60 credit points of coursework and a minor thesis of 15,000–20,000 words (60 credit points). There is a 5000-word internally assessed essay for each of the coursework subjects. Students are required to attain a high B average in their coursework in order to proceed to the minor thesis. Otherwise they may complete the degree by the coursework-only option. The minor thesis has at least one external examiner.

Students choose from the following subjects: