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Conference Interpreting (MA/PDip)

MA/PDip (Conference Interpreting)

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Course Overview

This programme trains students in the professional skills of conference interpreting, enabling them to avail of the employment opportunities for qualified interpreting professionals. It is the only course of its kind in Ireland—a programme developed in conjunction with the institutions of the EU. Training is provided by practicing professionals in 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, and also examine professional ethics and conference preparation/ procedures, along with working practices and conditions. Students will study the institutions of the EU, and the university organises a study visit to the European Parliament and Commission. Irish, English, French, Spanish, Italian and German are offered on the programme to date.

Other languages may be considered based on student numbers.

Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here. 

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. Admission to the programme is subject to success in both a suitability test and an interview.  

To access the course, you will need one of the following language profiles* Based on the official AIIC definition of same:

AA or AB (biactive/polyvalent) or ABC or ACC or ACCC

A Language(s) is “The interpreter's native language (or another language strictly equivalent to a native language), into which the interpreter works from all her or his other languages, and as a general rule, in both modes of interpretation, simultaneous and consecutive.” 

B Language(s) is “A language other than the interpreter's native language, of which she or he has a perfect command and into which she or he works from one or more of her or his other languages. Some interpreters work into a 'B' language in only one of the two modes of interpretation.” 

C Language(s) is a language of which the interpreter has a complete understanding and from which she or he works.” 

 *one of the working languages must be English or Irish. 

 

 

 

Who Teaches this Course

  • Susan Folan, MA, EMCI
  • Karl Apsel MA
  • Claudia Corriero MA
  • Mahé Vandenbosch MA
  • Azucena Bermudez MA

Requirements and Assessment

Continuous assessment, essays, and practical examinations.

The entrance assessment involves:

  • A short interview to assess your motivation and attitude towards the course;
  • Translation of a short article from each of your working languages, without the use of translation tools or dictionaries (This is done electronically and does not require a presence in Galway)
  • A concentration exercise in your proposed language combination, i.e. you will listen to a 2-3 minutes speech in each of your C or B languages and will have to reformulate it in your A language/mother tongue. The oral reproduction of these short and structured speeches from the candidate’s C and B languages* into A* and, where appropriate, A into B, is to test applicants’ ability to listen to, understand, process and reproduce a short speech on a general topic. They must show that they have understood the message and are able to communicate it. (This is done electronically and does not require a presence in Galway)

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Students must hold a 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent). In addition, candidates are expected to have:

  • An excellent command of their mother tongue;
  • Good communication skills;
  • Strong comprehension of their chosen languages;
  • A high degree of motivation.

Admission to the programme is subject to success in both a suitability test and an interview. Language ability will be ascertained by the programme director during an interview as per a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the EU institutions. 

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

MA: 1 calendar year (September to August); PDip: 1 academic year

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

12

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

No deadline. Offers will be issued on a continuous basis, however candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible as places are limited to 12 and demand outweighs supply.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90 (MA)/60 (PDip)

Award

CAO

Course code

MEA-ATC (MA); TIAR-ATC (PDip)

Course Outline

The training provided covers both modes of conference interpreting, consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, and employs recommended techniques: concentration exercises, active listening, interpretation from memory, sight interpreting, note-taking techniques, chuchotage, liaison and monitored use of the institutional speech repository. Students study the theory and practice of interpreting, 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 conference Interpreting programme in Ireland and the only interpreting course in the world offering Irish.
  • This qualification is essential for applying for the multitude of positions available to interpreters internationally.
  • The programme has two dedicated conference suites with state-of-the-art conferencing equipment that allows students to experience a real conference setting where simultaneous interpreting, relay, retour and even remote interpreting can be experienced and practiced.
  • Our trainers are themselves professional conference interpreters, supported in class by regular pedagogical input from the staff interpreters of the intuitions of the European Union.

Programme content:

Module

Semester

ECTS

AT121 Consecutive Interpreting I

1 & 2

10

AT 122 Simultaneous Interpreting I

1 & 2

15

AT 123/7 Consecutive Interpreting II/III

1 & 2

10

AT 124/8 Simultaneous Interpreting II/III

1 & 2

15

AT129 The European Union

1

 5

AT130 Research Methodologies

1

 5

Voice coaching ^

1 & 2

 

Psychometric Testing ^

1

 

Theory and Practice of Interpreting *

1 & 2

 

AT126 Project / Thesis **

1 & 2

30

 ^ Unique to the programme at NUI Galway, these are non-examination modules designed to assist students in their future professional career.
* Included in all practical interpreting modules throughout the year
** In relation to the MA only.


Course timetable

Q. What is the course timetable like? Is it a full-time Monday to Friday course? Can I work while attending the course?

The course is full-time. 80% of your classes shall be devoted to interpreting practice and students are expected to complement this by devoting time to group practice of simultaneous and consecutive interpreting and other self-directed learning (i.e. background reading; use of information sources, e.g. radio, TV, Internet; preparation of glossaries). For every hour of class time, a student can expect to complete 6 hours independent study.  Enrolment on a full-time programme means a commitment to 40-50 hours of total student effort per week throughout all the weeks of each semester. Such levels of engagement and activity will make it more likely that students will acquire a high level of knowledge and understanding of their chosen subjects, feel confident in their abilities and experience less stress during assessments and be better prepared for subsequent years.

The class timetable changes weekly because the interpreting sessions are conducted by practicing/experienced conference interpreters with teaching skills, who work actively on the market.  

Attendance is not optional, but an obligatory requirement. Clearly, there will be extenuating circumstances faced by students from time to time, such as illness and other personal difficulties. In such circumstances students must give notice of their absence.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

RequiredAT126: Tráchtas / Thesis


15 months long | Credits: 30

Assessments
  • Research (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

The above information outlines module AT126: "Tráchtas / Thesis" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredAT129: An tAontas Eorpach / The European Union


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

Examination of the institutions, procedures and functions of the European Union. Léargas ar ar institiúidí, nósanna imeachta agus feidhmeanna an Aontais Eorpaigh.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. An understanding of the role, structure and functionality of the E.U. / Tuiscint ar ról, struchtúr agus feidhmiúlacht an A.E.
  2. An analysis of the Union’s role and that of the National Governments to fully understand their policies and common activities. / Anailís ar ról an Aontais agus ról na Rialtas Náisiúnta chun tuiscint a fháil ar a gcuid beartas agus comhghníomhaíochtaí.
  3. An understanding of European current affairs. / Tuiscint ar chúrsaí reatha na hEorpa.
  4. A study visit in collaboration with the European Union ~Institutions where the interpretation skills and knowledge of institutions and organisations acquired are used. / Cuairt staidéir i gcomhar leis an Aontas Eorpach ~ Institiúidí ina n-úsáidtear eolas ar na hinstitiúidí agus na heagraíochtaí don scil praiticiúil.
  5. Application of EU knowledge in order to present and/or interpret speeches of a technical nature on EU policy and procedure. / Eolas ar an AE a chur i bhfeidhm d’fhonn ateangaireacht/cur i láthair a dheánamh ar ábhar teicniúil bunaithe ar bheartas agus nósanna imeachta an AE.
Assessments
  • Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (25%)
  • Department-based Assessment (75%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "How the European Union works : your guide to the EU institutions." by European Commission
    ISBN: 978-92-79-255.
    Publisher: Luxembourg : Publications Office
The above information outlines module AT129: "An tAontas Eorpach / The European Union" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredAT130: Modheolaíochtaí Taighde / Research Methodology


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

To provide a theoretical underpinning for the research process; to encourage a systematic approach to research; and to develop practical research skills. It aims to provide insight into the range of qualitative methodologies (ethnographical and case study research) available to the researcher and to develop participants’ practical research skills in the design, conduct and analysis of qualitative research. It also aims to provide an insight into quantitative methodologies, particularly in experimental and survey research. It explores the issues of research design, sampling, data collection and analysis involved in quantitative methodologies. It highlights important data validity and reliability issues, as well as several ethical issues that can arise. Buntaca teoiriciúil a sholáthar don phróiseas taighde; cur chuige córasach i leith taighde a spreagadh; agus scileanna taighde praiticiúla a fhorbairt. Tá sé mar aidhm aige léargas a thabhairt ar an raon modheolaíochtaí cáilíochtúla (taighde eitneagrafaíochta agus cás-staidéir) atá ar fáil don taighdeoir agus scileanna taighde praiticiúla na rannpháirtithe a fhorbairt maidir le taighde cáilíochtúil a dhearadh, a stiúradh agus a anailísiú. Tá sé mar aidhm aige freisin léargas a thabhairt ar mhodheolaíochtaí cainníochtúla, go háirithe i dtaighde turgnamhach agus suirbhé. Scrúdaíonn sé na saincheisteanna a bhaineann le dearadh taighde, sampláil, bailiú sonraí agus anailís a bhaineann le modheolaíochtaí cainníochtúla. Leagann sé béim ar shaincheisteanna bailíochta agus iontaofachta sonraí, chomh maith le roinnt saincheisteanna eiticiúla a d'fhéadfadh teacht chun cinn.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Define their research question(s) / A gceist(eanna) taighde a shainiú.
  2. Select (and justify their choice of) an appropriate research methodology / Modheolaíocht taighde chuí a roghnú (agus a rogha a chosaint).
  3. Select (and justify their choice of) data collection methods / Modhanna bailithe sonraí a roghnú (agus a rogha a chosaint).
  4. Design qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments / Uirlisí bailithe sonraí cáilíochtúla agus cainníochtúla a dhearadh.
  5. Analyse qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate techniques / Anailís a dhéanamh ar shonraí cáilíochtúla agus cainníochtúla ag úsáid teicnící cuí.
  6. Identify and incorporate appropriate ethical procedures to the research process / Nósanna imeachta eiticiúla cuí a shainaithint agus a úsáid sa phróiseas taighde.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "Doing your Research Project: a guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social science" by Bell, J
    Publisher: Open University Press
  2. "Social research methods" by Bryman, A.
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
  3. "Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches" by Creswell, J.
    Publisher: CA: Sage
The above information outlines module AT130: "Modheolaíochtaí Taighde / Research Methodology" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredAT121: Ateangaireacht Leantach I / Consecutive Interpreting I


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Students will be introduced to consecutive interpreting through specific listening exercises and will proceed from short consecutive speeches with and without note taking to technical speeches (>5 minutes). / Díreoidh an modúl seo ar bhunscileanna na hateangaireachta leantaí a fhorbairt. Díreofar ar cheachtanna éisteachta sainiúla agus óráidí bunúsacha ar dtús, gan nótaí. Le cabhair ó scileanna breactha nótaí tabharfar faoi óráidí teicniúla (>5 nóiméad).

Learning Outcomes
  1. Examine and develop the interpreter’s basic memory and analysis skills. / Scrúdófar agus forbrófar córchuimhne bhunúsach agus scileanna anailíse na hateangaire.
  2. Gain oversight of note taking techniques prescribed for successful consecutive interpreting. / Tabharfar léargas ginearálta ar scileanna breactha nótaí d’ateangaireacht leantach rathúil.
  3. Develop a personalised and reliable note taking system. / Forbrófar córas iontaofa ar leith um bhreacadh nótaí.
  4. Use note taking skills to interpret fluently and accurately on both general and technical subjects, seen and unseen for an audience. / Bainfear leas as na scileanna breactha nótaí ar leith chun ateangaireacht líofa, iontaofa, a dhéanamh ar ábhair ghinearálta agus theicniúla: ábhair ainmnithe agus nach bhfacthas cheana.
Assessments
  • Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "Consecutive Interpreting" by Andrew Gillies
    ISBN: 9781138123236.
    Publisher: Translation Practices Explained
  2. "Conference interpreting explained" by Roderick Jones
    ISBN: 1900650576.
    Publisher: St Jerome Pub
  3. "Interpretation" by James Nolan
    ISBN: 1853597910.
    Publisher: Multilingual Matters Ltd
  4. "Técnicas de interpretación consecutiva : la toma de notas : manual para el estudiante" by Clara Bosch March
    ISBN: 9788490450055.
  5. "Conference interpreting : a student's practice book" by Andrew Gillies
    ISBN: 9780415532341.
    Publisher: Routledge
  6. "Conference interpreting : a complete course" by Robin Setton author. Andrew Dawrant author.
    ISBN: 9789027258618.
    Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing Company
The above information outlines module AT121: "Ateangaireacht Leantach I / Consecutive Interpreting I" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

RequiredAT122: Ateangaireacht Chomhuaineach I / Simultaneous Interpreting I


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 15

This module aims to develop the skills that will enable students to listen to, understand, analyse a speech in a source language and simultaneously interpret this a speech fluently, conveying the speaker’s message in their target language. / Scileanna a fhorbairt chun éisteacht, tuiscint, anailís ar luas a dhéanamh ar óráid agus léiriú líofa iontaofa den bhrí a sholáthair sa sprioctheanga go comhuaineach.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Self-assess the strengths and weaknesses of an interpreting performance. / Féinmheasúnú a dhéanamh ar fheidhmiú na hateangaireachta. Láidreachtaí agus laigí san iarracht a aithint.
  2. Display an understanding of simultaneous interpreting techniques as well as professional etiquette, ethics, booth behaviour and team interaction. / Tuiscint ar theicnící na hateangaireachta comhuainigh a léiriú, chomh maith le béasaí oibre, nósanna na gairme, cúrsaí eitice agus comhar foirne.
  3. Actively listen to, understand, analyse a non technical speech in a source language and simultaneously interpret this speech fluently, conveying the speaker’s message in a target language. / Scileanna a fhorbairt chun éisteacht, tuiscint, anailís ar luas a dhéanamh ar ghnáth óráid agus ateangaireacht chomhuaineach, líofa, iontaofa a sholáthair ar bhrí an chainteora sa sprioctheanga.
  4. Actively listen to, understand, analyse a technical speech in a source language and simultaneously interpret this speech fluently, conveying the speaker’s message in a target language. Perform a fluent and accurate simultaneous interpretation of this technical speech. / Scileanna a fhorbairt chun éisteacht, tuiscint, anailís ar luas a dhéanamh ar óráid theicniúil agus sainiúil chun ateangaireacht chomhuaineach, líofa, iontaofa a sholáthair ar bhrí an chainteora sa sprioctheanga.
Assessments
  • Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "Interpreting for International Conferences" by Danica Seleskovitch
    ISBN: 0960568638.
    Publisher: Pen & Booth
  2. "The Origins of Simultaneous Interpretation" by Francesca Gaiba
    ISBN: 0776604570.
    Publisher: University of Ottawa Press
  3. "Inference and Anticipation in Simultaneous Interpreting" by G. V. Chernov
    ISBN: 9027216630.
    Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing
  4. "Interpreters at the United Nations. A history" by Jesús Baigorri Jalón
    ISBN: 8478006435.
    Publisher: Universidad de Salamanca
  5. "The Routledge Handbook of Interpreting" by Holly Mikkelson,Renee Jourdenais
    ISBN: 9780415811668.
    Publisher: Routledge
  6. "Self-preservation in Simultaneous Interpreting" by Claudia Monacelli
    ISBN: 9027224285.
    Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing
  7. "Interpreters Vs Machines" by Jonathan Downie
    ISBN: 9781138586437.
    Publisher: Routledge
The above information outlines module AT122: "Ateangaireacht Chomhuaineach I / Simultaneous Interpreting I" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalAT123: Ateangaireacht Leantach II / Consecutive Interpreting II


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Students will be introduced to consecutive interpreting through specific listening exercises and will proceed from short consecutive speeches with and without note taking to technical speeches (>5 minutes). / Díreoidh an modúl seo ar bhunscileanna na hateangaireachta leantaí a fhorbairt. Díreofar ar cheachtanna éisteachta sainiúla agus óráidí bunúsacha ar dtús, gan nótaí. Le cabhair ó scileanna breactha nótaí tabharfar faoi óráidí teicniúla (>5 nóiméad).

Learning Outcomes
  1. Examine and develop the interpreter’s basic memory and analysis skills. / Scrúdófar agus forbrófar córchuimhne bhunúsach agus scileanna anailíse na hateangaire.
  2. Gain oversight of note taking techniques prescribed for successful consecutive interpreting. / Tabharfar léargas ginearálta ar scileanna breactha nótaí d’ateangaireacht leantach rathúil.
  3. Develop a personalised and reliable note taking system. / Forbrófar córas iontaofa ar leith um bhreacadh nótaí.
  4. Use note taking skills to interpret fluently and accurately on both general and technical subjects, seen and unseen for an audience. / Bainfear leas as na scileanna breactha nótaí ar leith chun ateangaireacht líofa, iontaofa, a dhéanamh ar ábhair ghinearálta agus theicniúla: ábhair ainmnithe agus nach bhfacthas cheana.
Assessments
  • Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "Conference Interpreting" by Andrew Gillies
    ISBN: 9780415532341.
  2. "Consecutive Interpreting" by Andrew Gillies
    ISBN: 9781138123236.
    Publisher: Translation Practices Explained
  3. "Interpretation" by James Nolan
    ISBN: 1853597910.
    Publisher: Multilingual Matters Ltd
  4. "Conference interpreting explained" by Roderick Jones
    ISBN: 1900650576.
    Publisher: St Jerome Pub
  5. "Técnicas de interpretación consecutiva : la toma de notas : manual para el estudiante" by Clara Bosch March
    ISBN: 9788490450055.
  6. "Abairt ar abairt : advanced irish vocabulary" by n/a
    ISBN: 0992646006.
    Publisher: Cló an Leasa
  7. "Interpreting for International Conferences" by Danica Seleskovitch
    ISBN: 0960568638.
    Publisher: Pen & Booth
  8. "Interpréter pour traduire" by Danica Seleskovitch
    ISBN: 2864600528.
    Publisher: Didier-Erudition
  9. "Introducing Interpreting Studies" by Franz Pöchhacker
    ISBN: 9780203504802.
    Publisher: Routledge
The above information outlines module AT123: "Ateangaireacht Leantach II / Consecutive Interpreting II" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalAT124: Ateangaireacht Chomhuaineach II / Simultaneous Interpreting II


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 15

This module aims to develop the skills that will enable students to listen to, understand, analyse a speech in a source language and simultaneously interpret this a speech fluently, conveying the speaker’s message in their target language. / Scileanna a fhorbairt chun éisteacht, tuiscint, anailís ar luas a dhéanamh ar óráid agus léiriú líofa iontaofa den bhrí a sholáthair sa sprioctheanga go comhuaineach.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Self-assess the strengths and weaknesses of an interpreting performance. / Féin mheasúnú a dhéanamh ar fheidhmiú na hateangaireachta. Láidreachtaí agus laigí san iarracht a aithint.
  2. Display an understanding of simultaneous interpreting techniques as well as professional etiquette, ethics, booth behaviour and team interaction. / Tuiscint ar theicnící na hateangaireachta comhuainigh a léiriú, chomh maith le béasaí oibre, nósanna na gairme, cúrsaí eitice agus comhar foirne.
  3. Actively listen to, understand, analyse a non technical speech in a source language and simultaneously interpret this speech fluently, conveying the speaker’s message in a target language. / Scileanna a fhorbairt chun éisteacht, tuiscint, anailís ar luas a dhéanamh ar ghnáth óráid agus ateangaireacht chomhuaineach, líofa, iontaofa a sholáthair ar bhrí an chainteora sa sprioctheanga.
  4. Actively listen to, understand, analyse a technical speech in a source language and simultaneously interpret this speech fluently, conveying the speaker’s message in a target language. Perform a fluent and accurate simultaneous interpretation of this technical speech. / Scileanna a fhorbairt chun éisteacht, tuiscint, anailís ar luas a dhéanamh ar óráid theicniúil agus sainiúil chun ateangaireacht chomhuaineach, líofa, iontaofa a sholáthair ar bhrí an chainteora sa sprioctheanga.
Assessments
  • Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "Interpreters at the United Nations. A history" by Jesús Baigorri Jalón
    ISBN: 8478006435.
    Publisher: Universidad de Salamanca
  2. "The Origins of Simultaneous Interpretation" by Francesca Gaiba
    ISBN: 0776604570.
    Publisher: University of Ottawa Press
  3. "Self-preservation in Simultaneous Interpreting" by Claudia Monacelli
    ISBN: 9027224285.
    Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing
  4. "Inference and Anticipation in Simultaneous Interpreting" by G. V. Chernov
    ISBN: 9027216630.
    Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing
The above information outlines module AT124: "Ateangaireacht Chomhuaineach II / Simultaneous Interpreting II" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalAT127: Ateangaireacht Leantach III / Consecutive Interpreting III


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Students will be introduced to consecutive interpreting through specific listening exercises and will proceed from short consecutive speeches with and without note taking to technical speeches (>5 minutes). / Díreoidh an modúl seo ar bhunscileanna na hateangaireachta leantaí a fhorbairt. Díreofar ar cheachtanna éisteachta sainiúla agus óráidí bunúsacha ar dtús, gan nótaí. Le cabhair ó scileanna breactha nótaí tabharfar faoi óráidí teicniúla (>5 nóiméad).

Learning Outcomes
  1. Examine and develop the interpreter’s basic memory and analysis skills. / Scrúdófar agus forbrófar córchuimhne bhunúsach agus scileanna anailíse na hateangaire.
  2. Gain oversight of note taking techniques prescribed for successful consecutive interpreting. / Tabharfar léargas ginearálta ar scileanna breactha nótaí d’ateangaireacht leantach rathúil.
  3. Develop a personalised and reliable note taking system. / Forbrófar córas iontaofa ar leith um bhreacadh nótaí.
  4. Use note taking skills to interpret fluently and accurately on both general and technical subjects, seen and unseen for an audience. / Bainfear leas as na scileanna breactha nótaí ar leith chun ateangaireacht líofa, iontaofa, a dhéanamh ar ábhair ghinearálta agus theicniúla: ábhair ainmnithe agus nach bhfacthas cheana.
Assessments
  • Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.

Reading List
  1. "Conference Interpreting" by Andrew Gillies
    ISBN: 9780415532341.
  2. "Consecutive Interpreting" by Andrew Gillies
    ISBN: 9781138123236.
    Publisher: Translation Practices Explained
  3. "Interpretation" by James Nolan
    ISBN: 1853597910.
    Publisher: Multilingual Matters Ltd
  4. "Conference interpreting explained" by Roderick Jones
    ISBN: 1900650576.
    Publisher: St Jerome Pub
  5. "Conference Interpreting" by Valerie Taylor-Bouladon,David H. Barrett,Pieter Bruegel
    ISBN: 1419660691.
    Publisher: Booksurge Llc
  6. "Conference Interpreting" by Yves Gambier,Daniel Gile,Christopher Taylor
    ISBN: 9789027216267.
    Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing
The above information outlines module AT127: "Ateangaireacht Leantach III / Consecutive Interpreting III" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

OptionalAT128: Ateangaireacht Chomhuaineach III / Simultaneous Interpreting III


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 15

This module aims to develop the skills that will enable students to listen to, understand, analyse a speech in a source language and simultaneously interpret this a speech fluently, conveying the speaker’s message in their target language. / Scileanna a fhorbairt chun éisteacht, tuiscint, anailís ar luas a dhéanamh ar óráid agus léiriú líofa iontaofa den bhrí a sholáthair sa sprioctheanga go comhuaineach.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Self-assess the strengths and weaknesses of an interpreting performance. / Féinmheasúnú a dhéanamh ar fheidhmiú na hateangaireachta. Láidreachtaí agus laigí san iarracht a aithint.
  2. Display an understanding of simultaneous interpreting techniques as well as professional etiquette, ethics, booth behaviour and team interaction. / Tuiscint ar theicnící na hateangaireachta comhuainigh a léiriú, chomh maith le béasaí oibre, nósanna na gairme, cúrsaí eitice agus comhar foirne.
  3. Actively listen to, understand, analyse a non technical speech in a source language and simultaneously interpret this speech fluently, conveying the speaker’s message in a target language. / Scileanna a fhorbairt chun éisteacht, tuiscint, anailís ar luas a dhéanamh ar ghnáth óráid agus ateangaireacht chomhuaineach, líofa, iontaofa a sholáthair ar bhrí an chainteora sa sprioctheanga.
  4. Actively listen to, understand, analyse a technical speech in a source language and simultaneously interpret this speech fluently, conveying the speaker’s message in a target language. Perform a fluent and accurate simultaneous interpretation of this technical speech. / Scileanna a fhorbairt chun éisteacht, tuiscint, anailís ar luas a dhéanamh ar óráid theicniúil agus sainiúil chun ateangaireacht chomhuaineach, líofa, iontaofa a sholáthair ar bhrí an chainteora sa sprioctheanga.
Assessments
  • Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators

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Reading List
  1. "Interpreters at the United Nations. A history" by Jesús Baigorri Jalón
    ISBN: 8478006435.
    Publisher: Universidad de Salamanca
  2. "The Origins of Simultaneous Interpretation" by Francesca Gaiba
    ISBN: 0776604570.
    Publisher: University of Ottawa Press
  3. "Self-preservation in Simultaneous Interpreting" by Claudia Monacelli
    ISBN: 9027224285.
    Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing
The above information outlines module AT128: "Ateangaireacht Chomhuaineach III / Simultaneous Interpreting III" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

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 as interpreting services are frequently required at conferences, seminars and so on. Many graduates work with EU and UN institutions. Opportunities are also available outside the large international organisations.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€€7,890 p.a. (including levy) 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€7,750 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€€19,000 p.a. (19,140 including levy) 2025/26

 

EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Contribution Charge + Student Levy* €140.  *Payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI.  Further detail here.

 

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees**.
**Excludes Full-Time EU Undergraduate fees.  These are fixed and do not change.

Find out More

Susan Folan
Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge
T: +353 91 495 810 
E: interpreting@universityofgalway.ie
www.acadamh.ie 

Quick Links

 

What Our Students Say

Vanessa

Vanessa Lazo |   Monterrey, Mexico

I chose to study the MA in Conference Interpreting due to my passion for languages and interest in different cultures. This field allows me to turn that passion into a career, helping people from diverse backgrounds communicate and understand each other. It also complements my previous studies in law and international human rights.  The course is highly practical, with trainers who are experienced working interpreters, offering optimal preparation for this profession. The collaboration with EU institutions also helps us prepare for their accreditation tests, expanding career opportunities.  Studying at the University of Galway further enhances my experience. It enables me to continue learning Irish, which I aim to add to my language combination, while also interacting with people from various cultures, enriching both my personal and professional growth

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