Certificate Public Service Interpreting (DPSI preparation)

Overview & facilities

Now recognised as a profession in its own right, demand for qualified interpreters to work in the public services is growing. At the same time, the professional landscape is changing, as new technologies such as video-mediated interpreting develop and working practices change. The Certificate in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI preparation) is a 45 credit course which prepares students for a successful career in Public Service Interpreting and Translation (PSIT). It also trains students for the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting exams.

Why study Public Service Interpreting?

• Flexible programme with mix of self-study tasks, interactive activities, research and reflection and face-to-face classroom sessions
• Digital Language Laboratory and conference interpreting facilities
• Training in the field of video-mediated interpreting
• Extensive use of e-learning technologies for collaborative learning and teaching activities
• Core curriculum delivered in English allows for all language combinations
• Preparation for the IoL Educational Trust Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) examination (pass rates available on request)
• Visits to external institutions (Courts, Tribunals, Hospitals etc.) included in programme
• Classes taught by experts in the field with extensive experience
• and a track record of EU funded research and development activities
• Fortnightly workshop-style classes combining the benefits of both distance and face to face learning
  

Content & modules

The Certificate in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI preparation) has two modules, the DPSI: Foundations (TRA2021) and the DPSI: Specialisations (TRA3021 and/or TRA3022).

The Certificate in Public Service Interpreting: Foundations module (TRA2021) is for students who
are new to public service interpreting and translation. This 15 credit module is a Spring term module (January to May) and forms the first part of the Certificate in Public Service Interpreting.

Attendance is based on two full day interpreting workshops per month campus and a programme of reading and on-line learning.

In the Certificate in Public Service Interpreting: Specialisations (TRA3021 and/or TRA3022) students develop their interpreting and translation skills in the context of their chosen specialisation, either Interpreting for the Judicial Sector (TRA3021), or Interpreting for the Medical Sector (TRA3022). Both modules also prepare students to take the externally accredited Diploma in Public Service Interpreting. These 30 credit modules are October start modules and form the second part of the Certificate of Public Service Interpreting. In TRA3021 and/or TRA3022

Direct entry to TRA3021 and TRA3022 is available to students who can demonstrate sufficient prior learning and/or experiential learning to achieve 15 academic credits. 

Graduates of the Certificate in Public Service Interpreting courses will be able to

• Practice with confidence as Public Service Interpreters in specialised public service settings
  (courts, police stations, hospitals, schools etc)
• Start and/or develop a career as a linguist in the public services
• Enter for the Iol Educational Trust Diploma in Public Service (DPSI) Interpreting examination

Languages Offered:

The Certificate in Public Service Interpreting can be taken in English paired with any language, subject to sufficient demand. Our most popular language pairs have been:

• English – Arabic
• English – Bulgarian
• English - Mandarin
• English – French
• English – German
• English – Kurdish (Sorani)
• English – Lithuanian
• English – Polish
• English – Portuguese
• English - Punjabi
• English – Romanian
• English – Russian
• English – Spanish
• English – Turkish

Entry & applying

Standard Entry Requirements

Minimum requirement for application are:

January start (TRA2021)

• Native or near-native ability in English and one other language to CEFR level C1/C2
• IELTS 6.0 minimum or equivalent for non-native
  speakers of English
• A full Curriculum Vitae showing previous education and employment

October start (TRA3021/3022)

• 100 hours minimum of formal interpreting experience, preferably in public service or academic background in interpreting and translation
• Native or near-native ability in English and another language to CEFR level C1/C2
• IELTS 6.0 minimum or equivalent for non-native speakers of English
• A full Curriculum Vitae showing previous education and employment
  

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for study should be made directly to the university. Please fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.

Fees & funding

October 2011 start

TRA3021/TRA3022-  £1,050

January 2012 start

TRA2021-   £550

Fees are subject to change

Careers & placements

Graduates of the Certificate in Public Service Interpreting can take the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting, (for which Middlesex University is an exam centre). CPSI and DPSI holders work as interpreters and translators in the criminal and civil justice courts, local government, welfare and benefits offices, schools, GP surgeries and hospitals. Students also transfer from interpreting in public service to conference interpreting training, for which the CPSI provides a sound foundation.