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Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation

Programme Code: HD 124 3416 6338 2305 5315 hdtra@hkuspace.hku.hk
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QF Level: 4
QR Registration No.: 07/001629/4
Registration Validity Period:  05/05/2008 to ongoing

Application Code 報名編號 : HD124

Programme Aims & Features

A solid foundation in Chinese and English is an important asset for career advancement and further studies because Hong Kong has a huge and continuous demand for professionals who can mediate between the two languages effectively.

Students will acquire practical and professional knowledge and receive hands-on training in translation at a paraprofessional level. Specifically, in addition to acquiring skills needed for translating various types of public administration and commercial documents as well as news writings, students will have a taste of sight interpretation, consecutive interpretation and simultaneous interpretation.

Opportunities for Further Studies

2022 Overall Progression Rate: 80%
UGC-funded Bachelor’s Degree Programmes: 75%

Some of our graduates/students are admitted to UGC-funded degree programmes every year. The list below shows the programmes that our graduates/students of recent years have articulated to*:

The University of Hong Kong
BA

The Chinese University of Hong Kong
BA Chinese Language & Literature
BA History
BA Linguistics
BA Translation
BA Bimodal Bilingual Studies

City University of Hong Kong
BA
BA Chinese & History
BA English
BA Linguistics & Language Applications
BA Translation and Interpretation
BSocSc Asian & International Studies
LLB

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
BA (Hons) Bilingual Interdisciplinary Chinese Studies
BA (Hons) Chinese & Bilingual Studies
BA (Hons) Language & Speech Sciences
Broad Discipline of Language, Culture and Communication
BSc (Hons) Aviation Operations & Systems

Hong Kong Baptist University
BA (Hons) English Language & Literature 
BA (Hons) Translation

BMus (Hons) Creative Industries

The Education University of Hong Kong
BA (Hons) Language Studies - Chinese Major
BA (Hons) Language Studies - English Major
BA (Hons) Language Studies & BEd (Hons) English Language (co-terminal double degree)
BEd (Hons) (Secondary) English Language

Lingnan University
BA (Hons)
BA (Hons) English Studies
BA (Hons) Translation

HKU SPACE International College

Graduates are also eligible to apply for admission to the following full-time top-up degree programmes offered locally by HKU SPACE International College in collaboration with the following universities:

University of the Arts London

Edinburgh Napier University

University of the West of England, Bristol

Career Prospects

Graduates of the programme can seek employment at entry level in various fields that require good English and Chinese proficiency and translation skills, such as advertising, the media, journalism, publishing, editing, translation, public relations, tourism, marketing and promotion in both the public and private sectors.

Special Entrance Requirements

In addition to the minimum entrance requirements, applicants are also required to obtain Level 3 or above in HKDSE English Language; and have three years of study in Putonghua in secondary school, or equivalent.

 *The above list is not exhaustive and only shows some of the examples.

GENERIC SKILLS
  • Introduction to Academic English
  • English for Academic Purposes I & II
  • Advanced Chinese Language
  • English for Arts and Humanities
  • Professional Putonghua
  • Information Technology Fundamentals

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING COURSE

  • Intra- and Interpersonal Competencies
SPECIALISM

Year 1

  • Introduction to Translation

  • Introduction to Linguistics

  • Theory and Practice of Translation

  • Comparative Study of Chinese and English

  • Introduction to Interpretation: Cantonese / English

  • Practical Translation (Business and Public Administration)

 

Year 2

  • Reading and Writing in Chinese

  • Consecutive Interpretation: Cantonese / English

  • Translation Project: English – Chinese

  • Translation Project: Chinese – English

  • Culture and Translation

  • News Writing and Translation

*Courses offered in each semester are subject to student enrolment and resources available.

Tong Ka Kin, Ricky
Tong Ka Kin, Ricky
  • 2021 Graduate of Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation
  • Advancement to BA in Translation and Interpretation (Year 3), CityU

當有人提起翻譯員和傳譯員,以前的我會聯想起不同的翻譯軟件,並認為翻譯和傳譯是一件十分乏味和輕而易舉的事,一切都能單靠翻譯軟件和人工智能解決。然而,在修讀翻譯及傳譯高級文憑課程的兩年間,我明白到翻譯和傳譯並不是我想像中那麼簡單。翻譯員需要細心剖析原文,再運用適切的翻譯理論和技巧進行翻譯,務求為讀者帶來最佳的譯本,達致信達雅。至於傳譯員,他們要細心留意講者演說,並盡量不偏不倚地傳譯講者的每一句說話,務求打破不同語言的隔膜,成為講者和聽者之間的橋樑。我相信這些都並不是翻譯軟件和人工智能可以輕易做得到的。

Yau Pui Lam, August
Yau Pui Lam, August
  • 2021 Graduate of Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation
  • Advancement to BA in Translation and Interpretation (Year 3), CUHK

Studying in HKU SPACE CC has been the best learning experience I had in my life so far. It is a great learning environment with supportive classmates and lecturers. The HDTRA programme not only equipped me with essential translation theories, but also practical skills. I was given a lot of chances to test the knowledge I had learnt during the class. This undoubtedly strengthened my translation and interpretation skills and widen my view as a translator. I am glad that I was offered the opportunity to study here, and thus gained the abilities to handle the further study in the CUHK.

Wong Chi Chung, Cameron
  • 2021 Graduate of Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation
  • Advancement to BA in Translation and Interpretation (Year 3), CityU

My two years at the HKU SPACE CC were fun and rewarding. The various courses provided by the HD TRA program were beneficial not only academically but personally too. Translation and linguistic courses paved the way for my study at the university level as a solid introduction to the art of translating, while interpretation and English classes further reinforced my confidence in spoken and written English. It's a worthwhile experience studying here.

Wong Yui Yam, Tony
  • 2021 Graduate of Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation
  • Advancement to BA in Translation (Year 3), HKBU

Translation is not just translating texts from one language to another, but also assisting communication among people in different culture backgrounds. You will learn different theories and skills which lay foundation for your further study in the university. In addition to the knowledge on translation, you will also learn communication skills which are useful in your daily life. If you’re interested in translation and languages, I highly recommend this program to you. Don’t hesitate to ask the lecturers for help! They’re nice, kind, and professional to provide you a lot of support for your studies and college life. All in all, the journey at HKUSPACE CC is really enjoyable that I would share with you.

Kan Wai Ki Joe
Kan Wai Ki Joe
  • 2020 Graduate of Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation
  • Advancement to BA in Translation (Year 3), CUHK

Studying at HKU SPACE CC was a very fruitful experience! I acquired various useful translation theories and skills, both of which have laid a solid foundation for my study at university. Despite the pandemic, teachers have been working hard to teach, and I learned a lot from them. The readings they recommended were also interesting. I felt fortunate that I had a chance to study at HKU SPACE CC where I could find my goal, open my eyes and unleash my potential.

Choy Kwan Ki Mathias
Choy Kwan Ki Mathias
  • 2019-20 Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation Year 1 student
  • Advancement to BA (Year 1), HKU

It has been an amazing journey studying in HKU SPACE CC. The art of translation is far beyond mastering the usage of two languages; it is also essential to interchange skillfully between the two different language systems. The programme has armed me with not only hard knowledge, but also effective communication skills, which will be useful throughout my life. Apart from this, the lecturers have also offered a lot of help, including practical support  for my studies and emotional support regarding my future career. My experience of the HD TRA programme this year has reinforced my determination to study further in the field of translation. Last but not least, this journey in HKU SPACE CC is what I will proudly share.

Chiu Ka Yan Heloise
Chiu Ka Yan Heloise
  • 2020 Graduate of Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation
  • Advancement to BA in Translation & Interpretation (Year 3), CityU

Studying translation at HKU SPACE CC not only helped me to improve my languages, but also helped me to find my passion and goal. I have gained so much from this programme, including the knowledge and skills of translation and interpretation. And the Taiwan study tour gave me an opportunity to know more about translation and broaden my horizons. Also, the teachers were professional, nice, and helpful. I really enjoyed my studies here!

Beverly Fung
Beverly Fung
  • 2019 Graduate of Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation
  • Advancement to BA in Translation (Year 3), CUHK

The two years at HKU SPACE CC not only equipped me with knowledge and skills in the translation field, but also inspired me to explore this area and achieve my full potential further. It has been my stepping stone to my dream to obtain a major in Translation at CUHK. The practical translation and interpreting skills I have learnt from HD (TRA) has honed my abilities and proficiency to handle challenging courses in CUHK now. I am grateful for the opportunity that this programme has offered me.

Sasha Lau
Sasha Lau
  • 2017-18 Year 1 student
  • Advancement to BA in the Department of Linguistics and Translation (Year 1), CityU

The year in HKU SPACE CC was definitely something I would proudly tell others in the university. It helped me in many different ways: the programme gave me a solid foundation of translation knowledge and application skills; the Taiwan trip gave me a chance to broaden my horizons. Most importantly, the whole year allowed me to think thoroughly what I wanted for my future, which reinforced my determination to study further in translation.

Winsor Lee
Winsor Lee
  • 2018 Graduate of Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation
  • Advancement to BA in Translation and Interpretation (Year 3), CityU

After completing Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation, I have truly understood that translation doesn’t only involve different languages, but cultural backgrounds as well. Spending two years of time studying in HKU SPACE CC has made me realize that polishing my translation or interpretation skills opens many doors for me. I didn’t expect myself to be passionate about translation when I first studied the programme, but I’m now continuing my study in translation in the university for the coming two years.

Loretta Yeung
Loretta Yeung
  • 2018 Graduate of Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation
  • Advancement to BA in Translation (Year 3), CUHK

The training in HKU SPACE CC has equipped me with the translation knowledge and interpreting skills that facilitate my current study. Because of the practical translation training in HDTRA, I am now capable of translating materials with the good use of translation theories within a limited time.

Kwan Lam Jojo
Kwan Lam Jojo
  • 2018 Graduate of Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation

Studying in HKU SPACE is a good learning experience. I can learn a lot of translation skills and theories which are very useful when doing projects. Also, there are many lecturers helping me to become familiar with the courses so that I can know more clearly how to do project. In SPACE, translation is not only about translating between Cantonese and English, but also covers many specific areas such as business and law texts, linguistics and so on. I have become more interested in translation while studying here.

Chow Sin Ying Sharon
Chow Sin Ying Sharon
  • 2018 Graduate of Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation
  • Advancement to BA (Hons) Chinese and Bilingual Studies (Year 3), PolyU

I enjoy studying translation in the college because I can learn sufficient theories and practise a lot in translation. Learning to translate both the text and its underlying cultural information, I can now translate texts more properly and thoroughly. My passion for interpretation is also awakened and I have become more aware of the two languages used in daily life. After the two-year study of translation, I am determined to explore more about this field in the future.

Bowie Yung
Bowie Yung
  • Graduate of Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation in 2017
  • Admitted to BA in English Studies for the Professions in PolyU (Year 3)

修讀兩年翻譯課程是無價經歷,除了讓我獲益良多,能夠學以致用之餘,也令我對文字更敏感。而最寶貴的經歷莫過於參加台灣遊學團,讓我見識到當地學生的水平及口譯技巧,明白自己還有進步空間,不會對些微的進步而感到自滿。故修畢課程後,我學到的不單單是理論與實踐,更懂得自主學習,從而為未來作好準備。

蔡道欣
蔡道欣
  • 2015年修畢嶺南大學翻譯文學士
  • 現任博華太平洋國際(控股)有限公司翻譯員

「你的英語一定很棒!」「那你到底是學些什麼的?」這是別人聽到我大學諗翻譯的常見反應。當年在附屬學院重點提升英語能力,行文通順是基本,靈活變通才是精髓,既要掌握能登大雅之堂的正式文體,也要熟悉通俗地道的常用語。良好的語文基礎不足以成就出色的譯者,還需要培養敏銳的觀察技巧、慎思明辯的思考方式,才有機會譯出文章的弦外之音。翻譯不是非黑即白的學問,需要不停探索,持續不斷地鍛鍊。如果你願意接受挑戰付出努力,也許你會譯出一片天!

Cindy Cheung
Cindy Cheung
  • Graduate of Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation in 2016
  • BA in History, CityU (Year 1)

I have found the one year of studying in the Translation and Interpretation programme challenging yet rewarding. It helps me to solve different translation problems and equips me with the professional knowledge and experience which can help me to prepare for my further studies in university and to better manage my daily life.

Lam Man Hei
Lam Man Hei
  • BA (Hon) in Language Studies, senior year in EdUHK

Translation is not all about manipulating languages, in fact we must have a good knowledge of the different forms of writing and what the authors want to deliver. The two years of study has also fostered my understanding of different cultures and why they are so different from one another.

Meimei Wong
Meimei Wong
  • BA in Translation, CityU (Year 1)

Having studied in HKU SPACE CC for one year is really a fruitful experience. Not only the translation skills and theories I have learnt, but also the lecturers who were always willing to help and support us by giving valuable advice on non-JUPAS application and study tips. The time spent in the Taiwan study tour was invaluable too. All these have prepared me well in continuing my study of translation in the City University of Hong Kong.

Mo Yu Wun
Mo Yu Wun
  • BA in Chinese Language and Literature, senior year in CUHK

Time flies and the past two years has significantly helped develop my bilingual proficiency. I got the opportunities to engage in translating long texts as well as lots of shorter texts of various fields such as finance, news, and legal documents. Besides, the programme offers training in generic and transferable language and IT skills which have benefited me a lot in my current studies.

Laurence Wong
Laurence Wong
  • BA, HKU (Year 1)

Although studying for only one year, I have acquired numerous translation and interpreting skills through intensive practice and my language ability has been strengthened drastically. I would not be able to study at university now without the support of lecturers at the HKU SPACE CC.

Lily So
Lily So
  • BA in English Studies, CityU (Year 3)

兩年的課程令我明白到翻譯絕非易事,而且同一個翻譯問題有不同的解決方法,很感謝講師使我明白這些道理。雖然在大學我並不是主修翻譯,但兩年所得的經驗讓我更有動力地去學習與語言有關的知識。

Gary Ng
Gary Ng
  • BA in English Studies, CityU (Year 3)

Translation is not an easy task at all since it requires everlasting efforts to nurture one’s language proficiency and try out different translation approaches. Fortunately, all the translation teachers here are professional and patient in teaching students different aspects of translation. I’ve really gained a lot from this programme. It strengthens my interest in language studies. Hard work is everything. Building a vocabulary bank and reading more books do help.

Winnie Wong
Winnie Wong
  • BSc in Hotel Management, PolyU (Year 2)

由於本科要求學生有較高的雙語能力,於是我平日常常訓練自己,尤其是英語聆聽能力。在開始的時候,當我聆聽英文新聞報導,我無法即時用中文去口譯它的內容。於是,每日我會堅持聽最少30分鐘英文,漸漸地我的聆聽能力提升了,學習成果也就隨之而來。

Stella Ng
Stella Ng
  • BA in Translation and Interpretation, CityU (Senior Year)
  • Currently working as an In-house Translator, Masterank Limited

Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation has prepared me well for the subsequent 2 years of undergraduate study and my current position as a translator by offering a wide range of practical courses. What my ‘post-grad’ life has taught me is that we must be flexible when applying what we have learnt in the College into practice. Only by laying a solid foundation of hard skills can we build our soft knowledge to enhance our competitiveness and withstand challenges and difficulties.

Sean Tsoi
Sean Tsoi
  • BA in Translation, LU (Year 3)

HKU SPACE CC 的高級文憑課程提升了我的英語能力,讓我找到學習的目標和樂趣,發掘自己的專長。課程的講師大都活躍於業界,經驗豐富,樂於撥出額外時間幫助學生。現在,我已經準備好,迎接新挑戰-入讀大學主修翻譯!

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Taiwan Study Tour 2019 for Higher Diploma in Translation and Interpretation 6-15 May 2019

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