The Graduate Diploma in Translation is offered under the academic supervision of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research to provide academic training in translation at the professional level. The Diploma, when combined with an undergraduate degree and the Certificate in Translation or equivalent, gives access to the professional designation delivered by the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Graduate Diploma in Translation:
- Applicants must be proficient in the two languages of their concentration: English/French, Spanish/French or Spanish/English, as applicable.
- Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an approved university with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (over 4.0) or more and with a concentration in Translation Studies consisting of no less than 30 credits. If the degree is in another field, applicants will be required to follow the Qualifying program in translation, be it in part or in its entirety. The Qualifying Program consists of those courses included in the Certificate in Translation.
- Applicants must pass the Diploma Entrance Examination.
Admission Procedures
Students wishing to follow the Graduate Diploma in Translation program can apply at http://www.mcgill.ca/conted/applyregister/. Along with your application you will need to provide the following documents:
- An unofficial transcript. Arrangements must be made to forward an official transcript confirming degree completion to the Department.
- A letter from the applicant's university stating the intended date of graduation, if applicable.
- Proof of Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident status.
- Proof of residency in Quebec: In order to comply with auditing and funding regulations of the Quebec Ministry of Education, students who claim to be residents of Quebec must provide documentary proof in support of their claim.
- The ministry of Education of Quebec (MEQ) requires that all students attending a Quebec university must have a permanent code.
For further information such as the complete list of acceptable documents and the Attestation of Residency form, please contact the Department of Student Affairs at (514) 398-6160.
The application fee is $65.00 CAD (non-refundable). This fee includes application for evaluation of transcripts of previous education for students requesting advanced standing in a program. The Entrance Examination fee is also included.
Application deadlines are:
| Spring: | February 1st |
| Fall: | June 1st |
| Winter: | October 1st |
Students who do not register within one year of the date of admission will be required to reapply.
Residency Requirements and Advanced Standing
Students are required to complete at least 70% of the total program requirements at McGill University.
Advanced standing of up to 9 credits may be awarded for successfully completed equivalent courses done within the last five years.
Students who have been granted advanced standing and/or exemptions are not permitted to register for the courses for which they have been granted said advanced standing and/or exemptions.
An official description of the courses taken elsewhere and the marks obtained must be submitted along with a written application for advanced standing.
Time Limits
The program must normally be completed within four years of the date of admission. Students exceeding the time limit may request an extension, in writing, which may be granted under special circumstances, with the approval of the Director.
Academic Standing Requirements
Students are required to obtain a minimum grade of B- in each course in the program. This is in accordance with the Grading System common to Graduate level programs in the University. For further details see General Information.
Students may repeat the same course once.
Students who have more than one unsatisfactory grade in the program will be required to withdraw from the program.
After successful completion of all courses, students have to take a comprehensive evaluation.
Special Students
Members of the Ordre des Traducteurs et Interprètes Agréés du Québec or suitably qualified students wishing to take only certain courses and not wishing to be admitted to the Graduate Diploma in Translation may register as a Special Student with Departmental approval.
A Special Student takes regular credit courses but is not recognized as working towards the Graduate Diploma in Translation. Special Student status is limited to four (4) courses in a program. Students are encouraged to apply to the program before completing four (4) courses.
Special Students, although not formally admitted to the program, are expected to demonstrate seriousness of academic purpose. Special Students are permitted to repeat the same course only once and will be governed by the same Academic Standing Requirements expected of students enrolled in the program.