Victoria University of Wellington
Master of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation – MICAT
Wellington, New Zealand
Master degree
DURATION
36 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Feb 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Launch a career that breaks linguistic and cultural barriers
In a highly globalised and technology-saturated world, intercultural communication and practical translation skills are increasingly sought after by employers across all sectors.
Unique in Australasia, the 180-point Master of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation will take your bilingual or multilingual skills to the next level and open doors to a career in the language services industry.
Build on your undergraduate degree or update your professional translator and interpreter credentials. You’ll gain the theoretical and practical skills needed to be cross-culturally competent and learn how to apply this by communicating information across languages and cultures in a variety of professional settings.
NAATI certification
This qualification is endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI).
From July 2024, all interpreters working for government agencies or government funded agencies will be expected to be on the NAATI certification framework. Find out more about this requirement—including about the financial and other support that you can receive—on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website.
On completing the Master's programme, graduates can apply directly to NAATI to sit certification.
Our Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate in Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation are also endorsed by NAATI.
State-of-the-art technology
The MICAT will give you experience with state-of-the-art computer-assisted translation environments, including translation memory and captioning software, and you’ll explore how language professionals can add value and subtlety to these technologies.
Distinctive edge
With the University’s strengths in translation and cross-cultural and applied linguistic expertise, you’ll learn from lecturers who are experts in their field and committed to supporting the values and practices of indigenous people in Aotearoa and elsewhere.
You’ll also benefit from real-world experience working in an applied translation placement and on a translation project mentored by a professional.
Qualification family structure
The MICAT is part of a tiered family of qualifications. These tiers are structured so that courses completed for each qualification can count towards the next step.
- Postgraduate Certificate of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation
- Postgraduate Diploma of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation
- Master of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation.
Choose the qualification with the entry requirements, time commitment, and career benefits that suit you.
What you’ll study
The 180-point Master of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation can be completed in one year of full-time study (three trimesters) or up to three years of part-time study.
Part 1
The first part of the MICAT comprises courses taught over Trimesters 1 and 2.
Two core courses will give you an understanding of translation and intercultural communication theories and practices. Gain insights into the creative production and critical evaluation of various types of translation and learn how culture is expressed in different linguistic and cultural contexts. You’ll also study the challenges of intercultural communication practices in professional settings.
Choose two additional courses from: Advanced Language Directed Study (FHSS 401), Language Learning for Intercultural Competence in the Workplace (LANG 501), or other approved electives.
Part 2
Part two of the MICAT takes place in Trimester 3.
You’ll be placed with an employer to gain direct insights into the relevance and impact of intercultural communication and translation skills in a variety of professional contexts and practices.
You’ll also strengthen your research and independent translation skills with an applied translation project, while working closely with an academic staff member or other qualified practitioner.
Postgraduate certificate and diploma
The PGCertICAT will be awarded if you complete two approved courses from Part 1. For the PGDipICAT, you’ll study the two core courses and two additional course as outlined in Part 1.
Workload
Full-time study entails a workload of about 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students should expect around 20 to 23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you have other commitments.
Programme requirements
For this subject you'll need to:
Complete 180 points
Include four courses in Part 1:
- Translating in Aotearoa New Zealand: Theory and Practice (FHSS 402)
- Intercultural Communication in Professional Practice (LANG 403)
Two further courses from:
- Global Cultures in Context (FHSS 410)
- Either Advanced Language Study for Translating and Interpreting (LANG 401) or LANG 501
- Or, with the permission of the programme director, courses worth 60 points from the following:
- Identity and World Politics (INTP 448)
- Foundations of Linguistics for Advanced Study (LALS 401)
- Emerging Technologies, Organisations & Society (MGMT 409)
- Mass Media and Popular Culture (MDIA 403)
- Special Topic: Transnational Media Reception (MDIA 409)
- Science Communication (SCIS 410)
Include two courses in Part 2:
- MICAT Project (LANG 503)
- Either Intercultural Communication/Applied Translation Placement (LANG 502) or Interpreting in Aotearoa New Zealand: Theory and Practice (LANG 504)
Postgraduate study will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff, and future colleagues. Make the most of opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops, and social functions.
Gain skills that are in demand across areas as diverse as biotechnology, the creative industries, health, information technology, international business, law, and education.
You’ll be qualified to work in a range of roles in government and non-governmental organisations, translation agencies, and cultural and diplomatic institutions.
The MICAT will also prepare you to complete professional certification as a translator or interpreter or provide a pathway to doctoral study.
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