Develop intercultural communication skills
Earn the intercultural communication and practical translation skills that are sought after by employers with our Postgraduate Diploma.
This qualification gives you in-depth intercultural communication and translation expertise without the research component of a full Master's degree. It’s a shorter, focused qualification that boosts your career credentials, or to enter the language services industry. It’s also a good first step towards Master’s level study.
Throughout, you’ll learn from our experts in cross-cultural and applied linguistics. They’ll help you master intercultural communication theory, practical translation techniques, and modern translation technology. You’ll graduate with practical skills you can apply in your career.
Discover Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation
Who can study for this qualification
The PGDipICAT is a good option if you want a flexible qualification that lets you upskill quickly and that combines solid foundational theory with professional knowledge and skills.
The PGDipICAT suits you if:
- you’re a recent graduate and want to test your interest in Intercultural Communication before committing to further postgraduate study
- you need an advanced understanding of the field for your current role.
Ways to enter this degree
We have a flexible approach to enrolment in the PGDipICAT. To enrol, you need an advanced ability in a language other than English, and either:
- a Bachelor's degree with at least a B average in a relevant subject
- professional experience that is equivalent to academic study at 300-level.
If you don’t meet these requirements, you can ask for an interview with the programme director, who will decide whether you have the background and ability to complete the course of study.
Our qualifications
We offer three Postgraduate Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation qualifications. These are staircased so that courses completed for each qualification can count towards the next step.
The Master of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation provides the most comprehensive study as it combines coursework with a work placement and practical translation project.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation has in-depth study over four courses, but no work placement or translation project.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation is an opportunity for professional development over two courses.
What you’ll learn
The PGDipICAT consists of four taught courses—two compulsory and two electives.
The core courses give you:
- a theoretical and practical understanding of translation across cultures in both local and global settings, with Aotearoa New Zealand as a case study
- lessons in how culture is expressed in different linguistic and cultural contexts
- advanced understanding of cross-cultural communication processes and their effects, including within professional settings
- practical instruction in translation and interpretation by applying linguistic and translation theories to develop your practical and analytical skills
- insights into the creative production and critical evaluation of different types of translation.
In some cases, you may be able to substitute other courses from a variety of related disciplines.
Learn computer-assisted translation technology
Within the PGDipICAT, you can choose courses that give you experience with computer-assisted translation environments and tools, including translation memory, captioning software, and AI. You’ll explore how language professionals can add value and subtlety to these technologies.
How you’ll study
The PGDipICAT is a 120-point qualification you’ll complete over two trimesters of full-time study. It is delivered entirely through coursework—there is no research component.
Your courses are delivered through a series of lectures that you attend in person or online. The course materials, and many of the lectures, will be fully available online.
A flexible qualification
Our PGDipICAT gives you options to suit your goals and commitments.
- You can choose when your study begins. You can start at the beginning of Trimester 1 or Trimester 2—or even at the start of Trimester 3, with the programme director’s approval.
- You can study full time or (if you’re a domestic student) part time. If you’re studying full time, you will complete the Diploma over two trimesters. If you’re a domestic student, you can study part time—usually over four trimesters.
International students cannot study for this qualification part time.
Workload
The average workload for each course is about 10 to 12 hours per week, including lectures, workshops, and self-directed study.
Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year.
Part-time study options
If you’re a domestic student, you can study part time—which is one course each trimester—and complete the PGDipICAT in up to two years.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the PGDICAT shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, with a B grade average or better; and
(ii) completed at least 40 300-level points in a language other than English, with a B grade average or better; and
(iii) been accepted by the MICAT programme director as capable of completing the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement a(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.
(c) Requirement a(ii) may be waived by the head of school for a candidate who has demonstrated at least the equivalent language competence.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the PGDipICAT
2. Except as provided in section 4, a candidate who completes all the requirements for Part 1 of the MICAT and does not proceed to complete Part 2 can be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation (PGDipICAT).
MICAT Part 1: Translating in Aotearoa New Zealand: Theory and Practice (FHSS 402), Global Cultures in Context (FHSS 410), Intercultural Communication in Professional Practice (LANG 403), (Advanced Language Study for Translating and Interpreting (LANG 401) or 501)
3. A candidate for the PGDipICAT shall normally be enrolled for at least two trimesters, and complete the degree within two years of first enrolling. The associate dean may extend the maximum period in special cases.
Achieve NAATI certification
All our Postgraduate Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation qualifications are endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI).
All interpreters working for government agencies or government funded agencies must now be certified by NAATI.
To find out more about this requirement and for professional development opportunities targeted at NAATI certification exams, visit:
Once you’ve completed any of our postgraduate qualifications, you can apply directly to NAATI to sit certification.
Future careers
The skills you learn in your PGDipICAT are essential for careers in language teaching (ESOL/TEFL), linguistics, translation, and speech pathology.
The PGDipICAT is also useful professional development for content strategy work, technical writing, or language technology development.
Your skills will also be useful in government agencies (particularly those requiring NAATI-certified interpreters), non-governmental organizations, translation agencies, cultural and diplomatic institutions, and international businesses.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident enrolled, or intending to enrol, in full-time undergraduate study, and a competitive runner in distances of 800m or longer. Preference may be given to applicants experiencing financial hardship.
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Applicants must be of Pacific Islands descent, enrolled or intending to enrol in their first, second, third or final year in an undergraduate programme, majoring in Pacific Studies. Preference may be given to applicants who are experiencing financial hardship.
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Applicants must be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in an undergraduate programme at second year or above, or in a postgraduate programme, have a hearing loss of 70 DB or greater in the better ear (i.e. severely deaf). Preference will be given to postgraduate study in a field that contributes to the advancement, wellbeing, or development of deaf people.
Scholarships for international students
We're currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don’t receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
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This scholarship was established to encourage students to complete a major in Language Sciences at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, and continue to further study or careers in this field.
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Why Wellington
Wellington is a ideal place to study for the MICAT. It’s cultural diversity brings access to many language communities—such as Māori, Pacific, and Asian languages—for practical experience.
It also hosts government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations that offer opportunities for networking and internships.
Because Wellington is the seat of government, you’ll have opportunities for political, diplomatic, and governmental translation work once you graduate.
Further research or study
If you do well in your PGDipICAT and show an aptitude for research, you’ll be able to apply for a Master of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation (MICAT).
In some cases, you’ll be able to convert your PGDipICAT to the full MICAT degree if you have completed its course requirements through your PGDipICAT study.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.