Interpreter and translator career

Kaiwhakamāori ā-waha, ā-tuhi

Interpreters and translators convert different forms of spoken, signed or written language into other languages.

Interpreters and translators convert different forms of spoken, signed or written language into other languages.

What would you do as an Interpreter and translator?

Interpreters and translators

  • usually work regular business hours, but may work part time or be on call
  • usually work in offices, courts, hospitals, schools and other workplaces and may travel locally
  • need to be accurate, communicate well and work well under pressure

Tasks

  • translate information for others
  • compile technical information or documentation
  • conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work
  • verify accuracy of data
  • provide educational information to the public
  • edit written materials
  • train others on work processes
  • confer with clients to determine needs

How can you become an Interpreter and translator?

You need experience to become an interpreter or translator and a qualification may be useful.

You need

  • experience in similar work
  • to be fluent in English and another language

You may need

  • a Bachelor of Arts (NZSL-English Interpreting)
  • a postgraduate certificate or diploma in translating and interpreting
  • a master's degree in translating and interpreting
  • a recognised practising credential

If you're in school

You usually need Level 3 to do the study or training for this job.

Studying this at the University of Waikato

View all qualifications

Study an International Languages and Cultures major in our Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Global Studies, specialising in Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean or Spanish. You'll build your language fluency alongside an understanding of the cultures behind it. Like all our undergraduate degrees, both include work-integrated learning.

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Interpreter and translator FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

Find a scholarship

QS ranking

QS World University Rankings 2027

Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally, placing us in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide, and 2nd in New Zealand by citations per faculty.

Contact us

School of Arts

School of Arts, The University of Waikato, Ground Floor, J Block, Gate 1, Knighton Road, Hamilton

International Enquiries

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5pm