Gain the high-level language skills and cultural knowledge to engage with the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.
United Nations Security Council Simulation
Master of Global Studies and Master of Translating students recently had the opportunity to role play a simulated UN Security Council meeting, allowing them to experience what it might be like to work in this setting and actively apply their skills collaboratively in real time.
Themes
Global Studies
Build your understanding of intercultural, social and political issues and processes. Learn on the job through overseas internships and develop professional skills in international relations, cultural communications, diplomacy, business and humanitarian policy.
Study with us
Translating and Interpreting
RMIT is a global leader in the provision of community interpreting education, offering one of the most comprehensive translating and interpreting degrees in Australia. Our programs are endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) and meet NAATI’s training requirements which are are essential for working as an interpreter/translator in Australia.
RMIT is able to offer an unparalleled range of languages across our translating and interpreting programs by working with a large team of practitioner-educators. Our graduates from emerging and/or rare languages often become the only nationally credentialled interpreters in their respective languages, providing vital services to their communities.
Some languages we offer include: Amharic, Arabic, Assyrian, Auslan, Burmese, Cantonese, Chaldean, Dari, Deaf Interpreter, Dinka, French, Greek, Hazaragi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Karen, Khmer, Korean, Macedonian, Malay, Maltese, Mandarin, Nuer, Oromo, Persian, Polish, Pashto, Russian, Sinhalese, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tamil, Thai, Tigrinya, Turkish, Vietnamese.
We have partnered with leading language service providers offering a myriad of possibilities for our students in terms of internships, research and future employment opportunities.
Study with us
Language Studies
Why learn a language?
Though English may be a global lingua franca, not everyone speaks it. International business, tourism and immigration mean that we have more global and intercultural encounters than ever before. It has never been more beneficial to learn another language; no matter which one you study, you will gain new perspectives and skills that you might never have otherwise encountered.
Studying a language helps us understand the cultural and historical contexts that shape the information, ideas and customs of other societies. It encourages us to question our “universal truths”: only when faced with a different worldview can we understand our own.
Language helps us understand the relationship between communication and human nature, teaches us to appreciate diversity, and diminishes barriers like fear and distrust.
Travelling in a country where you speak the language can greatly enhance your experience. It also gives you access to a whole new culture: art, music, dance, literature, fashion, cuisine, film, philosophy, and science.
As more companies operate globally than ever before, knowing another language can greatly enhance your employability. Even in small companies, the ability to speak a second language can give you a competitive edge.
Government agencies, NGOs, tourism, engineering, education, law and justice, economics, communications, entertainment, scientific research, and a broad array of service sectors all have needs for people with multilingual skills. Even if a potential client or colleague speaks English, the best way to understand their needs is to speak their language.
Studies have demonstrated the cognitive benefits of learning another language. The known benefits include memory improvement, a longer attention span, and a reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline (such as dementia and Alzheimer’s). It has been linked to increased creativity, analytical skills, and reduced bias in decision-making.
Graduates often cite language subjects as some of the most valuable, referring to their increased ability in problem solving, dealing with abstract concepts, and listening skills. Studying a language can also improve your knowledge of English, your grammar and vocabulary skills.
Which language will you study?
Language courses at RMIT can be studied at either undergraduate or postgraduate level. You can begin your language study at your existing proficiency level, from complete beginner to more advanced (see individual language pages for details about placement tests).
A three-year major in the Bachelor of International Studies (Languages) can be undertaken in Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish. Electives in any RMIT course can be undertaken in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.
We focus on practical and applied language skills to enhance your linguistic and intercultural communication abilities, and to foster your intellectual and cultural engagement with the countries where the language is spoken.
You can undertake a variety of overseas study experiences depending on the structure of your course. These include exchange with partner institutions, study abroad with non-partner institutions, study tours (global intensives), work-based or internship programs, and other short-term programs. Learn more with RMIT Exchange, or head to Mobi to search our exchange partners.
Study with us
Contact
Visit us
Address: 360 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Location: Melbourne City Campus, Building 8, Level 10
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am–5pm
Phone: +61 3 9925 2328
Email address: guss.reception@rmit.edu.au
Postal address
School of Global, Urban and Social Studies
GPO Box 2476
Melbourne, Victoria - 3001
Current student enquiries
Phone: Call +61 3 9925 5000 and select the option to 'Speak to your School' then 'College of Design and Social Context'.
Operating hours: 9am-5pm Mon-Thurs, 10am-5pm Friday excluding public holidays.
Research
Centre for Urban Research: cur@rmit.edu.au
Social Equity Research Centre: serc@rmit.edu.au
People
The School of Global, Urban and Social Studies is led by a team of professionals with knowledge and experience across their fields, including sustainability, language studies, justice, and social work, and more.
