Philosophy

This programme is anchored on and informed by the vision and mission of the University of Nairobi. It seeks to provide quality education in Interpretation training in order to produce qualified competent and competitive graduates who are able to meet the sustainable global development needs. Interpretation influences the day-to-day well-being of society by offering effective mediation in communication where speakers do not share a common language and an Interpreter is therefore a mediator acting to ease communication between users of disparate languages.  Interpretation is thus a tool used for opening up physical and ideological borders to allow users of different languages to pass and receive information for the transaction of business and engagement in all other forms of oral communion.

As the world moves into the future, people are striving to integrate thereby making mediation inevitable and Interpretation a more needed tool to enable communication to take place in linguistic and cultural diversity. There arises the need therefore, to entrench the understanding of the discipline of Interpretation through research and the training of interpreters at a higher academic level, and hence a demand for high caliber trained interpreters who in turn will train others and carry out research in the different aspects of the discipline.

The Master of Arts in Interpretation is an Applied Linguistics programme which centres mainly on impacting the learner with the understanding of theoretical underpinnings on which the practical skills of Interpretation are anchored. For the learners to gain mastery and the necessary competence in the handling these aspects of Interpretation, a bachelors degree is not adequate for their familiarization with the literature and theoretical perspectives needed in order to carry out become appropriate Interpretation. Addressing these issues adequately calls for comprehensive practical coursework in the MA in Interpretation curriculum.

Rationale

The proposed MA in Interpretation is intended to respond to the situation outlined in the philosophy of this course by providing students who wish to undertake masters studies in Interpretation, with an opportunity to delve into the theoretical and practical depths of Interpretation in which they have research interest. The course also gives such students an opportunity to acquire necessary competences and to advance their research and practical skills.

Objectives

The course objectives Include ;

• simultaneous interpretation
• consecutive interpretation and
• video and telephone interpreting.

Different programs offer different tracks, depending on the candidate’s abilities at the time of enrollment.

Schedule of Intakes

The Department admits new students at the beginning of every academic calendar year (which is usually September)

Application Information

You will be required to enter some basic information, including your email address and to choose a password. We will then send you an email to the address you entered, so that we can validate your account. When you have clicked on the validation link (sent to you in the email), you will be able to log in to the application system using the "Login" box below

For instructions on how to apply click here

To apply online here

Mode of Delivery

• Face-to-Face Mode

This is through lectures and tutorials using notes, electronic presentations, instruction manuals, group discussions, practical laboratory demonstrations and fieldwork.

• Open, Distance Learning and e-Learning

In case of delivery through ODeL, special arrangements shall be made for the practical laboratory, field work and computing sessions. Where not feasible alternative arrangements will be made to do them on campus. 

• Blended Learning

This is a hybrid of face to face with Open, Distance Learning and e-learning.

Contact of Support Persons

Deputy Registrar (Postgraduate Studies)

P.O. Box 30197 00100, NAIROBI

Telephone Number: 020 491 0000

E-mail: General correspondence: pg@uonbi.ac.ke

Email: Admission correspondence: pg-admissions@uonbi.ac.ke

Notable Alumni

Okot P'Bitek

Prof. Taban Lolyong

Dr. Arthur Mudogo Kemoli

Prof. Francis Davis Imbuga

Dr. Fred Okengo Matiangi

Prof. Wanjiku Mukabi Kabira

Dr. Henry Chakava

Dr. Eddah Gachukia

Tom Mshindi

Wahome Mutahi Whispers

Micere Githae Mugo

Prof. Ngugi wa Thiong'o

Mwandawiro Mghanga

Dr. Taita Toweett

Prof. Jacqueline Oduol

Prof. Karega Mutahi