The M.A. in Conference Interpreting provides you a solid grounding in Interpretation Theory and over 300 hours of hands-on training in inbound and outbound interpreting. The program reflects the way conference interpretation is practiced today. It is taught by faculty with extensive experience as professional interpreters in national and international organizations.
- View the online course catalog for the MACI
About the Program
Students in the M.A. in Conference Interpreting program develop essential skills including:
- Sight Translation, Liaison, Consecutive & Simultaneous Interpreting
- Critical thinking
- Summarizing for interpretation
- Intercultural communication
- Locating key linguistic resources needed for specialized interpreting assignments such as medical, legal and technical conferences
- Language fluency and decision-making through interpreting assignments and special language-enhancement master classes.
Opportunities are also available for students to engage in peer research projects under the supervision of our faculty and participate as working interpreters in simulated conferences.
Strengths of the MACI Program
Students in the program benefit from:
- Practice on a wide range of material such as speeches, presentations and webinars on a rich variety of topics, including EU, international politics, business, law, and medicine.
- Over 300 hours of interpreting practice.
- Faculty mentoring and personal support for academic and professional development.
- Career counseling and networking opportunities through the Career Development Office during and after completing the program.
- Cooperation with the Terminology Coordination Unit of the European Parliament on terminology projects.
Cooperation with the Model European Union Strasbourg (MEUS) project, an immersive, inclusive and engaging simulation of the European Union legislative process. Conference interpreting students from different European universities are eligible to offer pro bono interpreting services during the event.
Degree & Admission Requirements
You will need to complete a total of 10 courses plus a Thesis to earn the Master of Arts in Conference Interpreting [MACI]. The duration of the program is 12 months. An academic year includes two semesters, each semester running for 15 weeks. Successful completion of the program will require a total of 33 credits. 10 courses (30 credits) and 1 thesis (3 credits). Consult the Hellenic American University website for a detailed list and description of courses in the degree program.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the required documents for admission, candidates who are applying for the Master of Arts in Conference Interpreting (MACI) programs must also submit the following:
Evidence of Second Foreign Language or Greek Language Proficiency; this can include:
- An undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution in which the second foreign language is the language of instruction
- Equivalent certificate of proficiency for the second foreign language (if involved)
- Equivalent certificate of proficiency for the Greek language (for non-Greek citizens)
Other evidence of proficiency will be reviewed individually.
Applicants to the MACI Program also need to take an oral test conducted by interpreters and interpreting instructors. In this test the candidate will be asked to do a sight translation, that is, to read a text from the source language simultaneously into the target language.
For a detailed view of the program and course descriptions, see the course catalog for the MACI.
Career Options
The structure and content of the program are fully tailored to meet the needs of aspiring interpreters who wish to pursue a career as permanent staff or freelance interpreters in national and European institutions and public services. Also, graduates of the MACI program can pursue an interpreting career with media organizations and agencies specializing in conference organization.