Overview
The Specialist Certificate in Digital Translation equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to thrive in today’s technology-driven economy. The specialist certificate introduces translation technologies, including machine translation, computer-aided translation (CAT) and localisation, and trains students to integrate these tools into professional workflows. Through hands-on practice with industry-standard software, students learn to evaluate the benefits and limitation of translation technologies.
Students will build a solid foundation in translating diverse forms of media: print, digital, social, visual and performative. By adapting to the distinct features of each, they develop trans-editing and transcreation skills, gain practical training on subtitling and game localisation, and cultivate a keen awareness of technical requirements, cultural references, character voice and accessibility for special-needs audiences.
The specialist certificate also trains students to apply AI in translating specialised texts in law, medicine, science, and technology. With a focused training on terminology management, quality assurance and AI prompt design, students acquire in-demand expertise in machine translation post-editing, combining human creativity with digital efficiency to deliver high-quality translations.
Curriculum
The specialist certificate consists of 4 courses, which can be completed within 1 year.
Eligibility
The specialist certificate is open to CET students as well as students enrolled in an undergraduate programme.
- At least 18 years of age.
- GCE A-Level with two passes (prior to 2006) or two H2 passes (from 2006), local polytechnic diploma, International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, or NUS High School diploma.
- Applicants with a ITE diploma or other diploma qualifications plus an acceptable SAT or ACT (with writing) score may be considered for admission on a case by case basis.
- If not, at least 5 GCE O-Level passes and an interview.
Fees
Please click here for the course fees. SkillsFuture Credit and other schemes may be used to offset the course fees.
The application fee is $60 (before GST) for first-time CET applications, which is non-refundable.
Completion
To attain the specialist certificate, students need to pass all the courses. Students are encouraged to complete all the courses within 3 years.
Upon meeting the requirements, CET students can apply for the certificate and go on to pursue BA Translation and Interpretation. Only courses with at least a C grade can stack towards the bachelor's degree.
Students enrolled in BA Translation and Interpretation will be automatically issued the certificate upon meeting the requirements.
Certification
Upon completing the specialist certificate, Students can take the Certification Examination for Professional Translators (CEPT). Those who pass the examination will be certified as ‘Accredited Professional Translator’.
You May Also Want to Consider
Specialist Certificate in Chinese Language and Translation
Enhances students’ competence in Chinese language while cultivating the ability to critically analyse major Chinese literary and non-literary genres.
Specialist Certificate in Cultural Translation
Equips students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for professional translation between Chinese and English, with a focus on culture and literature.
Specialist Certificate in Professional Interpreting
Only programme in Singapore that offers specialised training in conference interpreting in a state-of-the-art interpreting laboratory.