A record number of graduate students have been welcomed to Hamad bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Translation and Interpreting Institute (TII). Orientation events were organised for the Class of 2016 students who are enrolled in TII’s already established MA in Translation Studies programme (MATS) and its inaugural MA in Audiovisual Translation programme (MAAT).
This year the number of students admitted at TII has doubled with 24 students enrolled in the MATS programme and 13 in the new MAAT programme. The student body is composed of Qatar-based candidates of different nationalities, as well as three new international students from the United States, Belarus, and the Ukraine.
“The MA programmes are the first two among a suite of specialised programmes that TII is set to offer. The MA programmes qualify graduates to pursue a PhD degree in Translation Studies and Interpreting as well as giving them the skills necessary to pursue translation as a profession at the highest level,” explained Dr Amal Mohammed Al Malki, Executive Director of TII.
During orientation, the students were introduced to faculty members and professors, who provided them with brief insights into coursework details and related academic activities. Mounir Ouanaimi, Director of the TII Language Center, explained the support that the Language Center offers all MA students in terms of Academic Writing support via a dedicated course and a writing clinic.
Asaad Kahlout, Director of Professional Services Center (PSC), detailed the vocational opportunities that are granted to students. PSC offers internship opportunities, practical guidance and career development advice, along with access to the workshops organised for the benefit of translation professionals. The internship training offered covers a range of sectors from technology, to engineering to sports to economics and politics.
“PSC staff is committed to inspiring, engaging and challenging students to strive toward excellence in their academic and professional career,” Kahlout said.
The newly admitted students were then given a visit to the library where students were introduced to the librarian, Elizabeth Thompson and handed their library login codes. These codes provide access to TII’s specialized print and digital collections and, in addition, to Qatar Nationals Library’s growing digital resources.
This was followed by the opportunity to meet with TII’s alumni and current students where they were able to engage in conversations about academic and campus life at HBKU.
The Peninsula
