The Bachelor of Arts programme in Chinese-English Translation and Interpretation, offered by Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI), has been positively reviewed by the Academic Quality Agency for New Zealand Universities (AQA). This marks the first degree programme in the field of translation and interpretation to be internationally reviewed in Macao. The review panel commended the programme’s teaching quality, research development and student support services. This lays a solid foundation for further enhancement of the programme's provision of student learning opportunities.

MPI's School of Languages and Translation invited the AQA in September of last year to conduct a comprehensive review of the programme. Aligning itself with international practices, this review considered the programme’s structure, teaching quality, student assessment methods, learning outcomes, faculty composition, research engagements, student support, graduates’ employability, and employers’ satisfaction. In addition to scrutinising the self-review reports and relevant documentation, the review panel had a site visit earlier this year. The panel members inspected the teaching and learning facilities, and interviewed nearly 80 students, faculty members, administrative colleagues, graduates and their employers. The review report was released recently and stated that the programme “conformed to best scholarly practice for degrees in this subject area as well as meeting the particular needs of the local market”.

Macao Polytechnic Institute is one of Macao's higher education institutions with the longest history of offering translation programmes since 1905, and has since then played a crucial role in training translators and interpreters for Macao and neighbouring regions. Graduates of MPI’s translation programmes have earned a good reputation among employers. The Bachelor of Arts programme in Chinese-English Translation and Interpretation offered by MPI aligns itself with international standards and has a practical focus. Apart from formal training, the programme encourages students to participate in regional and international speaking, translation and interpreting contests at which they have won numerous awards, a recent example being the Regional Championship of the 5th All China Interpreting Contest (ACIC). The comprehensive review conducted by the AQA at this time provides the programme with a wider prospect for further development and enhancement, nurturing yet more globally competitive language professionals.

The review panel met with MPI President
Professor Lei Heong Iok.

The review panel inspected MPI’s library resources.