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Translation Programs

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Note: This is the 2021–2022 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .

Translation Programs

We offer two unique translation programs:

  1. Certificate in Translation (English to French): a 30-credit, undergraduate-level program. Courses are offered evenings, and courses are offered remotely. (39 hours).
  2. Graduate Diploma in Legal Translation: a 30-credit, graduate-level program. Courses are offered evenings and online (39 hours).
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2021-2022 (last updated Apr. 22, 2021) (disclaimer)

Certificate in Translation

Certificate in Translation (30 credits) (English to French)

This certificate program is designed to provide students with the fundamentals of translation.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2021-2022 (last updated Apr. 22, 2021) (disclaimer)

Translation Programs: General Academic Requirements

Translation Programs: General Academic Requirements

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Certificate Program in Translation:

  1. Students must possess native or near-native command of the languages of study (emphasis will be placed on written skills);
  2. Students must pass an Entrance Examination;
  3. Students must hold a CEGEP diploma (DEC or equivalent);
  4. Students 21 years of age and over who do not have the normal academic background for admission may be admitted as Mature students.

Admission Procedures

Admission Procedures

Residency Requirements and Advanced Standing

Residency Requirements and Advanced Standing

Students are required to complete at least 70% of the total program requirements at McGill University. Advanced Standing of up to 9 credits may be awarded for successfully completed equivalent study done at the university level, within the last five years. Students are permitted to be away from the program for no more than one year without reapplying.

Time Limits

Time Limits

The program must normally be completed within four years of admission. Students exceeding the time limit may request an extension, in writing, which may be granted under special circumstances, with the approval of the Translation Studies unit.

Academic Standing Requirements

Academic Standing Requirements

  1. Students are required to obtain a minimum grade of B- in each course in the program;
  2. Students who have more than one unsatisfactory grade in the program will be required to withdraw from the program;
  3. In order to be eligible for the certificate, students must obtain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 over 4.0 in the program (to be calculated over all courses including unsatisfactory grades and failures);
  4. Students must attend at least 2/3 of all lectures.

Second Certificate

Second Certificate

Students having completed the Certificate in Translation, and wishing to complete a second certificate in another language of specialization, will be granted a maximum of 9 credits (three courses) Advanced Standing for duplicate courses already completed.

Special Students

Special Students

  1. Special Students may take courses in the program provided they have passed the Entrance Examination. Please consult School of Continuing Studies > Getting Started > Admission Requirements > Special Student Status for further information pertaining to Special Students.
  2. Special Students, although not formally admitted to the program, are expected to demonstrate seriousness of academic purpose. Special Students are permitted to repeat the same course only once.
  3. Special Students taking courses in the Certificate in Translation program will be governed by the Academic Standing Requirements mentioned in Translation Programs: General Academic Requirements.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2021-2022 (last updated Apr. 22, 2021) (disclaimer)

Certificate (Cert.) Translation: English to French Option (30 credits)

The Certificate in Translation (English to French) aims to meet the industry needs for professionally trained translators in Canada. A review of the normative uses of language and the problems of translation will be followed by the translation of texts in a variety of fields currently in high demand, as well as an in-depth examination of ethical standards, and...

For more information, see Certificate (Cert.) Translation: English to French Option (30 credits).

Graduate Diploma in Legal Translation

Graduate Diploma in Legal Translation

Set yourself apart in the legal and business communities with specialized skills in legal translation.

The Graduate Diploma in Legal Translation is a fully online program designed to equip learners and working professionals to draft, write, and translate documents in multilingual environments. With access to digital tools, modern techniques, and experienced instructors, you'll emerge with the knowledge and practical skills to make an immediate contribution to the organization of your choice.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2021-2022 (last updated Apr. 22, 2021) (disclaimer)

Graduate Diploma in Legal Translation: General Academic Requirements

Graduate Diploma in Legal Translation: General Academic Requirements

The Graduate Diploma in Legal Translation is a 30-credit, fully online, graduate-level program designed to meet the need for professionally trained legal translators and jurilinguists in Canada in both the public and private sectors, not only in translation, but also in revision, co-writing of legal texts, and consultancy in legal aspects of language in multiple professional settings. Principles and practices encountered in jurilinguistics, as well as legal translation in key sectors in high demand. Computer-aided translation tools are an integral part of the curriculum, as is an internship or an applied research project. The program can be completed in two years (six continuous semesters – fall/winter/summer). The maximum time for finishing the program is four years. Fall and winter entry options are offered.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Graduate Diploma in Legal Translation:

  1. Applicants must pass the online Entrance Examination for the Graduate Diploma in Legal Translation
  2. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree or graduate degree, or its equivalent, in Translation, Law or a related discipline for which faculty approval rests with the School of Continuing Studies. A minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 OR a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0, in the last two years of full-time academic studies.*

    * If your CGPA is lower than the above requirement, please submit the following for consideration with your application and official transcript.

    a) Letter of Intent: A letter, one to two pages in length, single-spaced, written in English or French, which addresses the following:

    • basis for interest in the program;
    • your knowledge that would be pertinent to the program;
    • your interest in the field of study and the reasons for applying to our program;
    • plans for integrating the training into your current or future career;
    • a description of your professional experience and its relevance, if applicable, to the program;
    • awards received or other contributions;
    • any additional information relevant to your application.
    b) Curriculum Vitae

    c) Two Letters of Reference: At least one should be from a current or former employer.

    Supporting documents should be delivered to:

    • Client Services Office
    • Admissions & Convocation
    • School of Continuing Studies
    • 688 Sherbrooke Street West, Room 1125
    • Montreal QC H3A 3R1 Canada
  3. If you have studied outside of Canada, you are strongly advised to request an evaluation of your degree called Évaluation comparative des études effectuées hors du Québec, from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l'Inclusion. For further details, you may contact their office at 514-864-9191 or visit them on the web at .

    If you have completed an undergraduate degree from a recognized university outside of Canada and are applying to this program for which a minimum CGPA is required, please visit www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/international/apply/equivalency for information about international degree equivalencies.

Admission Procedures

Admission Procedures

Residency Requirements and Advanced Standing

Residency Requirements and Advanced Standing

Students are required to complete at least 21 credits in the program at McGill University. Advanced Standing of up to 9 credits may be awarded for successfully completed equivalent study done at the university level, within the last five years. Students are permitted to be away from the program for no more than one year without reapplying.

Time Limits

Time Limits

The program must normally be completed within four (4) years of admission. Students exceeding the time limit may request an extension, in writing, which may be granted under special circumstances, with the approval of the Translation Studies unit.

Academic Standing Requirements

Academic Standing Requirements

  1. Students are required to obtain a minimum grade of B- in each course in the program. This is an accordance with the grading system common to graduate-level programs in the University. For further details, see University Regulations and Resources;
  2. Students may repeat the same course once;
  3. Students who have more than one unsatisfactory grade in the program will be required to withdraw from the program;
  4. Students must attend at least 2/3 of all lectures.

Special Students

Special Students

Special Students may register by department approval only and must meet the minimum requirements to register for courses. A Special Student takes regular credit courses, but is not recognized as working toward the Graduate Diploma. Special Student status is limited to four (4) Graduate Diploma courses in a program. Students are encouraged to apply to the program before completing four (4) courses.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2021-2022 (last updated Apr. 22, 2021) (disclaimer)

Graduate Diploma (Gr. Dip.) Legal Translation (30 credits)

The Graduate Diploma in Legal Translation is a 30-credit graduate-level program designed to meet the need for professionally trained legal translators and jurilinguists in Canada in both the public and private sectors, not only in translation, but also in revision, co-writing of legal texts, and consultancy in legal aspects of language in multiple professional...

For more information, see Graduate Diploma (Gr. Dip.) Legal Translation (30 credits).

Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec

Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec

The Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec is an order with a reserved title representing more than 2100 members, all of whom are certified language professionals.

As part of its mandate to protect the public, the Order has adopted the following mission: to ensure and promote the competence and professionalism of its members in the fields of translation, terminology, and interpretation.

Those wishing to apply for admission as students should contact the admission secretary at 514-845-4411, ext. 1221.

For enquiries about the certification process, please contact the certification coordinator at 514-845-4411 , ext. 1231.

  • OTTIAQ
  • 2021 Union Avenue, Suite 1108
  • Montreal QC H3A 2S9
  • Telephone: 514-845-4411
  • Fax: 514-845-9903
  • Email: info [at] ottiaq.org
  • Website:
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2021-2022 (last updated Apr. 22, 2021) (disclaimer)
School of Continuing Studies—2021-2022 (last updated Apr. 22, 2021) (disclaimer)
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