MA/PGDip British Sign Language/English Interpreting and Translation

University of Lancashire

Become a registered qualified interpreter or translator with our two-year PGDip in British Sign Language/English Interpreting and Translation. You can choose to continue your studies to master’s level to get an MA.British Sign Language (BSL) is the sign language used in the UK to communicate with Deaf or hard-of-hearing people. It is a language of space and movement using the hands, body, face and head. There are approximately 70,000 Deaf people in the UK whose preferred language is BSL.This course will enable you to apply your knowledge and skills in strategies for planning, delivering and reviewing your own professional interpreting work. It offers interpreters a structured career and professional development route. This enables those currently practising to improve their skills and achieve not only a postgraduate qualification, but also nationally recognised qualification status.Our postgraduate BSL/English course aims to produce practitioners with high order interpreting skills. You will be able to interpret between Deaf people whose first or preferred language is BSL and the many hearing people with whom they interact.You'll study the theory of language, linguistics and culture so you can understand the various client groups’ language choices and interact appropriately with them.Once you have completed the two year PGDip, there is the option to study at master's level with our additional one-year MA top-up component.Why study with usThe course is taught over weekends, one weekend every other month for two years.Register and work as a professional British Sign Language interpreter after successfully completing the course.The course is delivered in either BSL or English, depending on the module content.Future careersSuccessful British Sign Language/English Interpreting and Translation students will be eligible to register and work as a professional British Sign Language/English interpreter.You could teach and assess others, sign at theatre productions or television performances, or move into research.You could also become self-employed and work freelance.