Overview
In this course British Sign Language (BSL) is studied to professional level. Students are trained to work as BSL/English Interpreters and Translators and to use BSL proficiently in related professional areas.
The course focuses on practical and applied language skills, interpreting and translating skills, communication studies, linguistics, translation and interpreting studies and Deaf studies. Uniquely in this course during year 3, students are placed full time with signing organisations in the UK or at one of our International partner universities. (Please note that BSL placements are self-financed and students may be required to undertake placements anywhere in the UK.)
In year four students have the additional opportunity to work closely with professional interpreters in real-life situations on placement, gaining vital work-place experience. Accredited by the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)
Graduates successfully completing all specified components of the course can register as full Members of the Register of Sign Language Interpreters with NRCPD, the national registration body in the UK for sign language interpreting, and with SASLI, the Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters. (NB to be eligible for full registration with SASLI, students must achieve a minimum of grade D for all Level 4 courses.)
Employability
Work and study
This is what our MA (Hons) British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) students are doing 15 months after graduating:
- 65% are working
- 10% are studying
- 10% are working and studying.
In highly skilled work
- 70% of those are in highly skilled work 15 months after graduating.
Salary
- The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £19000
- The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £22000
Jobs
These are the most common jobs students go into 15 months after graduating:
- Artistic, literary and media occupations
- Business and public service associate professionals
- Teaching and educational professionals