Taught course

British Sign Language/ English Interpreting and Translation

Institution
University of Central Lancashire · School of Psychology and Humanities
Qualifications
PGDip

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold at least 2:2 degree in related subject.

Intermediate level British Sign Language skills such as SIGNATURE or equivalent.
Applicant must show potential to achieve postgraduate level academic performance.
Applicant must show potential to function as a competent member of the target work-force.
Completed a postgraduate diploma.
A detailed admissions procedure will be forwarded on application.

Months of entry

January

Course content

Become a competent interpreter with our PGDip in British Sign Language/ English Interpreting and Translation.

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 that enables those currently practising to improve their skills and achieve not only a postgraduate diploma, but also nationally recognised qualification status.

The overall aim of this postgraduate course is to produce practitioners with high order interpreting skills who will be able to interpret between Deaf people whose first or preferred language is BSL and the many hearing people with whom they interact.

The course includes theoretically based knowledge of language, linguistics and culture required in order to understand the various client groups’ language choices and interact appropriately with them.

Why study with us

  • The course is taught over weekends, one weekend every other month for two years.
  • Successful completion of the course will enable you to register and work as a Professional British Sign Language interpreter.

What you'll do

  • Allows you to fit work around your studies on a part-time, distance-learning course.
  • Those who successfully complete the PGDip are eligible to apply to the top-up MA.
  • Learn through a range of teaching strategies, including formal lectures, seminars, language laboratory work, small-group activities, role-play, workshops, distance learning and individual tutorials as appropriate.

Learning and assessment

The PGDip course comprises 12 two-day blocks (contact time) over a two-year period. Except in exceptional circumstances, you will be expected to be working as BSL/English interpreters or doing some type of communication support for Deaf people whilst attending the course.

Only through such contact and practice will you be able to develop the level of competence required and have the opportunity to collect the necessary evidence to complete your portfolio.

You’ll have access to our Deaf Studies Language Laboratory and take part in work-based interpreting assignments, classroom-based lectures, workshops, seminars and online discussions.

Throughout the course you’ll undertake written assignments, BSL presentations, self-evaluations and Personal Development Planning (PDP) as well as audio-visual interpreting of evidence in live and simulated settings.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • PGDip
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    • Distance learningis available for this qualification

Those who successfully complete the PGDip are eligible to apply to the top-up MA.  

Course contact details

Name
Course Enquiries
Email
cenquiries@uclan.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)1772 892400