British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies), MA (Hons)

About British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies), MA (Hons) - at Heriot-Watt University

In this programme 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 programme focuses on practical and applied language skills, interpreting and translating skills, communication studies, linguistics, translation and interpreting studies and Deaf studies. Uniquely in this programme during year 3 students can either undertake full-time, compulsory placements working in the UK signing community with organisations in the field (self-financed), or study abroad at one of our partner universities. 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.

Graduates successfully completing all specified components of the programme are able to 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.)

Entry to the programme is open to applicants with or without previous BSL experience.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI).

Accredited by the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) for the purpose of fulfilling the educational requirements to become a Registered Sign Language Interpreter.

Employability

Work and study

This is what our MA (Hons) British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) students are doing six months after graduating:

• 79% are working
• 16% are studying
• 0% are working and studying.

Managerial/professional position

• 85% of those working are in a professional/managerial position six months after graduating.

Salary

• The average salary of students six months after graduating: £19000
• The average UK salary of students six months after graduating from a similar course: £18000

Jobs

These are the most common jobs students go into six months after graduating:

• Artistic, literary and media occupations
• Business and public service associate professionals
• Secretarial and related occupations
• Childcare and related personal services
• Teaching and educational professionals
• Business, research and administrative professionals
• Managers, directors and senior officials
• Welfare professionals
• Sales occupations
• Customer service occupations

Notes about fees for this course

Status*Scotland / EU**England / Northern Ireland / WalesInternationalFeePaid by SAAS £9,250 £14,200

* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.

** European Union countries, not including England, Northern Ireland or Wales.

Scholarships and bursaries

Featured scholarships

Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales starting undergraduate degree courses in 2018

In addition to government maintenance loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:

• Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
• Heriot-Watt Academic Scholarship (£1,000 per year)

View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.

Entry requirements

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Related Information

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