Key information
The MA (Hons) British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) programme will prepare you to work as a British Sign Language (BSL)/English interpreter and translator.
- UCAS code
- Q196
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MA
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
The MA (Hons) British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) prepares you to become a confident, professional British Sign Language (BSL)/English interpreter and translator, while building the advanced BSL skills needed for a range of careers in the Deaf and interpreting sectors.
You’ll move from beginner BSL to professional competence through hands-on interpreting and translation training, grounded in linguistics, communication studies and Deaf Studies.
Work-based learning is embedded throughout all four years, including community engagement with local Deaf organisations, full-time national or international placements, and supervised interpreting experience with experienced interpreters and professional agencies. These placements offer real immersion in Deaf culture and the chance to apply your skills in authentic settings, supported throughout by expert, research active staff.
Graduates who meet the national professional standards can register with NRCPD or the Scottish Register of Language Professionals with the Deaf Community, entering the sector fully prepared for a wide range of rewarding BSL related careers.
Your student experience
Our MA British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) degree is taught by experienced, leading academics who have published the research which shapes their disciplines and written the books which will guide your learning. Our academic team are both deaf and hearing experts – we are proud to have the first deaf professor in the UK.
Many of the academics in this team effectively manage their teaching/research commitments while actively engaging in ongoing professional practice as translators and interpreters. They operate in diverse environments, spanning community settings to high-profile interpreting arenas like international conferences, media, and government contexts.
Additionally, the multilingualism across the team is vast, as many of those teaching directly in the BSL programmes have knowledge and skills communicating in and working in more than one sign language. As in addition to British Sign Language, staff members know Auslan, Albanian Sign Language, American Sign Language, Danish Sign Language, Flemish Sign Language and Indian Sign Language. This knowledge and expertise create a rich learning environment for students, as staff are able to draw on local, national and international experiences to ensure students have a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of various sign languages and cultural nuances supporting their future work in a globalised world.
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Students take two intensive, practically-oriented courses in British Sign Language, one course in Introduction to Deaf History and Culture, one course in Introduction to Languages and Intercultural Studies, and two Elective courses.
Mandatory September
- BSL Intensive Beginners 1
- Introduction to Language and Intercultural Studies
Mandatory January
- BSL Intensive Beginners 2
- Introduction to Deaf History and Culture
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
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Student testimonials
Fraser's story
Graduate, British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) MA (Hons)
The BSL (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) degree at Heriot-Watt gave me the confidence, knowledge, and real-world experience I needed to begin my career in interpreting. The mix of academic theory and practical lessons gave me the skills to start my career as an interpreter.
Lou's story
Graduate, British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) MA (Hons)
Studying BSL at Heriot-Watt was a challenging but rewarding experience that helped me grow both academically and professionally. The supportive environment provided me with the foundations to build my career, leading to my current role as the Scottish Service Lead for Sorenson (UK).
Lucy's story
Student, British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) MA (Hons)
Studying at Heriot-Watt University has provided me with lots of rich opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. This programme is at the forefront of its field in the UK and is taught by industry-leading professionals.
Academic testimonial
This programme is taught by Deaf and hearing qualified interpreters, specialist trainers and internationally respected researchers in interpreting, translation, sociolinguistics and Deaf studies. Drawing on world-leading research and sector expertise, we have designed a course that reflects Heriot-Watt’s strong reputation in BSL and interpreting education.
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,790 |
| International | £20,080 |
- Status: 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.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Standard entry requirements
- Highers BBBB (over two sittings)
- A-Levels BBC
- International Baccalaureate 30 points
- BTEC Extended Diploma DMM
- HNC B in graded unit
- HND BB
Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
Minimum entry requirements *
- Highers BBBC (over two sittings)
- A-Levels BCC
- International Baccalaureate 30 points
- BTEC Extended Diploma MMM
- HNC B in graded unit
- HND BC / CB
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish and Rest of UK status students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) or POLAR4 Quintile 1 regions (RUK)
- or are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Employability
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Potential career paths
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