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

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The course

UCAS code
Q196
Duration
4 years
Location
Edinburgh
Delivery type
Full-time

Contact

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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.

Graduates successfully completing all specified components of the course 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 course 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.

Course content

Year 1

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.

Semester 1 

  • BSL Intensive Beginners 1
  • Introduction to Language and Intercultural Studies 

Semester 2 

  • BSL Intensive Beginners 2
  • Introduction to Deaf History and Culture 

Year 2

Students again take two intensive, practically-oriented courses in BSL Advanced (which includes language tuition and an introduction to translation and interpreting skills), and one course each in Deaf People in Society and Comparative Studies, General Linguistics, Sign Linguistics and Working with Deaf Communities.

Semester 1 

  • BSL Advanced 1
  • British Sign Language and Translating 1 
  • Deaf People in Society and Culture and Comparative Studies
  • Sign Linguistics 

Semester 2 

  • BSL Advanced 2
  • British Sign Language and Translating 2 
  • General Linguistics 
  • Working with Deaf Communities 

Year 3

This year is usually spent in two placements, where students work in the signing community with organisations in the field, further developing their language skills and cultural awareness. This placement is self-financed.

As an alternative, in each semester students can opt for a study-abroad placement, to study sign language interpreting or a related subject at one of our partner universities.

Semester 1 

  • Work-based BSL Placement 

Semester 2 

  • Work-based BSL Placement and Research Project 

Year 4

In addition to the Honours dissertation, the honours year includes courses in BSL Proficiency, Advanced Interpreting Skills, Interpreting in the Community, and a final placement course, in which students work closely with professional interpreters.

Semester 1 

  • BSL Proficiency 1
  • Community and Conference Interpreting 
  • Honours Dissertation 1 
  • International and National Deaf Political Studies 

Semester 2 

  • BSL Proficiency 2 
  • Honours Dissertation 2 
  • Interpreting Placement and Conference 

Optional courses for Semester 2 are: 

  • Sustainable Development and the Intercultural Context 
  • Applied Linguistics 2 

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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:

  • 85% are working
  • 0% are studying
  • 10% are working and studying.

Salary

  • The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £23000
  • The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £23000

Potential career paths

  • Artistic, literary and media occupations

Entry requirements

Year 1

Standard entry requirements

  • Highers AABB including main language at A (over two sittings)
  • A-Levels BBC (including main language)
  • Int. Baccalaureate 30 points (with main language at Higher Level 5)
  • BTEC DDM (Main language at A-Level B or equivalent required)
  • HNC B in graded unit (with main language Higher A or A-Level B grade or equivalent)
  • HND BB

Minimum entry requirements*

  • Highers BBBC including main language at B (over two sittings)
  • A-Levels BCC including main language at B

* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish 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
  • 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

Year 2

As our languages courses include a compulsory year abroad at Level 3, the normal entry route for all languages courses is to Year 1 of a four-year honours course. However, candidates with outstanding Advanced Highers or A-Level results may be considered on an individual basis.

Year 3

As our languages courses include a compulsory year abroad at Level 3, the normal entry route for all languages courses is to Year 1 of a four-year honours course. However, candidates with outstanding Advanced Highers or A-Level results may be considered on an individual basis.

Additional information

English language requirements

  • If English is not your first language, you have to show that your English is good enough to succeed on your course. Please see our English language requirements.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2024 entry
Status* Scotland England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland International**
Fee Paid by SAAS £9,250 £18,704

* 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.

** '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). Read more about the application process for EU nationals.

Additional costs

You may incur additional costs in the course of your studies at Heriot-Watt over and above tuition fees in an academic year. Depending on your programme of study, these may include: protective equipment, field trips, professional memberships, studio fees, required course texts or other study resources.

Scholarships and bursaries

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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)
View details about the Heriot-Watt University Bursary

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