Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting and Translation

This 2 year course aims to provide aspiring signed language interpreters and translators for deaf and hearing people with the essential knowledge, understanding and skills for a career in the signed language interpreting and translation professions. The team are mixed of deaf and hearing teachers, guest speakers, RSLI's (Registered Sign Language Interpreters) and RSLT's (Registered Sign Language Translators) throughout the course. The team won't all be together at all times, there will be a timetable of who will do what and when. A copy of Signature Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting and Translation will be sent via email once a place has been offered. 

Part 1

Theories and principles in interpreting and translation

Part 1 covers the underpinning theories and principles of interpreting and translation. It is madatory for all candidates.

Learning outcomes:

1. Analyse and evaluate key theories and principles in interpreting and translation

2. Maintain skills and systems for interpreting and translation tasks

3. Prepare for interpreting and translation assignments

4. Plan and implement continuous professional development

Candidates must successfully complete Part 1 before moving on to Part 2.

Part 2

Undertake professional interpreting and translation assignments

Part 2 covers the practical skills required for professional interpreting and translating and is divided into 4 areas of practice, called 'streams'. Candidates have the option to specialise in 1 or more streams.

Stream 1: Interpret between a spoken and a signed language (optional)

Stream 2: Interpret between two signed languages (optional)

Stream 3: Interpret within the same signed language (relay interpreting) (optional)

Stream 4: Translate between a written and a signed language (optional)

Learning outcomes for all streams:

1. Carry out interpreting tasks as a professional interpreter

2. Work as part of a team of professional interpreters and translators

3. Use technology effectively to perform remote interpreting assignments

4. Carry out translation tasks as a professional translator

5. Evaluate performance as a professional interpreter or translator

Candidates who wish to specialise in more than 1 stream are required to undertake assessments in all the chosen streams. For example; a candidate who wishes to specialise in signed/signed language interpreting and in written/signed language translation must complete the required assessments for both streams.

Language competence requirements

Language 1

The candidate's first language is normally the candidate's first or preferred language. It is the language the candidate can use and understand best, and in which they can most easily express complex language.

Language 2

The candidate's second language is a language of which he/she/they has an excellent understanding and command, but it is not a first or preferred language. 

Modified Language 

The candidate's modified language 1 is a modified or enhanced form of the first language, if the candidate is interpreting within the same signed language. 

The course will take place from January 2024, in person, on one weekend per month for two years. Please note that an interview/assessment day will be required before confirming your place on Sunday 1st October 2023. A £65 fee which is non refundable is required to attend the interview/assessment day which will include feedback via email. 

Dates:

Saturday 10am-5pm 

Sunday 10am-4pm 

The weekend course is once a month 

20th/21st January 2024

17th/18th February 

16th/17th March

20th/21st April

18th/19th May

15th/16th June

20th/21st July 

17th/18th August - 1:1 ONLINE TUTORIAL & HOMEWORK

21st/22nd September

19th/20th October 

16th/17th November

21st/22nd December 

18th/19th January 2025

15th/16th February 

15th/16th March

19th/20th April

17th/18th May

21st/22nd June

19th/20th July

16th/17th August - 1:1 ONLINE TUTORIAL & HOMEWORK

20th/21st September 

18th/19th October

15th/16th November

20th/21st December 

17th/18th January 2026

Part 1 and Part 2 course fee £6,200 including assessment fees. A deposit of £200 is required to secure a place on the course after a place has been offered. There will be a contract for monthly payments of £240

For more information and to book, please contact talkinghandsbsl@gmail.com.