MA Interpreting: British Sign Language - English
(we are no longer accepting applications for this programme)
This programme makes a significant contribution to the field of sign language interpreting, both educationally and politically. It is the first established spoken language interpreting programme to have been adapted for the training of British Sign Language - English interpreters.
Why BSL interpreting?
The programme has been designed to meet a clearly identified and urgent need; one which, with the Disability Discrimination Act, can only grow. Signature’s Register of Sign Language Interpreters lists some 400 qualified interpreters in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and it is estimated that, to meet even the current demand for interpreting services, this number would need to increase five-fold. Whenever Deaf people come into contact with statutory and other public services, quality interpreting provision is essential if they are to access those services on a par with their hearing counterparts.
Why CTS@Leeds?
CTS@Leeds has an international reputation in the field of interpreting and translation studies and trains students to interpret between English and some ten different world languages. This course brings the Centre's experience and expertise to the field of British Sign Language - English interpreting.
How is the programme distinctive?
This is a part-time programme over two years. In the first year students attend the University two days per fortnight. The year two attendance pattern is determined by the elective modules chosen. The University's virtual learning environment provides access to lecture materials from off-campus. For some of the teaching, sign language interpreters train alongside spoken language interpreters. The programme establishes the highest level of qualification available in the country.
Career prospects
On completion of the core modules – approximately 18 months into the course – students are eligible to apply for full membership of the Register of Sign Language Interpreters. Graduates go on to work in a wide range of interpreting settings, e.g. legal, ‘Public Service’, education, theatre and television. For more information on how our graduates use their degrees to further their career, please consult the Alumni & Careers pages of this site.