Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting & Translation
"Our Experiences, Your Qualification, Your Career"
COURSE CONTENT
This course allows learners to study with the aim of becoming either a BSL/English Interpreter, an intralingual interpreter (often referred to as relay interpreter, working in BSL for those who require modified language) or a translator. The course is open for both hearing and Deaf people. Successful completion of the course and passing of the qualification will allow learners to register with NRCPD as either RSLI (registered sign language interpreter) or as RSLT (registered sign language translator).
‘Culture’ is the heart of everything we teach. You are not just learning about languages and interpreting. You are learning everything you need to know.
We will be signing throughout the course – the better BSL you have, the better you interpret!
Learners will be taught Advanced Skills in BSL – which will enable learners to apply specialized BSL in interpreting practice.
Learners will not just study the minimum standard requirements, but study all aspects of interpreting so they can be reassured that, when qualified, they have a thorough understanding of what is required in various situations. Therefore with us, we will take you beyond the minimum standard required.
Signworld holds the training over a full weekend, once a month. Training is held in Bristol, although given the rise of remote working, some training sessions may be held online, depending on the size of the group, the topic and any government guidelines.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Level 6 qualification in BSL
- Level 6 English Language or equivalent
- Level 4 English Language or equivalent for Deaf Relays
- Pass the interview and skills required
If you don’t hold a formal English qualification, you will need to demonstrate your use of English (you must have a good level of literacy to be able to read and understand the course materials as well as written work).
PROGRESSION
After you have completed the Signature Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting and Translation course, you can register with the NRCPD as a Registered Sign Language Interpreter/Translator and start working as a qualified sign language interpreter/Relay/Translator.
You will also be eligible for full membership of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters (MASLI) and Visual Language Professionals (MVLP).
ASSESSMENTS
There are a total of 17 assessments spread across the two parts. There are 5 assessments in Part 1 and 12 assessments in Part 2. All assessments in Part 1 involve written coursework.
In Part 2, there are a total of 6x internal assessments and 6x external assessments.
The Signature Diploma is split into two parts. Part 1 consists of the underpinning theory and knowledge of working in the field of interpreting/translation. It also comprises the majority of the written work required for the qualification.
Signworld runs Part 1 of the course of 15 months to allow learners to really embed the key principles of working as a language professional, and to acquire a range of tools and strategies to work in the real world. At the end of Part 1, Signworld will assess learners against the standards to register as TSLI/TSLT (trainee interpreter/trainee translator). Once learners have completed Part 1 and have registered as trainees, they are able to move onto Part 2.
PART 1 ASSESSMENTS
1. 3,000-word essay (including in-text citations)
2. Business plan (detailing systems and processes in place to do business)
3. Glossary
4. 4x evidence of preparing for interpreting assignments, including evidence of preparing for co-working assignments, 1-way interpreting, 2-way interpreting and sight translation
5. Professional Development Plan and reflective journals
In Part 2, you will continue to practice your skills throughout the course and will have workshops to provide you with the opportunity to focus on the skills required for each assessment.
Part 2 comprises the skills assessments that are required to completed the qualification. These take place over a series of weekends. In total there are 12 assessments. 6 are marked and assessed internally, with the remaining 6 assessed externally by Signature.
PART 2 ASSESSMENTS
There are a total of 12 assessments; across all the 3 streams (BSL/English Interpreting, Translation & Relay Interpreting).
For BSL/English Interpreting, there are a total of 6x internal assessments of one-way and two-way interpreting, 4x external assessments of one-way and two-way interpreting and 2x sight translations (externally assessed).
For Translation, there are a total of 6x internal assessments of BSL-Eng and Eng-BSL translations, 4x BSL-Eng and Eng-BSL external translation assessments and 2x Sight Translation (externally assessed)
For Relay Interpreting, there are there are a total of 6x internal assessments of one-way and two-way interpreting, 4x external assessments of one-way and two-way interpreting and 2x sight translations (externally assessed).
BSL / English Interpreting assessments
Translation assessments
Relay Interpreting assessments
COURSE DATES & TIMES
October 2024 - December 2025
Saturday and Sunday 09:30 - 16:30 once a month
19/20 October 2024
9/10 November 2024
7/8 December 2024
11/12 January 2025
8/9 February 2025
8/9 March 2025
12/13 April 2025
10/11 May 2025
21/22 June 2025
12/13 July 2025
27/28 September 2025
18/19 October 2025
8/9 November 2025
6/7 December 2025
Saturday and Sunday once a month 09:30 – 16:30
13/14 January 2024
10/11 February 2024
2/3 March 2024
13/14 April 2024
22/23 June 2024
13/14 July 2024
FEES
Part 1: £3,600 (inc. VAT and assessment fees)
Monthly: £250 per month x 12 months
£600 deposit required to reserve your place (this will be subtracted from the total cost)
Fees include awarding body assessment fees and access to Moodle. Monthly Direct Debit payment plan comes as standard. Our fees are always all-inclusive so there are never any unexpected costs!
Part 2: £2,700 (inc. VAT and assessment fees)
Monthly: £270 per month x 10 months
Fees include awarding body assessment fees and access to Moodle. Monthly Direct Debit payment plan comes as standard. Our fees are always all-inclusive so there are never any unexpected costs!
Please note: Applicants who have completed Part 1 with a different Centre, will need to contact cherry@signworldinterpreting.com and arrange for a formal assessment and provide evidence of completion of Part 1.
Useful Documents