About MA (hons) British Sign Language (interpreting, Translating And Applied Language Studies) in Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh

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.)

Employability

Managerial/professional position

• 70% of those working are in a professional/managerial position six months after graduating.

Salary

• The average salary of students six months after graduating: £20000
• The average UK salary of students six months after graduating from a similar course: £19000

Jobs

These are the most common jobs students go into six months after graduating:

• Business and public service associate professionals
• Artistic, literary and media occupations
• Business, research and administrative professionals
• Administrative occupations
• Teaching and educational professionals

Academic qualification equivalents

• Students who have successfully completed Standard XII examinations will be considered for entry onto our undergraduate degrees across the full disciplinary spectrum.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS :6.0
• TOEFL IBT: 80
• PTE: 50-57

Heriot-Watt University Highlights

Heriot-Watt University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

International students applying through UCAS can find their exact tuition expenses by submitting the Fee Status Enquiry form. The cost of living will be determined by the course opted as well as the applicant's nationality. Edinburgh has a comparatively lower cost than other UK cities. Estimate cost of living on and off-campus for UK Campuses is tabulated below: 

Living in a rented flat may vary according to the type of accommodation and facilities being availed. The estimated monthly cost including food and travel is £923.