Deaf Interpreter Development Programme

Deaf Interpreter Development Programme

Upcoming courses:
One weekend a month, 9 September 2023 - 19 July 2026
Last Updated: 18-04-23

At a glance:

Level 6 (RQF)
Open to deaf native BSL signers
3 years (1 weekend per month)
Leads to RSLI & RSLT with NRCPD
Covers both interpreting and translation
London venue
£3,000 per year (inc. VAT and exam fees)

Course content

The Deaf Interpreter Development Programme (DIDP) course is open to deaf native and first language BSL signers who would like to pursue a career as a qualified sign language interpreter or translator. You will achieve the Signature Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting and Translation qualification, specialising in intralingual interpreting and translation. This course leads to Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI) and Registered Sign Language Translator (RSLT) status with the NRCPD. This is currently the only course of its kind in the UK.

This course recognises the value and expertise that deaf native signers bring to the sign language interpreting and translation profession, and aims to encourage more deaf people to consider a career as a sign language interpreter or translator.

We have developed the DIDP course based on our extensive experience in the interpreting, translation and training fields. The course is made up of 420 hours of guided learning and 420 hours of independent learning spread over 3 years. This is an intensive programme and requires your full commitment.

This course will take you from little or no knowledge of sign language interpreting to Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI) and Registered Sign Language Translator (RSLT) status. You must already hold a Level 6 BSL qualification or have completed our Interpreting Foundations course.

You will be able to register as a Trainee Sign Language Interpreter (TSLI) and/or Trainee Sign Language Translator (TSLT) in the second year of this course (subject to you also meeting all other requirements set out by the NRCPD).
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
The first year is made up of 120 hours of guided learning hours and 120 hours of structured independent study (total 240 hours). The guided learning sessions are divided into 10 x 12-hour sessions over a weekend once a month over 10 months. This is followed by an additional 12 hours of structured independent study per month, which is completed through our e-learning platform.

In the first year, you will develop your knowledge, understanding and skills in the following areas:
ModuleTopics covered
Academic EnglishYou will develop your reading and writing skills in English, focusing specifically on academic English. You will study the grammar of the English language, practise reading and writing skills, learn academic research skills, academic referencing and essay writing. This module will give you a good foundation in academic and research skills to be able to deal with the level of academic study required for this qualification.
Theories and principles in interpreting and translation studiesYou will be introduced to a wide variety of key theoretical frameworks in interpreting and translation studies, such as functionalist theories, ethical models and the role of the interpreter and translator. It will introduce you to some of the current principles and issues in the public service interpreting and translation professions, with a focus on signed language interpreting and translation, and will encourage you to think critically about your own practice by applying a range of theoretical frameworks. You will also discuss ethical dilemmas that may arise during interpreting assignments.
Maintain skills and systems for interpreting tasksYou will understand the importance of maintaining interpreting and language skills as a professional interpreter and you will critically evaluate a range of systems to help you maintain your professional skills. As most sign language interpreters and translators are self-employed/freelance, you will learn about the requirements and demands of working as a freelance interpreter/translator, including practical business administration skills, the importance of maintaining good relationships with clients and how to find and charge appropriately for interpreting work.
Prepare for interpreting assignmentsYou will learn about the importance of preparing for interpreting assignments, applying key theories in interpreting and translation studies to plan and prepare appropriately for assignments. You will be able to assess your own ability to undertake, and accept, interpreting assignments, as well as plan and prepare for assignments as part of a team of interpreters. You will learn about the importance of maintaining a glossary for domains you regularly work in. You will critically evaluate and apply a range of preparation strategies and you will produce evidence of preparing for 4 assignments.
Plan and implement continuous professional developmentYou will work with your professional supervisor to plan your development points over the course of your studies. You will create, maintain and update a Professional Development Plan throughout your studies. Your plan will be informed by trends, developments and good practice in the sign language interpreting/translation profession as well as your own evaluation of your gaps in knowledge, skills and competence. You will have regular meetings with your supervisor to review your PDP (required to maintain your TSLI registration).
Introduction to interpretingThis is a practical module where you will practise interpreting between BSL and Modified BSL. You will be encouraged to critically analyse your own interpreting by applying relevant theories in interpreting and translation studies. You will be introduced to consecutive and simultaneous interpreting and you will be taught interpreting techniques, including note-taking skills. You will practice both one-way and two-way interpreting, working with English, BSL and Modified BSL. This module will also introduce you to some of the main domains that interpreters work in.
Introduction to translationThis is a practical module where you will practise translating between English and BSL. You will be encouraged to critically analyse your own translating by applying relevant theories in interpreting and translation studies. You will be introduced to text translation, sight and immediate translation, in-vision translation and subtitling.
The second year is made up of 120 hours of guided learning hours and 120 hours of structured independent study (total 240 hours). The guided learning sessions (including assessment time) are divided into 10 x 12 hour sessions over a weekend once a month over 10 months. This is followed by an additional 12 hours of structured independent study per month, which is completed through our e-learning platform.

In the second year, you will develop your knowledge, understanding and skills in the following areas:
ModuleTopics covered
Theoretical principles in interpreting and translation

You will continue to study and consolidate your knowledge of a wide variety of key theoretical frameworks in interpreting and translation studies, such as functionalist theories, ethical models and the role of the interpreter and translator. It will introduce you to some of the current principles and issues in the public service interpreting and translation professions, with a focus on signed language interpreting and translation, and will encourage you to think critically about your own practice by applying a range of theoretical frameworks. You will also discuss ethical dilemmas that may arise during interpreting assignments.

Professional interpretingThis module will focus on the practical skills required for one-way and two-way consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. It will introduce you to the cognitive processes and stages of the interpreting process as well as key skills used in the field, including note taking. You are expected to practise regularly by working as a trainee interpreter and you will also receive regular formative feedback throughout the course. You will continue to have regular supervision meetings with your supervisor
Work as part of a team of professional interpretersThis module will give you the knowledge and skills to work effectively as part of a team of interpreters. It will equip you with a range of co-working techniques, such as feeding, checking and monitoring skills, as well as strategies to work with other professionals (i.e. relay interpreters and English>BSL translators). You will consider a wide range of co-working techniques in various situations and domains, using key principles and ethical models to justify your decisions.
Remote interpretingYou will learn about the emerging field of Video Relay Interpreting (VRI) and engage critically with current debates about VRI in the sign language interpreting field. You will learn how to prepare and perform VRI assignments, including how to set up, check and monitor equipment effectively and how to manage the specific demands relating to this mode of delivery. You will also be introduced to subtitling and audiovisual translation.
Professional translationYou will carry out translations of written English texts to a professional standard, such as text translation, in-vision translation, sight translation and subtitling. You will be able to apply a wide range of interpreting and translation theories and principles to justify your translation approach and ethical decisions. 
The third year is made up of 120 hours of guided learning hours and 120 hours of structured independent study (total 240 hours). The guided learning sessions (including assessment time) are divided into 10 x 12-hour sessions over a weekend once a month over 10 months. This is followed by an additional 12 hours of structured independent study per month, which is completed through our e-learning platform.

In the third year, you will develop your knowledge, understanding and skills in the following areas:
ModuleTopics covered
Professional interpreting

This module will focus on the practical skills required for one-way and two-way consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. It will introduce you to the cognitive processes and stages of the interpreting process as well as key skills used in the field, including note taking. You are expected to practise regularly by working as a trainee interpreter and you will also receive regular formative feedback throughout the course. You will continue to have regular supervision meetings with your supervisor.

Work as part of a team of professional interpretersThis module will give you the knowledge and skills to work effectively as part of a team of interpreters. It will equip you with a range of co-working techniques, such as feeding, checking and monitoring skills, as well as strategies to work with other professionals (i.e. relay interpreters and English>BSL translators). You will consider a wide range of co-working techniques in various situations and domains, using key principles and ethical models to justify your decisions.
Remote interpretingYou will learn about the emerging field of Video Relay Interpreting (VRI) and engage critically with current debates about VRI in the sign language interpreting field. You will learn how to prepare and perform VRI assignments, including how to set up, check and monitor equipment effectively and how to manage the specific demands relating to this mode of delivery. You will also be introduced to subtitling and audiovisual translation.
Professional translationYou will carry out translations of written English texts to a professional standard, such as text translation, in-vision translation, sight translation and subtitling. You will be able to apply a wide range of interpreting and translation theories and principles to justify your translation approach and ethical decisions.
Evaluate performance as a professional interpreter/translatorYou will use a wide range of theoretical frameworks, ethical frameworks and key principles in interpreting and translation studies to critically evaluate your own interpreting performance. You will be able to justify and analyse the interpreting approach, as well as evaluate the consequences of ethical decisions made. You will also have the opportunity to engage in group reflective practice sessions. You are required to produce a critical analysis of your interpreting performance for all of the 6x internal assessments.

Assessments

There are a total of 27 assessments for this qualification over the total 3-year duration. The assessments cover the requirements for both stream 3 and stream 4 of the Signature Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting and Translation qualification.

Year 1 and Year 2 cover written and theory-based assessments, as well as some practical translation assessments. Practical interpreting assessments are done in Year 3. Most of the assessments will be conducted in the classroom through simulations, but students may be required to collect some evidence in the community.
Year 1 Assessments
Year 2 Assessments
Year 3 Assessments
No.AssessmentMethod
1Business plan (detailing systems and processes in place to do business)Coursework - internally assessed
2GlossaryCoursework - internally assessed
3Prepare for interpreting assignments (x2)Coursework - internally assessed
4Professional Development Plan and reflective journalsCoursework - internally assessed
No.AssessmentMethod
1Prepare for interpreting assignments (x2)Coursework - internally assessed
2Extended text translationFilmed clip - internally assessed
3Text translation English>BSL with English subtitlesFilmed clip - internally assessed
4In-vision translationFilmed clip - internally assessed
53,000 word essayWritten essay - externally assessed
No.AssessmentMethod
12-way remote consecutive interpretingLive observation or filmed clip - internally assessed
22-way interpreting co-working with hearing interpreterLive observation or filmed clip - internally assessed
31-way simultaneous interpreting co-working with deaf interpreter (BSL>BSL)Live observation or filmed clip - internally assessed
4Simultaneous live translation co-working (English>BSL)Live observation or filmed clip - internally assessed
52-way consecutive interpretingLive observation or filmed clip - internally assessed
62-way consecutive interpretingLive observation or filmed clip - internally assessed
71-way consecutive interpreting (BSL>BSL)Live observation or filmed clip - internally assessed
81-way consecutive interpreting (English>BSL)Live observation or filmed clip - internally assessed
92-way remote consecutive interpretingFilmed clip - externally assessed
101-way consecutive interpreting (BSL>BSL)Filmed clip - externally assessed
112-way consecutive interpretingFilmed clip - externally assessed
122-way consecutive interpretingFilmed clip - externally assessed
13Sight translation English>BSLFilmed clip - externally assessed
14Immediate translation BSL>EnglishWritten product - externally assessed

Entry Requirements

Deaf native or first language BSL signer
Level 6 qualification in BSL
Pass the interview and aptitude test
Level 6 English skills (this will be tested at the interview)
A university degree (in any subject) is desirable
You must have a good level of literacy to be able to read and understand the course materials. Your English skills will be tested at the interview.

Ideally, you will have a network of contacts to help you to collect evidence of your interpreting work for your portfolio.

Language Combinations

This qualification is available in the following language combinations:
British Sign Language/English
British Sign Language/English/American Sign Language
British Sign Language/English/Irish Sign Language
British Sign Language/English/French Sign Language

Progression

There is a growing demand for signed/signed interpreters, relay interpreters and sign language translators.

Interpreters working between two signed languages (e.g. BSL/ASL) can find work in international conference settings (e.g. EU and UN institutions, international deaf organisations), as well as community settings (e.g. deaf community events and conferences, working with foreign deaf nationals in the public services, working with deaf professionals abroad etc.).

In particular, there is a growing demand for sign language interpreters at international conferences. WFD and WASLI have an accreditation process for international sign interpreters, and qualified interpreters with two signed languages are highly sought after.

Relay interpreters often work in public service settings, e.g. police, court, mental health, child protection, DWP assessments. They often work alongside a BSL/English interpreter. The demand for relay interpreters in the public services is rapidly growing.

Sign language translators often find work in the TV and media industry, e.g. in-vision translator of TV programmes. Many sign language translators are approached by deaf and hearing organisations and public bodies (e.g. NHS) to translate written English communication materials into BSL, e.g. for social media and websites. There is a growing demand for BSL translators as organisations seek to make their content and communications accessible to the BSL community.

You will achieve the Signature Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting and Translation qualification, which allow you to apply for Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI) and Registered Sign Language Translator (RSLT) with the NRCPD and start working as a qualified sign language interpreter and translator.

Careers

Many qualified BSL/English interpreters are freelance sole-traders. There are several interpreting agencies that offer work to qualified BSL/English interpreters. These include some big multinational agencies that offer interpreting services in several languages and some smaller specialist agencies that deal mainly with BSL/English interpreting services.

NUBSLI publish guidance on rates for freelance interpreters, which vary depending on the region of the country. On average, a newly qualified interpreter can expect a starting salary of £30,000 per annum. This can go up to as much as £50,000 per annum for experienced freelance interpreters.

For more information about starting out as a professional BSL interpreter:

National Union of British Sign Language Interpreters (NUBSLI)

Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI)

Visual Language Professionals (VLP)

Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)

Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL)

International Association of Conference Interpreters

European Commission

United Nations

Dates and times

16 September 2023 - 19 July 2026 (DIDP-2324)
Saturday 12:00-18:00 and Sunday 09:00-15:00 once a month
Year 1
9-10 September 2023
14-15 October 2023
25-26 November 2023
16-17 December 2023
27-28 January 2024
24-25 February 2024
9-10 March 2024
13-14 April 2024
11-12 May 2024
15-16 June 2024
Year 2
14-15 September 2024
26-27 October 2024
23-24 November 2024
21-22 December 2024
25-26 January 2025
15-16 February 2025
22-23 March 2025
26-27 April 2025
24-25 May 2025
21-22 June 2025
Year 3
20-21 September 2025
18-19 October 2025
15-16 November 2025
20-21 December 2025
17-18 January 2026
14-15 February 2026
18-19 April 2026
16-17 May 2026
20-21 June 2026
18-19 July 2026

Fees

£3,000 per year (inc. VAT and exam fees)

Monthly: £300 per month x 10 months

£300 deposit required to reserve your place (this will be subtracted from the total cost)

£75 non-refundable interview fee is also payable. This is not returned in the event you are not offered a place on the course.

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!

Interpreting & Translation

Contact Form
BSL First LTD | Company number: 12860304 | VAT number: 379905441
Designed & Development by WP Ability
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram