Course Content

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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. This course leads to Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI) and/or 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 180 hours of guided learning and 180 hours of independent learning spread over 2 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/or Registered Sign Language Translator (RSLT) status. You must already hold a Level 6 qualification in BSL for entry to the interpreting diploma. If you do not hold any qualifications in BSL, you can complete a foundation year in order to achieve the Level 6 BSL qualification. No prior qualifications in BSL are required for entry to the foundation year, but you must be a native/first language BSL signer.

You will be able to register as a Trainee Sign Language Interpreter (TSLI) and/or Trainee Sign Language Translator (TSLT) in the first year of this course (subject to you also meeting all other requirements set out by the NRCPD).

The course is delivered in an informal and relaxed environment and your teacher will use a variety of teaching and learning methods to cater for all learning styles and to meet the needs of all learners. The course is designed to be fun, engaging and meaningful and will give you the opportunity to practice your BSL and interpreting skills by means of group work, pair work, role-plays, games, presentations and discussions.

The course takes a blended learning approach, with a mixture of online and face-to-face sessions.

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Module 0: Level 6 BSL (Foundation Year)

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Module 0 is for students who do not currently hold a Level 6 BSL qualification. It is made up of 60 hours of guided learning and 60 hours of structured independent study (total 120 hours). The guided learning sessions are delivered over 20x 3-hour sessions once a week in the evening. This is followed by an additional 3 hours of structured independent study per week, which is completed through our e-learning platform.

Module Title: Level 6 British Sign Language

Module Leader: Alan Murray

Overview:

This is a fast-track course designed specifically for native and first language BSL signers to achieve the Signature Level 6 BSL qualification. You will learn how to use receptive and productive skills to engage in all types of complex social interaction; how to use and understand complex language, and maintain fluency, grammatical accuracy and coherence, in sustained contributions containing complex language; understand sustained signed discourse containing complex language; and use reference sources to confirm or clarify the meaning of signs.

You will study BSL grammar and learn about the deaf community and deaf culture in relation to the following topics:

• Medicine
• Employment and business
• Finance
• Politics and law
• Society
• Media
• Science and technology
• Education

Mode of delivery: Online – 18x 3-hour sessions weekly, face-to-face – 1x assessment weekend

Assessment:

1. Informal one-to-one discussion
2. Informal group debate
3. Formal group meeting
4. Formal discussion (external exam)
5. Formal presentation (external exam)
6. Receptive skills exam (external exam)

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Module 1: Theories and Principles of Interpreting and Translation (Mandatory)

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Module 1: Theories and Principles of Interpreting and Translation (Mandatory)

Teacher: Akbar Sikder

Overview:

You 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.

Mode of delivery: Online – 20x 2-hour sessions weekly

Assessment:

1. 1x 30-minute structured BSL essay (or 3,000 words)

2. 1x Business plan

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Module 2: Introduction to BSL/ASL Interpreting (Optional)

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Module 2: Introduction to BSL/ASL Interpreting (Optional)

Teachers: Christopher Tester, Tessa Padden

Overview:

This is a practical module where you will practise interpreting between BSL and ASL. 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 between your L1 and L2. This module will also introduce you to some of the main domains that deaf interpreters work in.

You will also 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/translation assignments, as well as plan and prepare for assignments as part of a team of interpreters/translators. 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.

Mode of delivery: Face-to-face – 6x 12-hour sessions on a Saturday and Sunday

Assessment:

1. 1x Glossary

2. 4x Preparing for interpreting and translation assignments

3. 1x Professional Development Plan

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Module 3: Introduction to Deaf Relay Interpreting (Optional)

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Module 3: Introduction to Deaf Relay Interpreting (Optional)

Teachers: Alan Murray, Clark Denmark

Overview:

This is a practical module where you will practise interpreting between BSL and modified BSL. This practice is known as relay interpreting (or deaf relay interpreting). 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. This module will also introduce you to some of the main domains that deaf interpreters work in.

You will also 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/translation assignments, as well as plan and prepare for assignments as part of a team of interpreters/translators. 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.

Mode of delivery: Face-to-face – 6x 12-hour sessions on a Saturday and Sunday

Assessment:

1. 1x Glossary

2. 4x Preparing for interpreting and translation assignments

3. 1x Professional Development Plan

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Module 4: Introduction to BSL/English Translating (Optional)

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Module 4: Introduction to BSL/English Translating (Optional)

Teachers: Rachael Parker, Alan Murray, Akbar Sikder

Overview:

This is a practical module where you will practise translating between written English and BSL. You will be encouraged to critically analyse your own translation work by applying relevant theories in interpreting and translation studies. You will be introduced to text translation, in-vision translation and live simultaneous translation. You will be taught how to use editing and subtitling software.

You will also learn about the importance of preparing for translation 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, translation assignments. 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.

Mode of delivery: Face-to-face – 6x 12-hour sessions on a Saturday and Sunday

Assessment:

1. 1x Glossary

2. 4x Preparing for interpreting and translation assignments

3. 1x Professional Development Plan

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Module 5: Professional BSL/ASL Interpreting (Optional)

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Module 5: Professional BSL/ASL Interpreting (Optional)

Teachers: Christopher Tester, Tessa Padden

Overview:

This module will focus on the practical skills required for one-way and two-way consecutive and simultaneous interpreting between BSL and ASL. You will apply 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 collect evidence of your BSL/ASL interpreting work, including evidence of working as part of a team of professional interpreters, using technology to perform remote interpreting assignments and producing sight and immediate translations. You 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 are required to produce a critical analysis of your interpreting performance for all of the 6x internal assessments.

Mode of delivery: Face-to-face – 1x induction weekend and 1x assessment weekend; Online – 3x one-to-one tutorials; Online – 12 hours of allocated assessment time

Assessment:

1. 1-way consecutive interpreting ASL>BSL

2. 1-way consecutive interpreting BSL>ASL

3. 1-way simultaneous interpreting ASL>BSL

4. 1-way simultaneous interpreting BSL>ASL

5. 2-way face-to-face consecutive interpreting

6. 2-way remote interpreting

7. 1-way consecutive interpreting ASL>BSL

8. 1-way simultaneous interpreting BSL>ASL

9. 2-way face-to-face consecutive interpreting

10. 2-way remote interpreting

11. Sight translation BSL>ASL

12. Immediate translation ASL>BSL

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Module 6: Professional Deaf Relay Interpreting (Optional)

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Module 6: Professional Deaf Relay Interpreting (Optional)

Teachers: Alan Murray, Clark Denmark

Overview:

This module will focus on the practical skills required for one-way and two-way consecutive and simultaneous interpreting between BSL and Modified BSL. You will apply 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 collect evidence of your BSL/Modified BSL interpreting work, including evidence of working as part of a team of professional interpreters, using technology to perform remote interpreting assignments and producing sight and immediate translations. You 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 are required to produce a critical analysis of your interpreting performance for all of the 6x internal assessments.

Mode of delivery: Face-to-face – 1x induction weekend and 1x assessment weekend; Online – 3x one-to-one tutorials; Online – 12 hours of allocated assessment time

Assessment:

1. 1-way consecutive interpreting Modified BSL>BSL
2. 1-way simultaneous interpreting BSL>Modified BSL
3. 2-way face-to-face consecutive interpreting
4. 2-way face-to-face consecutive interpreting working in a team
5. 2-way face-to-face consecutive interpreting with notes
6. 2-way remote interpreting
7. 1-way consecutive interpreting Modified BSL>BSL
8. 2-way face-to-face consecutive interpreting
9. 2-way face-to-face consecutive interpreting with notes
10. 2-way remote interpreting
11. Sight translation BSL>Modified BSL
12. Immediate translation Modified BSL>BSL

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Module 7: Professional BSL/English Translating (Optional)

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Module 7: Professional BSL/English Translating (Optional)

Teachers: Rachael Parker, Alan Murray, Akbar Sikder

Overview:

This module will focus on the practical skills required for text translation, in-vision translation and live simultaneous translation from English to BSL. You will apply relevant translation theory as well as key skills used in the field, including the use of equipment. You are expected to practise regularly by working as a trainee translator and you will also receive regular formative feedback throughout the course.

You will collect evidence of your English/BSL translation work, including evidence of working as part of a team of professional translators, using technology and producing sight and immediate translations. You will use a wide range of theoretical frameworks, ethical frameworks and key principles in interpreting and translation studies to critically evaluate your own translation work. You will be able to justify and analyse the translation approach, as well as evaluate the consequences of translation decisions made. You are required to produce a critical analysis of your translation work for all of the 6x internal assessments.

Mode of delivery: Face-to-face – 1x induction weekend and 1x assessment weekend; Online – 3x one-to-one tutorials; Online – 12 hours of allocated assessment time

Assessment:

1. Text translation English>BSL
2. In-vision translation English>BSL
3. Extended text translation English>BSL
4. Subtitling BSL>English
5. Live consecutive interpreting English>BSL
6. Live simultaneous interpreting English>BSL
7. Live simultaneous interpreting English>BSL
8. Live simultaneous interpreting English>BSL
9. Text translation English>BSL
10. Text translation English>BSL
11. Sight translation English>BSL
12. Immediate translation BSL>English

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Entry Requirements

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Entry Requirements:

1. Deaf native or first language BSL signer
2. Level 6 BSL qualification
3. Level 6 skills in your second language (e.g. ASL)
4. Interview and skills assessment
5. Good level of English (e.g. GCSE grade C, IELTS 6.0, CEFR B2)

If you do not hold any qualifications in BSL, you can complete the foundation year in order to achieve the Level 6 BSL qualification. No prior qualifications in BSL are required for entry to the foundation year, but you must be a native/first language BSL signer.

This course is not suitable for people who have learned BSL as a second language (see our Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting course).

Language Combinations

This course is available in the following language combinations:

• BSL (L1) <> ASL (L2) – Stream 2
• BSL (L1) <> LSF (L2) – Stream 2
• BSL (L1) <> ISL (L2) – Stream 2
• BSL (L1) <> Modified BSL (L1M) – Stream 3
• BSL (L1) <> English (L2) – Stream 4

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RSLIs or RSLTs wishing to retrain in another stream can apply for RPL for Year 1 and entry to Year 2.

RPL is assessed and awarded on an individual basis. Please contact us to discuss your individual circumstance.

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Progression

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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/or Registered Sign Language Translator (RSLT) with the NRCPD and start working as a qualified sign language interpreter and/or translator.

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Dates/Times

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Module 0 (Foundation Year) - Online Thursday 18:00-21:00 weekly Term 1: 14/01/21-11/02/21 Term 2: 25/02/21-01/04/21 Term 3: 22/04/21-27/05/21 Term 4: 10/06/21-27/06/21 Module 1 - Online Tuesday 18:30-20:30 weekly Term 1: 20/04/21-25/05/21 Term 2: 08/06/21-27/07/21 Term 3: 07/09/21-12/10/21 Module 2 - Face-to-face, London 8-9 May 2021 3-4 July 2021 4-5 September 2021 6-7 November 2021 8-9 January 2022 5-6 March 2022 Module 3 - Face-to-face, London 15-16 May 2021 10-11 July 2021 11-12 September 2021 20-21 November 2021 22-23 January 2022 19-20 March 2022 Module 4 - Face-to-face, London 22-23 May 2021 17-18 July 2021 25-26 September 2021 27-28 November 2021 29-30 January 2022 26-27 March 2022 Module 5, 6 and 7 - Online Induction weekend: 23 April 2022 Tutorials to be arranged with your assessor Assessment weekend: TBC

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Fees

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Interview and assessment fee: £50 (non-refundable) Module 0: £1000 Module 1: £1670 Module 2: £1670 Module 3: £1670 Module 4: £1670 Module 5: £1980 Module 6: £1980 Module 7: £1980 Total for BSL/ASL interpreter qualification (RSLI): £5,320 Total for deaf relay interpreter qualification (RSLI): £5,320 Total for BSL/English translator qualification (RSLT): £5,320 Total for combined RSLI and RSLT qualification: £7,300 £500 non-refundable deposit required to reserve your place.

Fees include awarding body assessment fees, teacher and assessor time and access to e-learning platform. Monthly Direct Debit payment plan available.

NB: our fees are always all-inclusive, so there are never any unexpected costs! Download Fees and Funding Guidance Download Fee Waiver Guidance

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Additional Benefits

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• Extra one-to-one tuition
• Exam resits
• Access to therapeutic support
• Access to professional supervision
• Access to Moodle, our e-learning platform
• Discount on Signature Learning Hub and Signworld products
• Mentoring
• NRCPD TSLI and TSLT endorsement and supervision
• Professional Development Series (a series of talks delivered by experienced interpreters with expertise in particular domains)

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