What qualifications or experience do I need to apply?

In order to be considered for the programme you will need to have achieved Level 6, or equivalent, in both British Sign Language and English, as set out by the CfA – the organisation that sets standards for learning languages in the UK.  If you’re not sure, the National Careers Service helps to make sense of how different qualifications compare. Don't worry If you do not hold a formal English qualification as you will need to demonstrate your use of English at Level 6 (including comprehension, written and spoken) and this is included in the assessment process for all applicants.

We’re not expecting you to be fully-fledged interpreters for Part 1 otherwise you wouldn’t need this programme! However, some experience of interpreting or communication support work is desirable, as it will enable you to apply your learning to your own experiences. If you’ve not interpreted before, don’t be put off. You’ll soon get some experience through the programme.

What is the application process?

To apply for this programme you will need to complete and submit an Application Form.

  Download your application form

If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to an Information and Selection (I&S) day, currently these are running remotely via Zoom.

What happens on the Information and Selection Day?

The I&S Day for Part 1 takes place remotely through Zoom. 

The day runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm and includes:
  • An hour group session  which includes an explanation of the course, qualification and assessment requirements, and dates.This is interactive and you can ask any questions you have.
  • A teaching session and group activities exploring ethical dilemmas and cultural equivalencies.
Then individual time slots to include:
  • A translation of a document to a deaf person in BSL (we email the document a week before the meeting)
  • Self-evaluation - you will be asked to complete a self-evaluation form immediately after your translation task
  • Viva - this will include questions from us and an opportunity for you to reflect on the different elements of the day in order for you to show your ability to self analyse. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask us questions. 
We film the translation exercise; so that you can have the clip as a resource for your development after the I&S day, and this will form the start of your Professional Development Plan on the course.  We also look at clips for quality assurance purposes to ensure there is consistency and standardisation across our assessments and programmes. We want to make sure it is fair for everyone. If you have any additional needs or need any adjustments, just let us know when you apply. 

The I&S day Part 1 costs £125, including VAT. 

The Information and Selection Session  for Part 2 takes place remotely through Zoom. 
​You need to have passed Part 1 before moving onto Part 2 (Signature requirement)

This includes:
  • An hour group session  which includes an explanation of the course, qualification and assessment requirements, and dates.This is interactive and you can ask any questions you have.
Then individual time slots to include:
  • A 15 minute two-way simultaneous interpreting assessment.  You will link up remotely to interpret between a deaf and hearing person.  We will give you the title of the scenario and written preparation a week before. 
  • Self-evaluation - you will be asked to complete a brief 750 word self-evaluation/reflective analysis  immediately after your interpreting task, telling us how you felt you did,  which you need to email to us by the end of the day (time to be agreed on the assessment day). You can also discuss how you prepared, and if that helped at all. The written document needs to be submitted in word. 
  • Viva - this will include questions from us,  an opportunity for you to reflect on the different elements of the day and will also be an opportunity for you to ask us questions. 
We film the interpreting exercise so that you can have the clip as a resource for your development after the I&S session.   It is also used should we need to revisit your clip to help us make an assessment decision and/or if we ask a second assessor to view it.  We also look at clips for quality assurance purposes to ensure there is consistency and standardisation across our assessments and programmes. We want to make sure it is fair for everyone. If you have any additional needs or need any adjustments, just let us know when you apply. 

The I&S session Part 2 costs £125, including VAT. 

When will I know if I am successful?

We will let you know within  2 days of undertaking the assessment whether you are successful or not. If you are not successful, you will also receive detailed written feedback on all parts of the assessment within 2 weeks. You will also receive a copy of your translation or interpreting clip, depending on if it is a Part 1 or Part 2 assessment. This can help you with your professional development. If you are successful, we will look at the clip with you on the first teaching weekend to help with your professional development.