This course is open to native and near-native BSL signers (both deaf and hearing) who would like to pursue a career as a qualified sign language translator. You will achieve the Signature Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting and Translation qualification, specialising in translation (Stream 4). This course leads to Registered Sign Language Translator (RSLT) status with the NRCPD.

We do NOT offer Stream 3 (Deaf Relay Interpreting).

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 this course based on our extensive experience in the interpreting, translation and training fields. The course is made up of 120 hours of guided learning and 120 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 translation to Registered Sign Language Translator (RSLT) status. You must already hold a Level 6 BSL qualification.

You will be able to register as a 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).

There are a total of 17 assessments spread across 12 months. 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 of one-way and two-way interpreting, 4x external assessments of one-way and two-way interpreting and 2x sight translations (externally assessed). This means students are required to produce 6x evidence of real interpreting assignments in the community (some of these assessments will be conducted in the classroom).

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 translation work for your portfolio.

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.

We have strong links with media companies and translation agencies in the UK and can offer real work experience opportunities for trainee translators.

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

Many qualified BSL/English interpreters and translators 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 and translators, 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/English interpreter:

National Union of British Sign Language Interpreters (NUBSLI)

Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI)

Visual Language Professionals (VLP)

For individuals paying privately

Year 1: £3,650
Year 2: £3,650

Valid for courses starting in 2025/26 academic year. Fee quoted above includes exam fees.

Option 1 – Pay in full
£75 interview fee payable when booking the interview
£365 deposit payable when accepting place
£3,285 payable within 21 days after the course starts

Refund policy:
£3,285 refundable up to 21 days after the course starts. No refund after 21 days.

Option 2 – Pay in instalments
£75 interview fee payable when booking the interview
£365 deposit payable when accepting place
£365 per month x 9 months

Refund policy:
£365 initial deposit non-refundable. Remaining payments refundable up to 21 days after the course starts. No refund after 21 days.

For employers and organisations

We do not absorb the VAT for VAT-registered companies. We will raise an invoice for the full course and exam fee. We do not offer employers the option to pay in instalments.

Full course fee: £3,650 + VAT = £4,380 per year

There is no VAT on the exam fee.

PO number and employer financial details required at the time of application.

Refund policy:
£3,285 refundable up to 21 days after the course starts. No refund after 21 days.