The Interpreter Development Programme for Heritage Signers (IDPHS) course is open to hearing native, near-native and heritage signers who would like to pursue a career as a qualified sign language interpreter. You will achieve the Signature Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting and Translation and the Signature Level 6 Certificate in British Sign Language qualifications. This course leads to Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI) status with the NRCPD. This is currently the only course of its kind in the UK.

We have developed the IDPHS course based on our extensive experience in the interpreting, translation and training fields. The course is made up of 360 hours of guided learning and 360 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) status. You do not need any qualifications in BSL to join this course, but you must be able to demonstrate competency in BSL at minimum Level 2.

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

We have had 2 cohorts successfully complete this course since its inception in 2020, with an average pass rate of 98%.

There are total of 17 assessments for this qualification over the total three-year duration. The assessments cover the assessment requirements for the Signature Level 6 BSL and Level 6 Interpreting qualifications. Year 1 and Year 2 cover BSL and written 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.

1. Hearing native, near-native or heritage signer
2. BSL skills at equivalent of Level 2
3. Pass the interview and aptitude test
4. Good level of English (e.g. GCSE grade C, CEFR B2)
5. A university degree (in any subject) is desirable

You do not need any qualifications in BSL to join this course. We will test your BSL skills at the interview.

You must be able to demonstrate strong academic skills, so preference will be given to candidates who have already completed further or higher education. 

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

The IDPHS is a unique course that gives you the skills to interpret between English and BSL at native level (AA language combination).

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

You will be eligible for full membership of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters (MASLI) and Visual Language Professionals (MVLP).

When you have 3 years of interpreting experience, you will be eligible for full membership of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (MITI) and the Chartered Institute of Linguists (MCIoL).

You will also be eligible to join the International Association of Conference Interpreters, as well as the European Union Institutions and the United Nations, as a conference interpreter with AA English/BSL language combination.

This course will give you the skills and confidence to work in all domains, to aspire towards positions of leadership within the sign language interpreting profession and to seek interpreting opportunities around the world.

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

For individuals paying privately

Year 1: £3,000
Year 2: £3,000
Year 3: £3,000

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
£300 deposit payable when accepting place
£2,700 payable within 21 days after the course starts

Refund policy:
£2,700 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
£300 deposit payable when accepting place
£300 per month x 9 months

Refund policy:
£300 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: £3,000 + VAT = £3,600 per year

There is no VAT on the exam fee.

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

Refund policy:
£2,700 refundable up to 21 days after the course starts. No refund after 21 days.