The aim of this course is to give you the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills to work as a professional sign language interpreter. You will achieve the Signature Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting and Translation (RQF) qualification. This course leads to Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI) status with the NRCPD.

This course is aimed at hearing people who have learned BSL as a second language. You must have completed the Level 6 Certificate in BSL qualification. You will complete Stream 1 of the qualification (spoken/signed interpreting) in BSL/English language combination.

We have developed this course based on our extensive experience in the interpreting, translation and training fields. The course is made up of 480 hours of guided and independent learning spread over 2 years.

This course will take you from little or no knowledge of sign language interpreting to Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI) status.

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

BSL First graduates do exceptionally well. Our average pass rate for the past 5 years is 93%, with 80% of our students achieving a Merit or Distinction grade. 

There are a total of 17 assessments spread across the two years. There are 5 assessments in Year 1 and 12 assessments in Year 2. All assessments in year 1 involve written coursework. In year 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).

We receive a high number of applications for a limited number of places for this course. Our average acceptance rate is 40%. We operate on a selective basis.

The first stage is the application stage where we look at your previous qualifications, experience and BSL skills. If you pass the application stage, you will be invited to attend an online interview with the course leaders.

Application Stage

The application stage allows us to check you meet the minimum academic requirements for the course. There is no fee for submitting an application.

You will be required to send us:

1) Up-to-date CV detailing your previous professional experiences and academic qualifications (in particular any university degrees).

2) BSL video, maximum 4 minutes, talking about your reasons for wanting to become a BSL interpreter. 

We will inform you by email if we have selected your application for interview.

Interview Stage

If we decide to select your application for an interview, you will be sent a link to book an interview. The interview costs £75 and is non-refundable even in the event that you are not offered a place on the course.

The interview will take place via Zoom and lasts for around 30 minutes. It will consist of two parts:

A) Two-way interpreting simulation (10-15 minutes).

B) General questions about your ambitions for wanting to become a BSL interpreter and your expectations from the course. You can also take this opportunity to ask any questions you have about the course.

After the interview, we will contact you by email within 3-4 working days to inform you whether or not you have been successful in securing a place on the course.

After you have completed the Signature Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting and Translation course, you can register with the NRCPD as a Registered Sign Language Interpreter and start working as a qualified sign language interpreter.

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

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/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.