MA British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies)
About this course
MA British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies), an undergraduate degree centred on interpreting, translating and applied language studies. The course includes a compulsory placement year and an optional year abroad. Work-based learning runs through all four years, featuring community engagement with local organisations, full-sponsorship or national and international placements, and supervised practical experience. The first year covers foundational subjects through BSL Intensive Beginners 1, Introduction to Language and Intercultural Studies, BSL Intensive Beginners 2, and Introduction to Deaf History and Culture. Students progress from introductory signing to professional competence through practical translation training and contextual studies in Deaf history.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC IB: 30 points Highers: BBBB (over two sittings) BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM HNC: B in graded unit HND: BB
See the highest paying Languages & English degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 6 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 50%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 60%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Working and studying: 15%
Most common jobs
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 75 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 5%
- South East: 1%
- South West: 3%
- Scotland: 68%
- Northern Ireland: 10%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 35%
- Access course: 5%
- A degree: 20%
- Other HE qualification: 30%
- Other qualifications: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) for the purpose of fulfilling the educational requirements to become a Registered Sign Language Interpreter.
Modules
- BSL Intensive Beginners 1
- Introduction to Language and Intercultural Studies
- BSL Intensive Beginners 2
- Introduction to Deaf History and Culture
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) at Heriot-Watt University earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £24,500 after 3 years, £29,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £24,500 and £36,000. The £29,500 median after five years is £8,000 more than the UK median for English studies (other).
What do graduates of MA British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) at Heriot-Watt University do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) at Heriot-Watt University?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) at Heriot-Watt University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 30 points in the IB. The average entrant had 145 UCAS points.
Is MA British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) at Heriot-Watt University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) for the purpose of fulfilling the educational requirements to become a Registered Sign Language Interpreter.
Does MA British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) at Heriot-Watt University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) at Heriot-Watt University?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.