The BA Hons Interpreting (BSL / English) is run by the Univeristy of Wolverhampton and it is only one of a few universities offering such a qualification at batchelor level.
As with all the other universities offering British Sign Language based courses, an exisitng Sign Language accreditation is important. The University of Wolverhampton asks for at least a CACDP stage two qualification in British Sign Language or, alternatively graudation from the University’s Interpreting (BSL / English) Foundation course. Additionally, students should also have at least 160 – 220 points.
When students graduate from this course, it is likely that they will have progressed sufficiently to gain recognition by the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People as Junior Trainee BSL / English Interpreters. Further qualifications will then enable the individuals to become fully recognised British Sign Language Interpreters. Although British Sign Language Interpreters may work inhouse, they are typically freelancers who are able to pick and chose the types of assignments that they attend. Assignments can include interpreting at police stations, courts, prisons, hospitals, schools / colleges / universities, theatre, for TV programmes, within the business context and on behalf of general social services meetings. The list is endless. Esssentially, freelance British Sign Language interpreters are typically on the go, travelling from assignment to assignment and interpreting for individuals from a vast variety of backgrounds and in a vast variety of settings.
The University of Wolverhampton BSL / English Interpreting course helps to equip and educate students for effective and competent delivery of such a role.
The course covers both analytical, theoretical and practical aspects of BSL / English Interpreting and students are able to engage in a practical work placement during their third year.
The first years of the BSL / English Interpreting course equips students with an understanding of the perception of hearing, causes of hearing loss and deafness and hearing testing. The first year also includes an introductions to interpreting and the linguistics of British Sign Language.
The second year provides an indepth view of the syntax underlying the English language and British Sign Language. It also covers research methodologies and the process of consecutive BSL / English interpreting.
The third year provides the opportunity for students to partake in a work placment. It also gives an insight to the process of simultaneous BSL / English interpreting and an introduction to Deaf / Blind awareness.
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