The MA British Sign Language English Interpreting is a postgraduate programme that develops advanced skills in BSL–English interpreting, professional practice and research for work across community, education, health and legal settings. It suits experienced BSL users and practising interpreters seeking to consolidate professional status, extend interpreting techniques and move into specialist or leadership roles.
This MA combines advanced interpreting practice with theoretical study and research. Core areas include advanced BSL skills and structures, consecutive and dialogue interpreting, sight translation and relay strategies, and the management of gloss and register across contexts. You will study professional issues such as ethics, codes of conduct, confidentiality and safeguarding, and explore legal, educational and mental health interpreting contexts.
Practical modules emphasise sustained, supervised practice in simulated and live settings, portfolio development and reflective professional practice. Research methods for sign language and interpreting lead into a substantial dissertation or practice-based project that allows you to investigate specialist topics such as interpreter-mediated trauma work, educational access, corpus-informed interpreting, or technology-enhanced service delivery.
Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree or an equivalent professional qualification. Applicants without a degree but with significant relevant professional experience as a qualified or near-qualified BSL interpreter may be considered.
Because the programme is practice-led, you must demonstrate an advanced level of BSL competence and interpreting ability. Typical evidence includes a recognised BSL qualification at an advanced level, a professional interpreting qualification or substantial interpreting experience. Shortlisting usually involves submission of a portfolio and references, followed by an interview and skills assessment (including a BSL assessment and interpreting task).
All applicants should be able to provide proof of their ability to study at postgraduate level and to meet any additional requirements for professional placements, such as background checks or safeguarding training where relevant.
Graduates go on to work across a wide range of sectors where communication access is required. Common roles include community and freelance BSL–English interpreters, educational interpreters supporting Deaf learners, healthcare and mental health interpreters, and legal or police interpreters. There are also opportunities in video relay and remote interpreting services, advocacy, service coordination, policy and management roles within public and third-sector organisations.
The degree also prepares graduates for careers in training, supervision and quality assurance for interpreting services, or for further academic and practice-based research in sign linguistics and interpreting studies.
UCLan has a strong, long-established programme of work in British Sign Language and deaf studies with close links to the regional and national Deaf community. You will benefit from staff who are practising interpreters and researchers, and from on-campus facilities such as interpreting suites, recording studios and dedicated BSL resources.
The programme emphasises real-world practice, offering placement opportunities and partnerships with health, education and legal services to build professional experience. UCLan’s focus on applied research and professional development supports students looking to progress to specialist practice, leadership or further study.
Throughout the programme you will be supported to develop a reflective, evidence-based approach to interpreting practice and to meet the competencies expected by employing organisations and professional bodies.
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