MA British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies)
Heriot-Watt University
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Qualification

Master of Arts (with Honours) - MA (Hons)

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Location

Edinburgh Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

4 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Master of Arts (with Honours) - MA (Hons)

Location

Edinburgh Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

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Course info

This degree is designed to lead you from a beginners level of British Sign Language (BSL), to achieving professional competence in signed interactions. The degree focuses on practical and applied language skills, interpreting and translating skills, communication studies, linguistics, translation and interpreting studies, and Deaf studies. You will learn from a series of intensive courses which will provide you with the necessary cultural, social, political, and linguistic knowledge which will ...Read more

This degree is designed to lead you from a beginners level of British Sign Language (BSL), to achieving professional competence in signed interactions. The degree focuses on practical and applied language skills, interpreting and translating skills, communication studies, linguistics, translation and interpreting studies, and Deaf studies. You will learn from a series of intensive courses which will provide you with the necessary cultural, social, political, and linguistic knowledge which will form your ability to become reflective practitioners and will prepare you for postgraduate study. By the end of this degree, you will be trained to a high professional standard to work in applied settings with BSL.

In your third year, youll be placed full-time with signing organisations in the UK or at one of our international partner universities. This will allow you to develop your linguistic skills, and youll be able to understand complex language in a wide range of social and work situations.

In your final year, youll have additional opportunities to work closely with professional interpreters in real-life situations on placement, gaining vital work-place experience.

After you have graduated and successfully completed all specified components of the programme, you are able to register as full members of the Register of Sign Language Interpreters with NRCPD – the national registration body in the UK for sign language interpreting, and with SASLI, the Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters.

Youll benefit from the industry relevance of the programme, which will set you up for life after graduation. Upon completion, youll be equipped with a variety of skills that are appropriate for you to embark on professional level employment in a wide range of careers.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
90/101
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
42nd
What students say
S
Summer
18 Nov 22

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Modules (Year 4)
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Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£9,535 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if you live within Domestic. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Domestic. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,535 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Other UK

This is the fee you pay if you live within Other UK. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This fee is for Rep of Ireland.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

Paid by SAAS

£9,535 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,535 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£19,456 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£19,456 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

UCAS/IDP Connect

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How British Sign Language students rated:

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( 3.8) 4 reviews
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Uni info

Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University , Edinburgh

Heriot-Watt University is based in Edinburgh, Scotland’s beautiful and historic capital city....

Student rating
( 4.1) View reviews
CUG ranking
42nd
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh Edinburgh EH14 4AS United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Curriehill  0.4 miles away
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