MA British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) 48 months Undergraduate Programme By Heriot-Watt University |TopUniversities

Programme overview

Main Subject

Linguistics

Degree

MA

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

The MA (Hons) British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) prepares you to become a confident, professional British Sign Language (BSL)/English interpreter and translator, while building the advanced BSL skills needed for a range of careers in the Deaf and interpreting sectors.

You’ll move from beginner BSL to professional competence through hands-on interpreting and translation training, grounded in linguistics, communication studies and Deaf Studies.

Work-based learning is embedded throughout all four years, including community engagement with local Deaf organisations, full-time national or international placements, and supervised interpreting experience with experienced interpreters and professional agencies. These placements offer real immersion in Deaf culture and the chance to apply your skills in authentic settings, supported throughout by expert, research active staff.

Graduates who meet the national professional standards can register with NRCPD or the Scottish Register of Language Professionals with the Deaf Community, entering the sector fully prepared for a wide range of rewarding BSL related careers.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Linguistics

Degree

MA

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

The MA (Hons) British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) prepares you to become a confident, professional British Sign Language (BSL)/English interpreter and translator, while building the advanced BSL skills needed for a range of careers in the Deaf and interpreting sectors.

You’ll move from beginner BSL to professional competence through hands-on interpreting and translation training, grounded in linguistics, communication studies and Deaf Studies.

Work-based learning is embedded throughout all four years, including community engagement with local Deaf organisations, full-time national or international placements, and supervised interpreting experience with experienced interpreters and professional agencies. These placements offer real immersion in Deaf culture and the chance to apply your skills in authentic settings, supported throughout by expert, research active staff.

Graduates who meet the national professional standards can register with NRCPD or the Scottish Register of Language Professionals with the Deaf Community, entering the sector fully prepared for a wide range of rewarding BSL related careers.

Admission Requirements

6.5+
30+

    Standard entry requirements

    • Highers BBBB (over two sittings)
    • A-Levels BBC
    • International Baccalaureate 30 points
    • BTEC Extended Diploma DMM
    • HNC B in graded unit
    • HND BB


    Minimum entry requirements 

      • Highers BBBC (over two sittings)
      • A-Levels BCC
      • International Baccalaureate 30 points
      • BTEC Extended Diploma MMM
      • HNC B in graded unit
      • HND BC / CB

      4 Years
      Sep

      Tuition fees

      Domestic
      9,790 GBP
      International
      20,080 GBP

      Scholarships

      IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)

      IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
      Master Bachelors Open

      Value

      $21800

      Deadline

      31 Aug 2026

      Application requirements

      QS Event Attendance is NOT required

      Entry requirements

      You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

      International Merit Scholarship

      International Merit Scholarship
      Bachelors Master Open

      Value

      $2000

      Deadline

      30 Jun 2026

      Application requirements

      QS Event Attendance is NOT required

      Entry requirements

      You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

      Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary

      Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary
      Bachelors Master Open

      Value

      $525

      Deadline

      31 Aug 2026

      Application requirements

      QS Event Attendance is NOT required

      Entry requirements

      You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

      Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships

      Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships
      Master Bachelors Open

      Value

      25% tuition fee waiver

      Deadline

      31 Jul 2026

      Application requirements

      QS Event Attendance is NOT required

      Entry requirements

      You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

      IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)

      IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
      Bachelors Master Open

      Value

      $218000

      Deadline

      31 Aug 2026

      Application requirements

      QS Event Attendance is NOT required

      Entry requirements

      You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

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