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School of Modern Languages & Cultures

MA - BSL Strand

Part-time, two year programme for entry-level and novice interpreters leading to full professional qualification

Graduates of the professional route of the BSL Strand (Option 1 below) will meet the eligibility requirements to register with Signature/NRCPD as RSLI or as RSLT as appropriate.

The Durham approach to Translation Studies offers a distinctive perspective to BSL translation/interpreting. Translation study is positioned as an essential component for interpreters. The School of Modern Languages & Cultures provides a languages rich and multicultural environment to study. The MA BSL strand uses innovative and contemporary approaches to study.

Programme structure

Year One provides a foundation for student development and tutor assessment at the end of which advice and recommendation regarding options for Year Two will be given. All modules have a 50% minimum pass for all assignments and exams. A student intending to follow the professional interpreter route needs to be at the point in their development where they may achieve minimum assessment criteria for the Interpreting module of Year Two, Option One.

YEAR ONE (Core Modules)

Total Credits

Award
  • Research Methods and Resources (30 credits)
  • Translation Theory (30 credits)
  • Specialised Translation -BSL (30 credits)

 90

 

YEAR TWO – OPTION 1 (Professional Interpreter route)

 

 
  • Interpreting (30 credits)
  • Translation Project (30 credits)
  • Ethics (15 credits)
  • Placement (15 credits)

180

MA

YEAR TWO – OPTION 2 (Academic route)

 

 
  • Translation Project (30 credits)
  • Translation Dissertation (60 credits)

180

MA

Applicants:

The BSL strand offers options for academic study of theory and practice and a route into the profession of translation/interpreting. The MA module options are also suitable for either experienced or entry level interpreters wishing to pursue research aims. A programme of module options can be chosen to suit (a) entry level interpreting students who may or may not have previous general translation/interpreting experience and (b) experienced interpreters wishing to undertake academic study of interpreting and translation.

Admission Criteria:

To be accepted on a Postgraduate programme, applicants' academic profile and career should satisfy these requirements:

  • Applicants must have an upper-second class degree or equivalent, with 60% or above of the available marks in a relevant subject, such as language, literature or linguistics.
  • Applicants with a degree level qualification in a different discipline must possess good ability in both languages (BSL and English).
  • Applicants whose first language is not English are expected to achieve a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 (the written component must reach at least a 6.5 mark) or TOEFL (paper-based) 600 with 4.5 in the Test of Written English (TWE).
  • Applicants must possess Level 3 BSL (or equivalent).  

Contact: Judith M Collins [j.m.collins@durham.ac.uk]

Glossary