Find UK courses - part time courses, undergraduate, postgraduate courses

What would you like to learn?

* mandatory
Advanced search Find a course provider

BSL/English Interpreter

Interested in BSL/English Interpreter? Click on the links below.

BSL/English Interpreter Career Details

British Sign Language (BSL) / English interpreters facilitate communication between Deaf and hearing people in a variety of settings such as health and social services, religious services, legal, police and court (criminal & civil), employment, further and higher education, arts, theatre and television.British Sign Language / English interpreters have high-level skills in two languages, English and BSL, which is now recognised as a language in its own right. Interpreters are trained in theoretical knowledge, language and practical interpreting.

Interpreting involves listening carefully to, or watching the message, extracting the meaning and finding an appropriate way to express the message in the second language.

Interpreters may have to prepare any papers relevant to an assignment in advance. This allows them to search for specialist vocabulary and to familiarise themselves with the subject and the people involved,including, for example, minutes, agendas and summaries of speeches.

They must maintain confidentiality and impartiality, interpret everything that is said or signed, and will only give advice if it specifically relates to improving the communication process.

Working Environment

Hours are not fixed, but employed interpreters normally work a 35-hour week. However, due to the varied nature of the work, interpreters may be expected to work at night and at weekends.

Places of work vary greatly and interpreters work with a variety of people in many different situations. Locations may include schools, colleges or universities, health centres, residential homes, housing associations and voluntary organisations. Public service interpreting may also involve working in local government offices, hospitals, immigration centres, law courts, and prisons. Some posts may involve travelling and require a driving licence.

Advances in technology and the increasing use of video-telephony mean that Deaf people may be able to contact a BSL/English interpreter and access their services online, and at much shorter notice. Such advancements enable the interpreter to cover more assignments each day: for example, they can be booked for short meetings or consultations. Travelling is considerably reduced and interpreters may work from home or an office.

BSL/English Interpreter Related Skills

To be a BSL/English interpreter you should:
  • have a good knowledge of the Deaf Community
  • enjoy working with a range of clients
  • enjoy working as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • have excellent spoken communication skills
  • have excellent BSL skills
  • have confidence when speaking in public
  • be able to maintain intense concentration and think rapidly
  • have integrity and a sense of responsibility.

BSL/English Interpreter Career Opportunities

There is an increasing demand for BSL/English interpreters, particularly in such areas as further and higher education, employment, health and law.

People with relevant qualifications might work in organisations for Deaf people, or within social services departments, or they may be self-employed or work through an agency. Some interpreters enter careers in research.

The government has taken action to improve access to BSL, for example, by identifying and funding situations where it might be reasonable for employers and service providers to engage the services of a BSL/English interpreter.

Further Career Information

If you would like to know more about a career as an BSL/English Interpreter related facts, statistics, articles and websites.

Career Steps

Not quite sure about a career as a BSL/English Interpreter? Try our step-by-step career guide to reaching your chosen career.

Career Courses

Not quite qualified to be a BSL/English Interpreter? Take a look at Adult learning BSL/English Interpreter courses, our course browses or use our search form and find courses which will help you on your chosen career path.