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British Sign Language interpreter

British Sign Language interpreter

Alternative titles for this job include Language professional

British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters help deaf and hearing people communicate with one another.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends flexibly

How to become a British Sign Language interpreter

You can get into this job through:

a university course
working towards this role
a trainee scheme

University

You'll need a degree or level 6 award in both British Sign Language and interpreting.

You would also need an approved qualification in interpreting like:

postgraduate or master’s degree in interpreting or translation
Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More information

Work

You could work for an organisation that supports deaf people, or in a school or college, for example, as an educational support assistant. You could then do your British Sign Language qualifications on the job to qualify as an interpreter.

Volunteering and experience

Getting involved in deaf clubs or centres for deaf people is a good way of getting experience and may give you the opportunity to get relevant training.

Other routes

You could qualify by registering as a trainee sign language interpreter (TSLI). To register, you'll need:

a degree or level 6 award in your first language – either English or British Sign Language (BSL)
a minimum of level 4, above A level standard, in your second language – either English or BSL

More information

Registration

you'll need to register with the National Registers of Communications Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People

Career tips

Many interpreters work freelance or through agencies and often get work through recommendations of people who have already used their services. It's important to have knowledge and an appreciation of deaf culture and the issues facing the deaf community.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a British Sign Language interpreter from:

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

good language skills
knowledge of English language
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
customer service skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
the ability to work on your own
to be flexible and open to change
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may have to:

prepare before assignments by finding out about the situation and any specialist vocabulary you may need
travel to different sites to interpret in a variety of situations
use technology to provide 'virtual' interpreting services
listen carefully to, or watch, what is said or signed
interpret what is said or signed
find the best way to express everything that is said or signed
do admin tasks like paperwork or booking appointments

Working environment

You could work at a client's business, from home or in an office.

Career path and progression

You could teach and assess others, sign at theatre productions or television performances, or move into research.

You could also become self-employed and work freelance.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a British Sign Language interpreter right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England