Course summary
This programme in key aspects is unique in the UK. It allows you to study British Sign Language (BSL) to a professional level and become trained to work as a BSL/English Interpreter and Translator, and to use BSL proficiently in related professional areas. During Year 3 you can either undertake a full-time placement working in the UK signing community with organisations in the field or study abroad at one of our partner universities. Graduates successfully completing all specified components of this programme 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 also with SASLI (Scottish Association of Sign Language interpreters).
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- Q196
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Scottish Higher - AABB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
T Level
Advanced entry is not available for our British Sign Language programmmes. A demonstrable interest in BSL /Deaf culture is required and all shortlisted applicants are invited to interview. We operate contextual admissions defined by our Fair Access Policy which may mean entry requirements are flexible. Students who are non-native speakers of English will need to achieve either the IELTS test with 7.5 or the CPE with B. We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Admissions Officer for the programme for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
A level - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Scottish Higher - BBBC
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
As part of the Fair Access Process, the minimum entry requirements enable students who are within one or more of the categories below to be guaranteed an offer: Living in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) Care Experienced, as identified on the UCAS Application form by ticking the relevant box.
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Due to the specialised nature of our British Sign Language programmes, applicants may also be invited to attend an online or in-person interview to further assess their suitability for the programme.
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English Language tests that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability including our own English Language programmes, can be viewed on our website.
HWU English Language Requirements
https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820* | Year 1 |
| EU | £17320* | Year 1 |
| International | £17320* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
2024/25 tuition fees are subject to confirmation.
Provider information
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS