Advancing Practice in Signed/Spoken Language Interpreting (Single Modules)

In the UK, successful participation in individual modules is recognized as fulfilling the annual mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) requirements of The National Registers for Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) and the Scottish Register for Professionals working with the Deaf Community (SRLPDC).

We also offer a MSc/PgDip/PgCert Advancing Practice in Signed/Spoken Language Interpreting (Post-Reg) and on completion of some single modules, you may choose to work towards achieving one of these named qualifications. 

Please see the module tab below for the modules on offer.

Structure, delivery, duration and outcome

Structure: Students will register as ‘associate students’ for individual modules. Those who wish to progress to study for a postgraduate award may change their student registration status at a later date.

Delivery: All modules are delivered online.

Duration: Each module is taught over one semester.

Outcome: A single module offers (20 credits at SCQF Level 11). Students wishing to complete a named postgraduate award must attain the following:

• PgCert (60 credits within four years)
• PgDip  (120 credits within five years)
• MSc  (180 credits within seven years)

Teaching, learning and assessment

The entire course is delivered online. You will use an extensive range of learning technologies and multimedia resources to support directed, independent learning. Contact between staff and students can involve recorded or live online lectures, seminars, case-based discussions and tutorials.

Your performance on the course will be assessed through your engagement with online discussion, case studies, essays and e-portfolios.

We suggest that students should spend at least 15 hours on independent learning/course work each week per module, including engagement with online discussions. Students will be expected to dedicate one regular evening per week to synchronous online activity. Where possible these will be scheduled to meet student preferences.

Theory and Practice of Interpreting 1 (20 credits at SCQF Level 11)  - This module will be taught in Semester One. The module includes topic areas on theories and concepts of interpreting, an introduction to Demand Control-Schema, linguistic and contextual challenges, and consideration of how quality in interpreting is evaluated. This will function to refresh and update knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings of interpreting work, and allow participants to consider these issues from the perspective of experienced practitioners.

Theory and Practice of Interpreting 2 (20 credits at SCQF Level 11) - This module will be taught in Semester Two. The module includes topic areas on co-working, ethical practice, rapport management, professionalism and self care. This module focusses on the softer skills involved in interpreting practice, and will encourage students to reflect on the relationships and dynamics involved in interpreted interaction, and encourage participants to reflect on the sustainability of their professional practice.

The following modules, on specialist areas of interpreting, build on the knowledge developed in the core modules:

Interpreting in Healthcare Settings (20 credits at SCQF Level 11) – This module is taught in Semester One. Participants will reflect on their professional practice in a range of healthcare contexts, including primary and secondary care environments. 

Interpreting in Mental Healthcare Settings (20 credits at SCQF Level 11) – This module is taught in Semester Two. The module enables participants to explore the dynamics of interpreted interaction in a range of mental healthcare environments.

Interpreting in Justice Settings (20 credits at SCQF Level 11) – This module is taught in Semester One. The module includes focus on the terminology, protocols and policies of the justice sector in the UK, reflecting on participants’ work in a variety of contexts including police stations, court and prison.

Interpreting in Educational Settings (20 credits at SCQF Level 11) – This module is taught in Semester Two. The module enables participants to develop understanding of the different stages of education (nursery/primary/secondary/tertiary/higher) and the most effective ways of practicing in these different contexts.

Interpreting in Arts and Culture Settings (20 credits at SCQF Level 11) – This module is taught in Semester One. The module covers interpreting in both performative and non-performative settings and a range of media (visual arts, dance, drama, poetry, literature and film). 

Interpreting in Employment Settings (20 credits at SCQF Level 11) – This module is taught in Semester Two. The module extends participants’ knowledge of working effectively with deaf employees in a range of employment settings, and the social and political influences that impact on interpreters’ practice.

Supportive Practice (20 credits at SCQF Level 11) - This module is taught in Semester 2, with an extended period of evidence collection extending to August. The module enables participants to extend their own reflective practice towards facilitating the professional development of colleagues.

NB Please check with staff for availability of specialist modules as these offerings will vary from year to year.

SCQF=Scottish Credit Qualification Framework

Entry requirements

Up-to-date registration as a sign language interpreter (where this is available) and at least three years of professional experience post registration, or equivalent.

As applicants are likely to come from a wide variety of backgrounds in relation to previous academic qualifications, each application will be considered individually.

International: International students should be registered as interpreters in their country, where this is available, and have at least three years of experience post-registration or equivalent. This course is delivered in English and applicants should consider whether they have sufficient English competence to study at this level. An IELTS score of 6.5 with no component below 6.0 or equivalent is normally required, but all applications will be considered individually.

Fees

Fees are charged per module. Please visit the postgraduate fees pages on our website to access the fee information for your chosen year of study. 

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page.

Application deadline

The application deadline for modules starting in September is 30 June. The deadline for modules starting in January is 30 October.

Modules start in either September (Semester One) or January (Semester Two) each year.

For further information, including application process, please contact Dr Rachel Mapson.