British sign language (BSL) interpreters help deaf and hearing people to communicate with each other in a wide variety of situations. 

Communication can be one-way, as in lectures or classes, or two-way, as in meetings or discussions.

The Work

You could be: 

• preparing for a job in advance, for example reading up on a subject or who you will be working with 
• listening to and understanding the speaker 
• memorizing and repeating this in spoken language for the hearing person 
• interpreting as words are being signed or spoken at the same time
• finding the most suitable expression for signed or spoken words and phrases.  

You would work in a variety of situations, such as media, health and social work settings. You'd be interpreting at job interviews, courts of law, lectures or classes, training events, media events and conferences.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on: 

• where you work 
• the size of the company or organisation you work for 
• the demand for the job. 

Salaries and rates vary since many interpreters work freelance. 

Full time interpreters might earn around £20,000 and £32,000 a year or more. 

For freelancers, the National Union of British Sign Language Interpreters (NUBSLI) provides guidance figures. For Scotland, fees for a full day range from £180 for a trainee up to £250 for a fully registered interpreter.

Conditions

• Working hours are not regular, perhaps including evenings and weekends. 
• You would travel around to different locations for each assignment. 
• You would be working with a wide variety of people in various types of settings. 
• Locations you could be working at include schools, colleges, universities, health centres, residential homes, local government offices, hospitals, law courts, and prisons.

Getting In

• You would study for a qualification recognised by either the Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters (SASLI), or the National Registers of Communications Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD).
• Registration, although voluntary, ensures that you are suitably qualified, meet national standards and are easily found on the national register for working. 
• Heriot-Watt University offer an accredited honours degree course, the MA Hons British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies). This leads to SASLI membership. 
• For entry you need 4 Highers at AAAB plus English at National 5. You do not need previous British Sign Language experience. 
• Alternatively, you can work towards the level 6 certificate in British Sign Language, which is an officially accredited qualification. This is offered by Signature and IBSL. Check their websites below for details.  
• For entry to the level 6 course you will need to have studied British Sign Language up to level 3 and have some work experience. 
• You can study British Sign Language (BSL) at SCQF Levels 4-8 at many colleges, usually as part time day or evening courses. The courses are accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). 
• It would help to get involved in clubs and centres for the deaf, and find out more about the community. You can find details on the British Deaf Association website. 
• You would require a satisfactory PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check to show you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2018

1604

1.2 %

RISE

2023

1624

  United Kingdom

2018

31528

1.1 %

RISE

2023

31861

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need: 

• good team working skills 
• confidence 
• good concentration 
• excellent communication skills 
• the ability to be impartial and confidential 
• to be a quick thinker.

Training

• Heriot-Watt University offer a postgraduate qualification, the MSc Sign Language Interpreting (EUMASLI). 
• You can register with NRCPD at two levels; Trainee Sign Language Interpreter (TSLI) and Registered Sign Language Interpreter (RSLI). 
• To register as an NRCPD Regulated Trainee Sign Language Interpreter (TSLI), you must be studying an approved course that leads to registered status, or be on an approved development plan that leads to registered status. 
• When you are registered you will be expected to keep your skills and knowledge up to date through a programme of continuing professional development (CPD).

Getting On

• There is a severe shortage of BSL interpreters in the UK so prospects are good. 
• You can work as a freelancer. 
• You might move on to teaching British Sign Language or BSL interpreting.

More Information

BSL is a visual form of communication using hands, facial expression and body language, and is recognised as a language in its own right.  

Although there are other types of sign language, British Sign Language is the most common form used in Britain. It is not dependent on the English language, and has its own syntax and grammatical structure.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.