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British Sign Language interpreter
Language professional
British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters help deaf and hearing people communicate with one another.
Average salary (a year)
£
Starter
£
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 39.0 hours
variable
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
flexibly
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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
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
Getting involved in 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
Registrations
Career Tips
Many interpreters work freelance or through agencies and often get work through recommendations of people who have already used their services.
It is useful if you have an understanding of deaf people's needs and the challenges that they face.
Further Information
You can find out more about becoming a British Sign Language interpreter from:Signature, Royal Association for Deaf People, British Deaf Association, Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID)
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Foreign 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 work on your own
    Active listening skills
    Concentration skills
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Related Restrictions
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
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, 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 & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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