MSc Advancing Practice in Signed/Spoken Language Interpreting

Program Overview

This online MSc program in Advancing Practice in Signed/Spoken Language Interpreting equips experienced interpreters with advanced skills and knowledge for specialized interpreting environments. It emphasizes reflective practice, ethical decision-making, and professional development, empowering interpreters to enhance their careers and contribute to the recognition of interpreting skills in diverse domains.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc program in Advancing Practice in Signed/Spoken Language Interpreting provides a unique opportunity for experienced interpreters to achieve a master's level qualification while focusing on specialist areas of interpreting practice.

Objectives:

• Equip interpreters with advanced skills and knowledge to address the complex demands of specialized interpreting environments.
• Encourage reflection on ethical decision-making and professional practice.
• Contribute to the recognition of interpreting skills in diverse professional domains.
• Empower interpreters to advance their careers through evidence-based practice and effective self-care.

Program Description:

• Delivered entirely online, accessible to interpreters across the UK and internationally.
• Designed for those with a minimum of three years of post-registration experience.
• Offers flexible options for full MSc completion or individual modules for CPD purposes.
• Incorporates Demand Control-Schema to enhance reflective practice and ethical decision-making.

Outline:

Structure and Exit Awards:

• Participants can choose to complete the full MSc (180 credits), PgDip (120 credits), PgCert (60 credits), or individual modules as associate students.
• Each module is valued at 20 credits, equating to approximately 200 hours of study.
• Individual modules can be used to fulfill CPD requirements of various professional bodies.

Content:

Core Modules:

• Theory and Practice of Interpreting 1: Focuses on theoretical underpinnings of interpreting, Demand Control-Schema, linguistic and contextual challenges, and quality evaluation.
• Theory and Practice of Interpreting 2: Addresses co-working, ethical practice, rapport management, professionalism, and self-care.

Elective Modules:

• Interpreting in Healthcare Settings: Explores practice in primary and secondary care environments.
• Interpreting in Mental Healthcare Settings: Examines dynamics of interpreted interaction in mental healthcare.
• Interpreting in Justice Settings: Covers terminology, protocols, and policies of the justice sector.
• Interpreting in Educational Settings: Delves into effective practice at various educational stages.
• Interpreting in Arts and Culture Settings: Covers interpreting in performative
  on-performative settings and media.
• Interpreting in Employment Settings: Focuses on working with Deaf employees in diverse settings.
• Supportive Practice: Enables participants to facilitate the professional development of colleagues.

Semester Scheduling:

• Core modules are offered in Semesters One and Two.
• Specific elective modules are offered in individual semesters.
• Supportive Practice spans Semester Two and August.

Assessment:

Assessment includes:

• Online discussions
• Case studies
• Essays
• E-portfolios
• MSc dissertation (for full MSc completion)

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Extensive use of learning technologies and multimedia resources.
• Regular online contact and independent learning.
• Online lectures, seminars, case-based discussions, and tutorials.

Faculty:

• Composed of practicing sign language interpreters with experience in applied linguistics/translation and interpreting studies.

Unique Approach:

• Emphasis on reflective practice and ethical decision-making.
• Industry-focused, responsive to the evolving demands of the interpreting profession.

Careers:

Outcomes:

• Graduates demonstrate a more analytical, reflective, and evidence-based approach to their professional practice.
• They apply ethical decision-making principles to their work in diverse contexts.
• They enhance their ability to bring diverse perspectives and knowledge to interpreting interactions.

Other:

• Individual module study can be used to fulfill CPD requirements of the NRCPD and SRLPDC.
• Class sizes are expected to range between 5-16 students.
• Tutorials are scheduled for weekday evenings for student convenience.