BachelorRecommended

Bachelor of British Sign Language

Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh

Edinburgh, United Kingdom
4 years
English
On campus
Bachelor

About the program

Honours degree preparing students to work as British Sign Language and English interpreters and translators.

Program highlights

Internship available: yes
Placement support: yes
Work during study: yes
Post-study work rights (5 years): yes
PR pathway friendly: no

What you will learn

Develop foundational and applied understanding of in British Sign Language. Practice critical evaluation and communication in the subject. Apply relevant academic or professional methods in appropriate contexts.

Career outcomes

BSL/English interpreter
Translator
Managers
Teaching professionals
Welfare and housing associate professionals
Artistic
Literary and media occupations

Curriculum

Four-year degree. First year combines two intensive BSL courses (BSL Intensive Beginners 1 and 2)
Introduction to Deaf History and Culture
Introduction to Language and Intercultural Studies and two electives
Later years add interpreting
Translation and applied language studies with work-based learning.

Entry requirements

Academic

Secondary school leaving qualifications set per programme
For example A-Levels BBC
Highers ABBB or IB 28 points for Computer Science
The minimum offer is shown on each programme page and may be higher for popular courses. Strong A-Level or IB applicants can take a 3-year route with direct entry to Year 2. Subject requirements apply for some programmes.
Varies by programme (standard entry
Sept 2027): e.g. A-Levels BBC and IB 28-29 points (Computer Science
Accountancy
Economics)
Highers ABBB-AABB
No GPA published.

Accepted academic background

Secondary school leaving qualifications (A-Levels, IB, Highers, BTEC or country equivalents, 3-year option with direct entry to Year 2 for strong A-Level/IB applicants), Subject requirements (e.g. Maths) vary.

Language tests

IELTS 6.0
TOEFL iBT 79
PTE Academic 63
Cambridge 169
Duolingo 120

Documents you’ll need

Academic Transcripts.

How to apply

Check the programme page for entry requirements and the September 2027 start. The 2027 overseas deadline is not yet published (2026 entry closed to overseas applicants on 17 August 2026). Apply through UCAS
Or directly online if applying from overseas. No application fee is published for direct applications. Upload your transcript
Passport copy and English evidence. Some programmes
Such as sign language or design
May invite you to interview or request a portfolio. Accept your offer. Overseas self-funded students pay an advance instalment of fees. Request your CAS
Then apply for the student visa showing tuition plus maintenance (up to 10
539 GBP).

Other costs

Tuition per year	£20,880 GBP
Application fee	£50 GBP
Deposit	£2,000 GBP

Program details

Campus	Edinburgh Campus
Faculty or school	Faculty or school requires confirmation
Department	Department of British Sign Language
Teaching language	English
Credit value	240
Study pace	Fixed
Post-study stay	5 years
Scholarship note	Scholarship consideration may depend on the specific program, Academic merit, Applicant status and available funding.

Intakes and deadlines

Program starts
September 2027
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
213 days left

Frequently asked questions

The program takes 4 years.