British Sign Language interpreter

British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters help deaf and hearing people communicate with one another.

In this guide

What you'll do

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 and progression

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.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • good 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
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Most relevant

  • English Language - British Sign Language interpreters need an excellent grasp of English grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure to accurately convey meaning between English and BSL. They must quickly find the best way to express complex ideas, idioms, and specialist terminology across two very different languages.
  • Modern Foreign Languages - British Sign Language interpreters are essentially bilingual professionals who translate between two languages in real time. Studying a foreign language builds the core skills of interpreting – understanding how different languages structure meaning, switching between languages fluently, and conveying tone and nuance accurately.

Also relevant

  • Psychology - British Sign Language interpreters benefit from understanding how people process language, memory, and communication. Knowledge of cognitive psychology helps them manage the mental demands of simultaneous interpreting, and understanding human behaviour supports their work in sensitive settings like counselling or mental health appointments.
  • Sociology - British Sign Language interpreters need to understand Deaf culture, community, and the social barriers that deaf people face. Sociology provides insight into how language, identity, and inequality shape people's experiences – all of which are central to interpreting sensitively and effectively.
  • Drama - British Sign Language interpreters use facial expressions, body language, and physical presence to convey emotion, tone, and emphasis – much like performers do on stage. Some interpreters also specialise in theatre and live performance, where these skills are especially important.
  • Law - British Sign Language interpreters often work in legal settings such as courts, police interviews, and solicitors' offices. Understanding legal terminology and how proceedings work helps them interpret accurately in high-stakes situations where precision really matters.
  • Business - British Sign Language interpreters frequently work freelance or through agencies, so they need to manage their own bookings, finances, and client relationships. Understanding how to market services, set rates, and run a small business is valuable for building a sustainable career.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • working towards this role
  • a trainee scheme

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

More Information

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.

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.

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

Registration

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:

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