Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting - AUT University

TEL: 0207 193 7932   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting is a full time, comprehensive course designed to prepare professional interpreters to work with the deaf and hearing community.

Programme Code: AK3430
Level: 7
Points: 240
Duration: Two years full time / Equivalent part time
Venue: City campus
Starting date: 3 March 2008
Application deadline: 16 November 2007

AUT encourages early application.
Late applications may be accepted if the programme is not full.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Meet entry level standard in NZSL. (Ability to converse comfortably in NZSL, equivalent to a minimum of two years of NZSL acquisition or equivalent of 120 hours or more). A videotaped sample of NZSL language production will be required
  
  OR
  
• NCEA: A minimum of 48 credits (or higher) over four subjects; 4 credits at Level 2 or above in Reading; 4 credits at Level 2 or above in Writing
  
  OR
  
• CIE: Minimum of 60 points on UCAS Tariff; Minimum of two subject units at AS Level; Grade E or better in AS English
  
  OR
  
• Provision is available for adult entry (20 years and above). Evidence of academic study or equivalent preferred
• Evidence of maturity, emotional stability and a high level of personal integrity

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants for whom English or Māori is not their first language are required to provide proof of an acceptable pass/grade gained in an accepted English language test. 

THE KEY SKILLS YOU WILL ACQUIRE

The first year focuses on development of receptive and expressive fluency in New Zealand Sign Language, and study of the Deaf Community and Deaf Culture. The Deaf Community is a socio-linguistic minority in New Zealand society, and students study the historical and current dynamics of the Deaf Community.

In the second year, students are introduced to specific interpreting skills, and apply their language to the interpreting process. Professional ethics and roles are an integral part of students’ theoretical and practical preparation to become interpreters. Students study and practice skills in consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, learning about current interpreting theory and research. Also studied is interpreting in special settings such as the courts, health care situations and educational interpreting, as these settings often make special demands on an interpreter’s linguistic and ethical skills.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Various interpreting settings in the Deaf Community, including areas such as:

• Medical
• Counselling
• Legal
• Life-events
• Mental health
• Educational settings

PAPERS

YEAR ONE
165414 New Zealand Sign Language I*
166414 New Zealand Sign Language II
166469 New Zealand Society and Intercultural Issues
166470 Introduction to the Deaf Community
166471 Introduction to Deaf Culture
166801 Current Issues in the Deaf World

* Although entitled New Zealand Sign Language I, this programme is not taught at a complete beginner’s level. Generally, the proficiency level at which a student enters the programme requires a minimum of one and half years of language acquisition or more (which is equivalent to 120 hours or more).

YEAR TWO
166454 Advanced New Zealand Sign Language and Deaf Culture
166463 Public Speaking and Interpersonal Skills
167001 Comparative Analysis of English and New Zealand Sign Language
167002 NZSL English Interpreting Theory and Practice I
167003 NZSL English Interpreting Theory and Practice II
167004 Theory and Ethics of Sign Language Interpreting
167005 Interpreting in Special Settings
167006 Practicum Experience