Do you want to be a competent interpreter between deaf and hearing people? The Bachelor's degree in Sign Language Interpreting will give you the skills you need to build a bridge between deaf and hearing people. You will learn how to interpret accurately and appropriately as well as culturally sensitive and target group-orientated into and from German Sign Language. Study the Bachelor's degree in Sign Language Interpreting now!
As a graduate of the B.A. Sign Language Interpreting programme (GSD for short), you will be able to interpret and translate competently between deaf and hearing people - correctly, appropriately, culturally sensitive and appropriate to the target audience.
You will master German spoken and written language and German sign language (DGS) and learn simultaneous interpreting (e.g. liaison interpreting, delayed consecutive interpreting) as well as translating texts into DGS.
In addition, you will have historical and sociological knowledge of the deaf and sign language community (Deaf History / Deaf Studies) and in-depth knowledge of the profession in order to carry out and reflect on your generally independent work professionally.
Throughout the Bachelor's degree programme in Sign Language Interpreting, you will acquire basic and advanced language skills in German Sign Language as a basis for interpreting practice.
You will acquire translation and interpreting skills and test them in a wide variety of constellations and contexts (e.g. face-to-face and remote interpreting, monologue and dialogue situations).
Cultural and linguistic modules introduce you to the history and sociology of the deaf and sign language linguistics, including a cultural project.
In the field of related sciences, you will learn interdisciplinary skills in working with deaf people and apply the basics of scientific work and research.
Professionalisation modules introduce you to the professional field of sign language interpreters, including professional knowledge and organisation as well as possible fields of work.
In several internships that build on each other, you will get to know the situation of sign language speakers and the work of sign language interpreters in various institutions and contexts and can test your skills under professional supervision.
Standard period of study: 7 semesters
The degree programme comprises 210 credit points. One credit point corresponds to around 30 hours of student work (attendance, preparation and follow-up work, self-study, examination).
You will complete three consecutive internships in the 2nd, 5th, 6th and 7th semesters, in which you will get to know the situation of sign language users and the work of sign language interpreters in various institutions and contexts and can test the practical skills you have already acquired in real-life situations under professional supervision.
The orientation internship (180 hours ) should take place in an institution where sign language communication can be experienced in everyday life (e.g. schools, vocational training centres, associations, companies, etc.). The internship focuses on communication with people who use sign language in everyday life and reflection on the various situations.
The work shadowing internship (330 hours) is possible both in organisations where sign language interpreters work regularly and in the company of freelance sign language interpreters. The aim is to take on smaller units of interpreting under supervision in addition to the work shadowing.
The interpreting internship (330 hours plus 30 hours for overall written reflection) can be completed in the company of freelance or permanently employed sign language interpreters. The aim is to take on relevant units of interpreting under supervision.
The fifth or sixth semester is recommended as a mobility window for a stay at another university in Germany or abroad, whereby you can complete the modules GSD-BW 02, GSD-BW 03, GSD-BW 04, GSD-KuS 02 and GSD-PRAK 01 at another university.
The International Office offers funding opportunities.
To the International Office
You will graduate from the Bachelor's degree programme in "Sign Language Interpreting" with the academic degree "Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)".
A degree in sign language interpreting opens up a wide range of career opportunities. You can work in various fields and take on assignments in authorities, schools, universities, medical facilities, the police and courts, for example. Many sign language interpreters work on a freelance basis, but you can also be employed by companies or institutions.
