Bachelor of Arts - New Zealand Sign Language - English Interpreting Major

Summary

The Bachelor of Arts prepares you for a huge range of careers, and you can build your degree in a way that suits you – study a single or a double major, select from a wide range of minors or add elective papers from another area of study. Throughout your Bachelor of Arts you’ll develop effective communication, critical thinking and analysis skills, as well as the ability to research and present professionally. These skills are key to any professional role.

Professional sign language interpreters are in high demand. Sign language interpreters are essential to ensure the Deaf community has access to New Zealand legal, educational and health systems. This major prepares you for a career as a sign language interpreter.

You become familiar with the Deaf community and culture, and helping you achieve proficiency in New Zealand Sign Language. In the second and third year you’re introduced to the interpreting profession, including the history of interpreting locally and internationally. You develop interpreting skills for a wide range of settings, and explore the ethical issues of sign language interpreting.

Key features:

• Only degree qualification as a NZSL English interpreter
• Suitable for school leavers and for people with no sign language proficiency
• Many opportunities to practise your skills with the Deaf community
• 24-week interpreting placement in your final year, working alongside qualified NZSL interpreters

Career opportunities:

• Interpreting settings in the Deaf community including:
• Medical centres and district health boards
• Legal profession
• Compulsory education
• University
• Public events
• Employment
• Theatre
• Counselling
• Education
• Mental health