Diploma in Sign Language Interpretation (QF Level: 3; QR Registration No.: 18/000047/L3)

This programme is not open for enrollment at the moment. For enquiries, please email to cslds@arts.cuhk.edu.hk.

Programme objectives:

The programme offers academically grounded practical training in consecutive and simultaneous interpretation between a sign and a spoken language. The programme prepares students to apply the professional skills and behaviours learned through the course to real-world settings effectively as well as to develop professional role and ethical behavior as sign language interpreters.

Programme learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this programme, students are expected to:

  • Be prepared to work as professional interpreters between a sign language and a spoken language in a range of community settings;
  • Apply linguistic, cultural and technical knowledge to interpreting effectively between users of a spoken and a sign language;
  • Understand and apply the ethical tenets of the interpreting profession; and
  • Develop an orientation to practice that acknowledges cultural and political impacts of sign interpreting on deaf individuals and communities.
CoursesContact hoursCredit units
Discourse Analysis for Sign Language Interpreters30 hours2
Dialogic Interpreting Techniques60 hours4
Monologic Interpreting Techniques45 hours3
Interpreting Practicum45 hours3
Professional Interpreting Role and Ethics30 hours2
Contextual Studies for Interpreting30 hours2

Entry requirement:

Applicants should have a minimum of 5 passes in HKCEE or level two in 5 HKDSE subjects or equivalent (e.g. grade 11 in the US Education system); and applicants should demonstrate language proficiency in Hong Kong Sign Language at the intermediate level; and applicants should meet the minimum English requirement through attaining 5.0 in IELTS or 64 in TOEFL (iBT) or level two in English subject in HKDSE or equivalent*; and applicants should have a Certificate/Diploma in Sign Language Studies offered by CUHK, or equivalent qualifications from other recognized programmes or institutions; mature applicants at the age of 21 or above who do not meet the above minimum admission but possess a demonstrated ability (e.g. good presentation skills and communication ability in Hong Kong Sign Language, Chinese and English) to pursue the programme are eligible to apply for admission.

*other examples of equivalent qualifications would be 510 in TOEFL (paper) and 600 in TOEIC.
Applicants are required to attend a Hong Kong Sign Language proficiency test, a written test in Chinese and English and a face-to-face interview. Admissions will be subject to the decision of the selection committee.