Public Service Interpreting Diploma (DPSI)

Course title:	Public Service Interpreting Diploma (DPSI)
Apply:	direct to the University
Start (pt):	September
Mode:	part-time
Duration:	1 year part-time
Location:	Luton campus, Park Square
Faculty:	The Business School
Department:	Department of Language & Communication

Summary

The Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) is nationally recognised award and provides evidence of the ability to interpret between providers and users of the public services, such as the law and the NHS, who do not share a common language.

The programme focuses on the theory and practice of interpreting and, at the same time, prepares the student to work in one of three public service sectors, law, health or local government.

Speakers from the appropriate sector play a prominent role in the course and visits are arranged to institutions within that sector.

Students will work closely with course tutors and language tutors, who are all qualified interpreters.

The skills acquired by the students during the course include consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, sight translation, written translation, note-taking skills.

In addition students will gain knowledge of ethical and professional practice skills related to the role of the public service interpreter.

Why choose this course?

Tutors on the course are qualified and experienced interpreters.

You will have the support of a language tutor who is a qualified interpreter.

Speakers from the appropriate sector play a prominent role in the course and visits are arranged to institutions within that sector.

Career Opportunities

Past students are working in a range of jobs in the public sector, such as legal services and the NHS.

Holders of DPSI can apply for membership of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters. This register is used by public services to recruit interpreters at local, regional and national levels.

Teaching/learning methods and strategies

Teaching will consist of interactive work between students and language tutors and guest speakers who will hold role play sessions.

Students are required to expand on the topics through research and self study and will be expected to prepare material for their weekly session.

Assessment

The examination is assessed through the Institute of Linguists' examinations that take place in the middle of June.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be fluent in English and one foreign language.

Candidates' command of the written and spoken languages should be equal to the standard of the first year of a Honours language degree.

Students must be able to switch between the two languages easily, transferring ideas and concepts between them.

Candidates should indicate the language they are offering and which Public Service Option they prefer.

All applicants will be invited for an brief interview before being offered a place on the course.

Special entry requirements

We welcome applications from students with ethnically diverse backgrounds, mature students and international students.

The University supports a widening participation, open access agenda and encourages applicants with non-standard qualifications.

Attendance

Attendance is one day per week.

Luton campus (The Business School, Vicarage Street) Wednesday evenings from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Find out more

For more information please contact Dr Vladimir Zegarac via the Course Administrator, Kathi Parker.

T: +44 (0) 1582 489019

General Enquiries

• www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply for information about standard entry requirements, application routes, open days, fees and funding.
• T: +44 (0)1582 489286 UK/EU Admissions
• T: +44 (0)1582 489326 International Admissions
• Order a prospectus form. Enquire about courses and order a printed undergraduate or postgraduate prospectus.
• T: +44 (0)1234 400 400 University switchboard