Diploma Programme 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.
Programme structure:
Courses |
Contact hours |
Credit units |
Discourse Analysis for Sign Language Interpreters |
30 hours |
2 |
Dialogic Interpreting Techniques |
60 hours |
4 |
Monologic Interpreting Techniques |
45 hours |
3 |
Interpreting Practicum |
45 hours |
3 |
Professional Interpreting Role and Ethics |
30 hours |
2 |
Contextual Studies for Interpreting |
30 hours |
2 |
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.