There are no formal entry requirements. You should feel confident using everyday spoken English (ESOL Entry 3 or above recommended) and be able to speak another language to a good standard.
This course introduces the role of the community interpreter and how interpreters act as a bridge between minority-language communities and public/voluntary services. You’ll build awareness of how English changes by audience, purpose and place, explore how services such as the NHS, local authorities and DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) operate, and learn core responsibilities, boundaries and techniques for short, simple interpreting encounters. The course also guides you on finding valuable voluntary experience and mapping a progression route to higher-level community interpreting qualifications.
Students will take part in a short introduction before progressing onto the the level 1 award.
Continuous assessment through a portfolio of evidence mapped to the unit criteria, learners may redraft after tutor feedback. There is no high-stakes exam, your portfolio of evidence demonstrates your understanding and skills.
Opens routes into entry-level community interpreting (paid casual assignments/agency bookings) and related bilingual roles such as community or family liaison, patient liaison, housing/welfare advice, and public-service admin across settings like health, education and local authority services.
