European Master in Sign Language Interpreting
EUMASLI (Master’s Degree)
Develop, lead, anticipate – promote equality and accessibility!
EUMASLI is a 2.5 year, part-time programme across 5 semesters, offered conjointly between 3 universities: Heriot-Watt University (UK), HUMAK University of Applied Sciences (Finland) and Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences (Germany).
EUMASLI – European Master in Sign Language Interpreting – is an innovative international master study programme that is intended to contribute to the development of the professional field of interpreting between deaf and hearing people by bringing together sign language interpreters from across the world. It aims to prepare participants for research, development, and management functions in their respective countries.
The degree provides qualifications for leadership and development positions. Upon completion, graduates receive the title European Master in Sign Language Interpreting (Master of Humanities). The degree corresponds to a university master’s degree and enables further studies towards a doctoral degree.
Who is this programme for?
You are a sign language interpreter (Bachelor’s) who graduated in Finland and wants to network internationally
You have work experience as a sign language interpreter and want to deepen your international expertise. The degree provides skills to develop professional practices in your field, which promote equality.
You are an interpreting or sign language professional living outside Finland who wants to develop interpreting services in your home country
The degree provides tools for developing operations and new perspectives for your work.
You are an interpreting professional who wants to influence the position of sign language users and people with hearing impairments in society
The programme brings together interpreting teachers and students from around the world with the aim of promoting the status of signed languages in the world. It aims to promote students’ professional development by encouraging skills for cross-geographical and cross-cultural collaboration.
Programme content
The duration of studies is 2.5 years. During the first four semesters, students complete a 15 ECTS credit module each semester, and in the final semester, a 30 ECTS credit thesis.
The first semester consists of three modules:
- Module 1.1: Similarity and Diversity in European Sign Languages (5 ECTS)
- Module 1.2: Similarity and Diversity in European Deaf Communities (5 ECTS)
- Module 1.3: Personal Development and Academic Skills (5 ECTS)
The second semester consists of two modules:
- Module 2.1: Introducing International Sign (5 ECTS)
- Module 2.2: Interpreting and Translation Studies (incl. Developing Reflective Practice I) (10 ECTS)
The third semester consists of two modules:
- Module 3.1: Translating Between International Sign and English (5 ECTS)
- Module 3.2: Developing the Profession (incl. Developing Reflective Practice II) (10 ECTS)
The fourth semester consists of two modules:
- Module 4.1: Interpreting Between International Sign and English (5 ECTS)
- Module 4.2: Research Methods: Sign Language Interpreting and Translation as Profession and Performance (incl. Developing Reflective Practice III) (10 ECTS)
The fifth semester consists of writing the Master’s Thesis.
What skills will you have upon graduation?
We offer students an inspiring and motivating learning environment, so that you can develop as an expert through the EUMASLI degree. The goal is that after your studies you will be able to….
Influence
You will learn to promote accessibility, equality, and the social inclusion of deaf people.
Develop
You will learn to utilize diverse development methods in developing your own field.
Apply
You will gain new ideas for developing operations from other countries and be able to apply them in your own work.
Engage
You are able to take into account diverse people in the development of interpreting services.
Career opportunities
The Sign Language Interpreter (Master of Humanities) programme graduates experts for development and leadership positions in the interpreting field. Graduates can work, among other things, in interpreting companies as entrepreneurs or employees. Additionally, many work in educational positions or as experts in projects and organizations.
Our alumni work as sign language interpreters and interpreters in various organizations and operational environments. Some graduates advance to leadership positions such as CEO, team leader, or development manager. A Sign Language Interpreter (Master of Humanities) can also specialize in development and expert positions in the field of interpreting and sign language services, and work as an entrepreneur or independent practitioner.
Frequently asked questions
The studies include webinars, independent study, and contact teaching in the organizing countries. An important part of the degree is that students meet each other face-to-face.
The programme is tuition-free for EU citizens. For students from outside the EU, the programme is tuition-based. Students pay for travel to the organizing countries and accommodation there themselves.
The teaching languages are English and International Sign.
The application process is two-stage. Humak’s applicant services send an invitation to the entrance examination to eligible applicants. Students are selected based on oral and written entrance examinations.
Any questions?
Our admissions services are here help!
Admissions Office Humak
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