New courses
advance
opportunities
for British Sign
Language/
English
interpreters
A
CADEMICS AT QMU have launched
two new modules in British
Sign Language(BSL)/English
Interpreting which will significantly
advance the skills and understanding
of experienced interpreters.
These modules are a stepping stone to
the development of a fully online Master’s
programme in Advanced BSL/English
Interpreting, and represent an important
advancement in the post-registration provision
for BSL/English interpreters in the UK. For
the first time, this will allow interpreters to get
accreditation for work in specialist fields such
as healthcare, education, legal services, and
mental health provision.
Interpreters typically work across a broad
range of areas. Projected modules will
allow practitioners to ratify existing skills
already acquired in crucial areas, such
as interpreting in the health service
or education, as well as helping
interpreters extend their practice
into new specialisms. This will
work-based learning; distance e-learning
and block attendance.
CPD is a requirement for all allied health
professions in the UK in order to secure
re-registration with the Health and Care
Professions Council (HCPC) and to
retain the right to practice within the UK.
Radiographers are required to evidence
their learning and to demonstrate how this
learning has informed practice.
The course aims to foster an intellectual
approach to personal and professional
development, encouraging diagnostic
radiographers to challenge and progress
radiography practice in response to
evolutionary change. The course aims
to provide flexibility in learning with the
opportunity for learners to select modules
in order to support individual practice
development.
Simon Holmes, Programme Leader for
MSc Medical Imaging (MRI, CT and Clinical
allow individuals to develop their profiles as
specialists in key sectors.
There is high demand for BSL/English
interpreters across the UK, but training and
development opportunities are not always
easily accessible and can be very costly.
These modules are unique, as they will be
delivered entirely online, ensuring they are
equally accessible regardless of geographic
location.
Dr Ben Matthews, Lecturer in Deaf Studies
at QMU, explained: “The introductory
two modules will focus on enhancing
interpreters’ reflective practice and the
theoretical foundations of their work. Further
opportunities will be available in the future to
develop their research skills and undertake a
project in an area of personal interest, should
students choose to complete the Master's
award.”
skillset for work in these priority areas, and
we hope to develop an MSc in BSL in the
near future.
Professor Fiona Coutts, Dean of Health
Sciences at QMU, said: “The development
of this provision demonstrates that QMU is
leading the way in addressing the actions that
are likely to result from the BSL (Scotland)
Act. Ultimately, it will enhance the quality of
life of the deaf community in Scotland and
beyond.” ❒
*full Master’s course is subject to validation
Dr Rachel Mapson, Lecturer in BSL/English
interpreting at QMU, said: “Continued
professional development (CPD) is a
requirement for registered interpreters.
However, there is currently a gap in the
market for academically accredited training
that is both accessible and relevant to the
everyday practice of BSL/English interpreters.
The key benefit for interpreters will be the
convenience of these modules – the fact that
they are delivered entirely online. Our students
will also be able to use their study to evidence
annual CPD requirements.”
In 2017, the Scottish Government will
publish the first national action plan in
relation to the BSL (Scotland) Act 2015.
This Act imposes a duty on public bodies
to promote use of BSL and it is anticipated
that the initial plan will include a particular
focus on education and healthcare. The
new QMU modules, will help ensure
interpreters have an enhanced
Reporting) at QMU, said: “Diagnostic
radiography and medical imaging are core
components of modern healthcare and rely
on rapidly changing diagnostic modalities.
It is widely accepted that medical imaging
will remain an essential component of
diagnostic services for many years to come
and that the demand for imaging services
will continue to rise.
“Recent modernisation within the NHS has
raised the profile and extended the scope
of practice for allied health professionals.
Diagnostic radiographers, as one of the
sixteen registered allied health profession
groups, are now required to build and
extend their scope of professional expertise
within a multi-professional setting, so our
new MSc Medical imaging will help them
to achieve this objective.”
Dawn Walker, Programme Leader for MSc
Medical Imaging (Ultrasound) at QMU,
said: “The demand for medical ultrasound
continues to rise and so the sonographer
workforce in the UK is required to expand
to meet the service needs.
“It is important that sonographers working
within this specialised imaging modality
are offered a high standard of training and
QMU is excited to be able to offer this
CASE accredited programme in Scotland.
Radiographers are offered the opportunity to
extend their scope of practice with a PgC in
four clinical areas within ultrasound; General
Medical, Obstetric, Musculoskeletal and
Breast Ultrasound.”
MSc Medical Imaging does not lead to
UK registration with the Health & Care
Professions Council or the right to practice
within the UK.
For more information on MSc Medical
Imaging at QMU and to apply, visit:
www.qmu.ac.uk or email Simon Holmes,
E: [email protected] ❒
QMYOU / New Courses
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