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Understanding Community Interpreting Level 1(Ascentis)

An introduction to the work of a community interpreter and advice on gaining essential voluntary experience to enable progression to higher level courses. This course is suitable for those with little or no interpreting experience or who wish to find out more about this area of work. Entry is by written application and interview only. Right click to choose where you wish to save the application form and brochure: Information Leaflet Application Form FAQ
  • Who is it for?


    This course is for people who are fluent in English and a language spoken in one of the linguistic communities in the London area. Participants will normally be native speakers of another language.

    Participants are not expected to have any previous experience of Community Interpreting, but they may be interested in working in the field in the future.

    Participants will have been in the UK long enough to have gained a basic awareness of provision of British public services.

  • What does it cover?

    Students will be introduced to the work of community interpreters and the role they play within the community and public services. They will also look at what voluntary work in this field may entail and will be guided in finding a voluntary placement. Participants are not placed in a voluntary organisation but will be advised on how to find themselves a placement. Participants will also be introduced to general information on public services in the UK and some basic terminology related to them.
    Successful completion of the course involves a minimum of 80% attendance.
    Participants should be able to demonstrate:
    - awareness of the work of a community interpreter - awareness of the provision of public services in the local area - understanding of the dynamics of communities regarding access to public services - awareness of some basic terminology relating to public services - awareness of the difficulties regarding terminology which might arise when interpreting - ability to successfully relate to people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences - awareness of own achievement, evidence of attempts to find voluntary work.

  • What will it be like?


    Methods used include group work, pair work, case studies, presentations from the tutor and visiting speakers, learner presentations.
    - ongoing assessment by tutor - portfolio of evidence assessed by tutor - internal and external moderation for the accreditation

  • What else do I need to buy or do?



    Students will need to provide a folder which will contain the completed work to be presented for final assessment. There is homework set each week which students are expected to complete and which will form part of their final portfolio. We estimate about 2-3 hours a week will be necessary outside of the class.

  • What could it lead to?

    Initially voluntary work with a local linguistic minority community. If enough experience has been gained, students could progress onto the Ascentis Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting. There is no automatic progression to the level 3 once this course has been successfully completed. You may also be interested in taking an English Pronunciation course at the Mary Ward Centre or elsewhere.

Available Courses

Understanding Community Interpreting Level 1(Ascentis)

An introduction to the work of a community interpreter and advice on gaining essential voluntary experience to enable progression to higher level courses. This course is suitable for those with little or no interpreting experience or who wish to find out more about this area of work. Entry is by written application and interview only. Right click to choose where you wish to save the application form and brochure: Information Leaflet Application Form FAQ

08 May 2023 – 03 July 2023
Monday, 10:00 to 13:00
Course Code:302
£207 / £90
8 Meetings
42 Queen Square
13 May 2023 – 08 July 2023
Saturday, 10:00 to 13:00
Course Code:305
£207 / £90
8 Meetings
1 Rushworth St
17 October 2022 – 05 December 2022
Monday, 10:00 to 13:00
Course Code:300
£207 / £90
8 Meetings
42 Queen Square
22 October 2022 – 10 December 2022
Saturday, 10:00 to 13:00
Course Code:303
£207 / £90
8 Meetings
1 Rushworth St
30 January 2023 – 20 March 2023
Monday, 10:00 to 13:00
Course Code:301
£207 / £90
8 Meetings
42 Queen Square
04 February 2023 – 25 March 2023
Saturday, 10:00 to 13:00
Course Code:304
£207 / £90
8 Meetings
1 Rushworth St

Can't see what you want?

Telephone Interpreting in the Public Services - Online

A course suitable for those who have completed the Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting and are now working as interpreter. Interpreting over the telephone is becoming increasingly common in the public services and can be an interesting and convenient way to work as an interpreter. However, it does present additional challenges which interpreters may not have been previously trained for. This very practice focused course will enable you to develop your skills and confidence in this area through role plays, observation and discussion. Please note to get full benefit from these role plays it may be necessary for you to come with a language partner for some sections of the course, if there is not already someone you could be paired with please see the full course description for more details. If you cannot download the application form, please contact: interpreting@marywardcentre.ac.uk Download Application Form

11 March 2023 – 18 March 2023
Saturday, 10:00 to 17:00
Course Code:321CS
£111 / £39
2 Meetings
Online Course
View Course
01 July 2023 – 08 July 2023
Saturday, 10:00 to 17:00
Course Code:322CS
£111 / £39
2 Meetings
Online Course
View Course

Community Interpreting Level 3 Certificate (Ascentis)

This nationally recognised qualification is for people who are fluent in English and another language. Applicants must have some experience, paid or unpaid, of interpreting in a public sector context in the UK. Some of this experience should be with people not previously personally known to the applicant. Participants have the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a community interpreter including the role of the interpreter, professional conduct and codes of practice and knowledge of the sectors within which they will be working - Housing, Health, Education, Immigration, Benefits and Social Services. Entry is by written application and interview only. Lower fees may be available for students aged 23 and under. Right click to choose where you wish to save the application form and brochure: Information Flyer Application Form FAQ Advanced Learner Loan Information Leaflet

25 April 2023 – 11 July 2023
Tuesday, 10:30 to 17:30
Course Code:311L
£724 / £724
12 Meetings
1 Rushworth St
View Course
06 May 2023 – 22 July 2023
Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00
Course Code:314L
£724 / £724
12 Meetings
1 Rushworth St
View Course
20 September 2022 – 06 December 2022
Tuesday, 10:30 to 17:30
Course Code:309L
£724 / £724
12 Meetings
1 Rushworth St
View Course
17 January 2023 – 28 March 2023
Tuesday, 10:30 to 17:30
Course Code:310L
£724 / £724
11 Meetings
1 Rushworth St
View Course

Developing Your Skills as a Community Interpreter Level 2 (Ascentis)

For those who have completed a Level 1 Interpreting course. This course is the ideal opportunity for you to develop some of the academic skills that you will need in order to progress onto the Level 3 qualifications in Community Interpreting, whilst also developing your knowledge of interpreting practice and the public services. We will look at how to improve your written expression in academic English and how to carry out research for interpreting assignments effectively. All the academic skills taught on the course will be embedded in the context of increasing your knowledge of Community Interpreting. Entry is by interview only. Please contact the Centre for further information. FAQ

06 May 2023 – 22 July 2023
Saturday & Sunday, 13:30 to 17:30
Course Code:308
£341 / £95 / £0
12 Meetings
1 Rushworth St
View Course
24 September 2022 – 10 December 2022
Saturday, 13:30 to 17:30
Course Code:306
£341 / £95 / £0
12 Meetings
1 Rushworth St
View Course
21 January 2023 – 01 April 2023
Saturday & Sunday, 13:30 to 17:30
Course Code:307
£341 / £95 / £0
12 Meetings
1 Rushworth St
View Course

Meet The Tutor

For more information contact langs@marywardcentre.ac.uk at admin@marywardcentre.ac.uk

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