Deaf student Caroline Doherty, who is already fluent in both BSL and ISL, wanted to gain a formal qualification after helping friends in the deaf community who were struggling to access services.
She said deaf people have an indigenous understanding of the language which they can use to influence and make changes.
“We can share our skills, learn from that and learn more about the interpreting profession,” she said.
The cohort of 17 students is a mix of BSL and ISL users, qualified and aspiring interpreters, as well as deaf and hearing students.
Ms Doherty is one of five deaf students taking part in the course.
“I can’t explain how valuable this is. It’s the first course where I have felt equal with my hearing colleagues.”
Recently, Ms Doherty had a medical appointment that was cancelled four times because there weren’t any interpreters available.
“I don’t feel that’s right. I can’t live my life like that. I work full time. I contribute. I’m a taxpaying citizen. I should have the same rights as everybody else.”