New Zealand Sign Language - English Interpreting Major - Bachelor of Arts

Professional NZSL-English interpreters are in high demand. NZSL-English interpreters are essential to ensure the Deaf community has access to New Zealand legal, educational and health systems. This major prepares you for a career as an NZSL-English interpreter.

You become familiar with the Deaf community and culture, and helping you achieve proficiency in New Zealand Sign Language. In the second and third year you’re introduced to the interpreting profession, including the history of interpreting locally and internationally. You develop interpreting skills for a wide range of settings, and explore the ethical issues of sign language interpreting.

AUT is the only university where you can become a qualified NZSL-English interpreter.

A scholarship is available from the Ministry of Education for NZSL interpreting students:

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Minimum entry requirements

If you have New Zealand qualifications

If you have qualifications from another country

See entry requirements for students from other countries. Select your country from the dropdown menu.

Useful New Zealand school subjects

All subjects are useful, in particular Art History, Classical Studies, English, Geography, History, Media Studies and other languages.

English language requirements

  • IELTS (Academic) 7.0 overall with 7.0 in Writing and Speaking, and 6.5 in Reading and Listening; or equivalent.

English language requirements

Don’t meet the entry requirements?

Consider starting with:

Our dynamic classroom environment encourages student participation at each stage of the learning journey. Our strong relationships with the Deaf community and interpreting professionals mean that you have access to up-to-date information and a range of guest speakers.

Develop advanced NZSL and interpreting skills to prepare you for a career as a professional NZSL-English interpreter. Courses also focus on ethical decision making, the translation and interpreting processes, and business-related skills like networking and professional conduct.

For questions about this programme you can contact our programme leader on george.major@aut.ac.nz

Core courses

All students in the Bachelor of Arts complete core courses that cover effective communication, critical thinking and other transferable skills you'll need for your future career.

New Zealand Sign language - English Interpreting courses

Year 1 courses

The first year focuses on developing fluency in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), and the study of the Deaf community and culture.

You need to complete Year 1 courses with at least a B grade average in the language courses to progress to Year 2. If you don't achieve at least a B grade average in the Year 1 language courses, you need to continue with an alternative major.

Year 2 courses

Year 3 courses

Recommended elective course

Workplace experience

Workplace experience is a key part of your final year. In the first semester you’ll be in the community, observing and learning from professional interpreters in a wide range of settings. In the second semester, you’ll be interpreting alongside professional interpreters, your lecturers, and classmates.

Recent placements included:

  • Community workshops
  • Sports events
  • Pōwhiri
  • Primary school classrooms
  • Health appointments

Want more info about work integrated learning at AUT?

Read more about workplace experience in AUT programmes, how it works and why it’s so beneficial when you start your career.

Workplace experience in AUT programmes

Ready to enrol in your courses?

Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for a course timetable or more info on a specific course use our course search.

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To participate in AUT's New Zealand Sign Language - English Interpreting degree you need to be able to:

  • Adequately hear and process spoken language in a wide range of settings, including when there is significant background noise and people talking over one another
  • See clearly including in low light and across distances
  • Speak and write English with a high level of proficiency, including an extensive vocabulary and the ability to adapt language to different levels of formality
  • Speak in a clear voice
  • Use hands, arms, fingers in a skilled and coordinated way (manual dexterity)

NZSL fluency is not required to begin this programme.

Beginner level applicants can use this free online tool to learn some basics.

Learn NZSL website

Interpreting settings in the Deaf community including:

  • Health
  • Education
  • Legal profession
  • Events
  • Employment
  • The arts
sign-language-thumb.jpg

Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.

NZ Sign Language & Interpreting Careers

Quick facts
Programme code:
AK3006
Level:
7
Points:
360
Duration:
3 years full-time / part-time available
Campus:
City Campus
Starts:
23 Feb 2026

Key semester dates
Fees
Domestic
$8,380 - $9,261 (for 120 points)
($7,188 - $8,069 tuition fees + $1,192 student services levy)
International
$34,692 (for 120 points)
($33,500 tuition fees + $1,192 student services levy)
  • Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee. The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
  • Fees are subject to change year to year. If you are planning for study beyond the current year, fees may vary from those stated.
  • There may also be other fees and charges you need to pay.
  • International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition. Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.
  • Fees-free study may be available for domestic students

Scholarships

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.

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