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Level 1 Community Interpreting Course Online

CostFree if you're eligible
Duration12 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryOnline
Start16 Sep 2026
Awarding bodyAscentis awarding body

Free if you're unemployed or on a low income. Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames lists a fee of £247.60 if you're not eligible. Contact Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames for more info.

Apply now →Check if you're eligible

About this course

Level 1 Understanding Community Interpreting Course. Study online. You study at your own pace over 12 weeks, so you can fit the course around work, family, or other commitments. The course covers how community interpreting works, the role of the interpreter, and the ethical and professional standards involved. You'll need a high level of English (at least ESOL Level 2, IELTS 6.5, or CEFR C1) and fluency in at least one other language. This is a solid starting point if you're considering a path toward professional community interpreting work.

Who this course is for

This course provides a fantastic starting point for anyone who would like to gain an understanding of community interpreting, whether that be for personal interest, or as the first steps on the journey towards becoming an accredited professional community interpreter.

Community interpreters are becoming increasingly important in society, particularly in cities where a variety of languages are spoken. The interpreter supports those who do not have English as a first language to better access public services and engage in social situations which would otherwise not be possible.

This course may appeal to learners who have gained ESOL Level 2 qualifications (and higher) or who speak any languages in addition to English.

This course may also be of interest to those with an interest in language and communication in context or in public services in the UK. The course will also appeal to those who wish to learn how to be a better communicator.

Entry requirements

You must be aged 19 or over (as at 31st August 2025) and be ordinarily resident in the UK.

A high level of written and spoken English language (at least ESOL Level 2, IELTS 6.5, or CEFR C1) and at least one other language spoken at a fluent level.

Please also be sure you have enough time each week to attend all classes and to complete any homework assignments outside of class.

What you will learn

  • You'll understand what community interpreting is and why it matters in multilingual communities.
  • You'll learn about the different settings where community interpreters work, such as healthcare, legal, and social services.
  • You'll explore the ethical responsibilities and professional boundaries of a community interpreter.
  • You'll develop awareness of the skills and qualities needed to interpret accurately and impartially.
  • You'll understand the challenges interpreters face, including cultural sensitivity and managing difficult situations.
  • You'll learn about the difference between interpreting and translation, and the various interpreting modes used in practice.

How you will learn

The course is delivered entirely online. You'll work through study materials at your own pace and complete assignments outside of scheduled class time. Assessment is based on written work and tasks that test your understanding of community interpreting principles. You'll need to set aside regular time each week for both study and any homework assignments.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Community interpreter. Support non-English speakers in public services.
  • Healthcare interpreter. Help patients communicate with medical staff.
  • Legal interpreter. Assist in courts, tribunals, or legal consultations.
  • Social services interpreter. Support families and individuals accessing council services.
  • Education interpreter. Work with schools and families who need language support.
  • Voluntary sector interpreter. Assist charities and community organisations.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Community Interpreting. The next step toward working as a professional community interpreter. Higher-level qualifications are typically required by employers in healthcare, legal, and public sector settings.
  • CELTA or language teaching qualifications. If you're interested in using your language skills in education rather than interpreting.
  • ESOL teaching qualifications. Relevant if you want to support speakers of other languages in a teaching or learning support role.
Apply on kingston.gov.uk →Check if you're eligible
Apply now →Check if you're eligible

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