Bachelor in Interpreting in Sign Language and Alternative and Augmentative Communication

Applications for the Sep 2027 intake close on Apr 1, 2027, and tuition fees are 9,500 USD per year.

The Bachelor in Interpreting in Sign Language and Alternative and Augmentative Communication is a degree program for students who want to help individuals with hearing or speech impairments. This 3-year program in Finland teaches English and focuses on public service interpreting.

Students learn about sign language, alternative communication methods, and speech-to-text interpreting. They practice their skills in public service situations and leisure settings, which helps them become proficient interpreters.

Graduates can work as interpreters in organizations or as independent service providers. They can also become communication teachers for deaf and deaf-blind individuals, or work in roles like sign language interpreter, speech-to-text interpreter, or deaf-blind communicator.

Diaconia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki is Finland's leading institution for applied education in social work, health care, and diaconia. Founded in 1996 and serving around 3,000 students across multiple campuses, Diak combines academic study with a strong focus on social justice and community well-being. The university's applied approach prepares graduates to respond to real-world social and health challenges across Finland and internationally.

Programs emphasize hands-on learning through placements, community projects, and collaborative research with local and international partners. English-taught options and robust research activity in inclusion, welfare, and care practices make Diak attractive to students seeking practical skills and evidence-based approaches. Faculty often come from professional backgrounds, giving classes immediate relevance to current practice.

Student support is tailored for internationals, with services that ease integration, language support, and career guidance. Networking opportunities with NGOs, health providers, and municipal services help graduates find meaningful roles in the helping professions. For students drawn to purpose-driven work, Diak offers a welcoming environment where professional competence, ethical practice, and community engagement come together to launch impactful careers.