British Sign Language (BSL) and Deaf Studies (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

**Course Overview**<br/><br/>Interested in learning BSL and working in the Deaf community? Come and study on the British Sign Language and Deaf Studies with Foundation Year course.<br/><br/>Courses with a foundation year are ideal if you’ve got the ability to study for a degree, but don’t have the necessary formal qualifications to directly join an honours programme. It’s a great stepping stone to a full degree.<br/><br/>British Sign Language (BSL), sign linguistics and deaf studies at the University has long been recognised for world-leading research, continuous top student satisfaction rates and pioneering work on the development of employability skills.<br/><br/>Our course covers all aspects of deafness as a social and cultural phenomenon and will enable you to develop a fluency in British Sign Language. The wealth of modules available to choose from will enable you to tailor your studies to meet your individual interests and career goals. <br/><br/>It is estimated that more than 60% of British Sign Language English interpreters working in the UK have been taught on our courses.<br/><br/>We have nearly 30 years expertise in teaching British Sign Language and Deaf Studies.<br/><br/>**Why study with us**<br/><br/><br/>- You will undertake field trips and that will help you to gain real-world experience at local and regional events where sign language users are gathering, as well as places of interest to the course, such as the British Deaf History Museum trip.<br/><br/><br/>- You may be offered an opportunity to join an international trip to experience other sign languages and cultures. <br/><br/><br/>- Our staff members include Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Lynne Barnes, who is recognised for her work in BSL and Deaf Studies.<br/><br/><br/>**What you’ll do** <br/><br/><br/>- You’ll be taught by a mixed deaf and hearing team who are experts in a range of topics including linguistics, translation studies, community and history.<br/><br/><br/>- There are opportunities to take a work placement module as part of your overall programme of study.<br/><br/><br/>- You’ll have an opportunity to study abroad. In recent years we’ve provided students with opportunities in Finland, Germany, the USA and Holland. <br/><br/><br/>**Future careers**<br/><br/>British Sign Language and Deaf Studies Foundation Year could lead to a variety of careers and professions, including: lecturers, teachers, BSL/English interpreters, social workers, educational support workers, or working with the media or the police.<br/><br/>Our graduates have also moved on to higher degrees and research, as well as running their own businesses.