Program Overview

Deaf Studies

The Centre for Deaf Studies (CDS) in Trinity affords students the opportunity to develop insights into, and genuine appreciation for the culture, contributions, and contemporary issues related to deaf people in Ireland and worldwide. The undergraduate programme is the only one of its kind in Ireland. Irish Sign Language (ISL) is the indigenous language of the deaf community in Ireland and is the working language at the Centre for Deaf Studies.

Overview

The programme in Deaf Studies draws on a core faculty with interests in ISL and Deaf Studies, as well as other faculty within the University and the School of Linguistic Speech and Communication Sciences, with expertise in bilingualism, biculturalism, reading, literacy, linguistics and applied linguistics, cognitive and language development, language teaching, special education, and counselling. This course gives an in-depth understanding of the Irish deaf community and of the experience of deaf people internationally, historically and in contemporary society.

Course Details

• Awards: B.St.Su. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8)
• CAO Information: CAO Points 318 (2024), CAO Code TR016
• Number of Places: 20 Places
• Duration: 4 Years Full-Time

Admission Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: H4 English, O4/H6 in a language other than English
• Advanced GCE (A Level): Grade C English Literature (A or B) or English Language (A or B)
• GCSE: Grade C in a language other than English
• International Baccalaureate: HL Grade 5 English, SL Grade 5 in a language other than English
• English Language Requirements: All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

• First year: Introduction to ISL as a language, concepts of second language learning and language acquisition, and the idea of the deaf community as active participants in business and society.
• Second and third years: Themes such as ethics, deaf people in the media, the legal and political standing of signed languages, and access to critical public health services are explored, along with understanding of the structure of ISL, the sociolinguistic context, and the path to acquisition of a signed language for deaf children.
• Fourth year: Students complete a Capstone research project, study more advanced theoretical subjects, and enter two separate supervised placements in organisations that provide services to/for the deaf community.

Career Opportunities

Graduates frequently work in Deaf organisations, for example as a resource officer or combined with another skill set, such as teaching, ISL / English interpreting, child care, social work, public service bodies, the Civil Service or the media. There is also scope for further study or research in areas such as linguistics, communications, multimodality, interpreting and translation studies, disability studies, education, anthropology, multiculturalism, gender studies, counselling, social work, audiology or law.

Study Abroad and Internship Opportunities

Students undertake practical placements in their fourth year and whilst students are usually placed in an Irish organisation, it is possible to arrange a placement abroad. Students can also consider completing an Erasmus exchange visit for Semester One.

Graduate Skills

The programme will provide in-depth training preparing students for a number of exciting career options working with deaf as a disability officer, resource officer, research assistant or as an administrator in deaf community organisations to give a few examples. With this foundation, graduates frequently go on to complete postgraduate study.

Pathways

The pathways available are Single Honours and Major with Minor.

Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section of the university's website.

Registration

Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting.

Testimonials

Studying Deaf Studies at Trinity has been a transformative journey, equipping students with strong linguistic, cultural, and interpersonal skills crucial to their work as a sign language interpreter. The programme’s balance of theory and practice, alongside inspiring lecturers and peers, created a supportive and challenging learning environment.

Conclusion

The Deaf Studies programme at Trinity College Dublin offers a unique and comprehensive education in the field of Deaf Studies, providing students with a deep understanding of the Irish deaf community and the experience of deaf people internationally. With its strong academic team, diverse range of courses, and exciting career opportunities, this programme is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in Deaf Studies.

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