Program Overview

British Sign Language & Deaf Studies

BA (Hons)

Attendance

• Full-time
• Part-time

Campus

• Preston Campus

Start

• September 2025

Duration

• 3 years

UCAS Code

• Q160

Delivery

• In-person

Foundation year available

Course Description

This course is designed for students interested in visual language learning and exploring deaf culture. It provides training to become a BSL/English Interpreter and covers all aspects of deafness as a social and cultural phenomenon. Students will develop fluency in British Sign Language, learn sign linguistics, and study the theories surrounding BSL/English interpreting.

Why Study with Us

• 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide, Linguistics, 2023/24)
• Participate in Community Engagement to gain real-world experience at local and regional events where sign language users are gathering
• Undertake field trips and visit places of interest, such as the British Deaf History Museum
• Modules that inspire and provide skills for employment within the Deaf community or the wider world of work

What You'll Do

• Taught by a mixed deaf and hearing team of experts in Deaf Studies, BSL/English interpreting, and Deaf Studies-related research
• Study and work placements in deaf communities
• Facilities include dedicated BSL teaching rooms and a BSL language lab
• BSL is taught solely in sign language; theory sessions in English or BSL via an interpreter

Modules

Year 1

• Deaf People in Society (DF1112)
• Deaf Communities and Culture (DF1116)
• Education for Everyone? (ED1202)
• Language, Gender and Identity (LG1105)
• British Sign Language 100 (SI1100)
• British Sign Language 150 (SI1150)

Year 2

• Deaf World Debates (DF2003)
• Learners with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) (ED2244)
• British Sign Language 200 (SI2200)
• British Sign Language 250 (SI2250)
• British Sign Language 300 (SI3300)
• British Sign Language 350 (SI3350)

Year 3

• Dissertation (CS3001)
• British Sign Language 300 (SI3300)
• British Sign Language 350 (SI3350)
• British Sign Language 375 (SI3375)
• British Sign Language 400 (SI3400)
• Principles of Sign Language Interpreting (DF3012)
• Introduction to the Roles of Public Service Interpreters (DF3016)
• The Education of Vulnerable Young People (ED3215)
• Clinical Linguistics and Language Pathology (LG3117)

Entry Requirements

• UCAS: 104-112 points at A2
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
• BTEC Diploma: DD-DD*
• Pass Access Course: 104-112 points
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 104-112 points from Higher Level subjects
• T Level: M
• IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5
• GCSEs: GCSE English Language at grade C and GCSE Maths at grade C are not required for this course

Fees and Funding

• UK: £9,535 per year (full-time), £1,587 per 20 credits (part-time)
• International: £17,325 per year (full-time)

Scholarships and Bursaries

• Care Leaver Bursary
• Estranged student support
• Dependants Bursary
• Financial support package

Learning and Assessment

• A three-year degree qualification typically comprises 360 credits
• Each 20 credits (a standard module) equates to 200 hours of study
• Modules comprise a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, and independent study
• Assessment methods include coursework and practical BSL assessments

Further Information

• Taught by a mixed deaf and hearing team of experts in a range of topics
• Opportunities to take a work placement module
• The minimum period of study for part-time students is five years but this may be extended in particular circumstances.