British Sign Language (BSL) and Deaf Studies

Course Overview

Interested in visual language learning and exploring deaf culture? Do you want to begin training to become a BSL/English Interpreter? Our British Sign Language and Deaf Studies degree is the ground-breaking course for you.

We have 30 years expertise in teaching British Sign Language and Deaf Studies.

We are a UK leader in the training of BSL-English interpreters. On completion of our course, you will be able to register as a Trainee BSL/English Interpreter.

You will study all aspects of deafness as a social and cultural phenomenon. You will be immersed in Deaf culture, history and education, will develop fluency in British Sign Language and will learn sign linguistics and the theories surrounding BSL/English interpreting.

You will become part of a vibrant signing community within a close-knit deaf and hearing programme.

Why study with us

• You will participate in Community Engagement that will help you to gain real-world experience at local and regional events where sign language users are gathering.

• You will undertake field trips and visit places of interest, such as the British Deaf History Museum.

• We offer you modules which will inspire you and provide you with the skills you need to enable you to gain employment within the Deaf community or within the wider world of work.

• This course is taught through block learning, which means you can plan part-time work, caring responsibilities, or other interests around your learning. Find out more about block learning on our website.

What you’ll do

• You will be taught by a mixed deaf and hearing team comprised of experts in the field of Deaf Studies, BSL/English interpreting and Deaf Studies-related research.

• You’ll be offered study and work placements in deaf communities.

• Facilities for this programme 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.

Future careers

There are many careers and professions you could join with a BA (Hons) British Sign Language and Deaf Studies degree, including lecturing in higher and further education, teaching, and working as an interpreter.

You could also work for deaf welfare organisations, become a social worker or educational support worker. Maybe you’ll want to find a job in the media or police or go on to study higher degrees, take up research, be a freelancer or run your own business? All are valid career options on graduation.

Please visit The University of Lancashire’s website for the latest information about our modules.

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