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

Course Overview

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.

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.

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.

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.

It is estimated that more than 60% of British Sign Language English interpreters working in the UK have been taught on our courses.

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

Why study with us

- 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.

- You may be offered an opportunity to join an international trip to experience other sign languages and cultures.

- Our staff members include Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Lynne Barnes, who is recognised for her work in BSL and Deaf Studies.

What you’ll do

- 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.

- There are opportunities to take a work placement module as part of your overall programme of study.

- You’ll have an opportunity to study abroad. In recent years we’ve provided students with opportunities in Finland, Germany, the USA and Holland.

Future careers

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.

Our graduates have also moved on to higher degrees and research, as well as running their own businesses.