British Sign Language (Deaf Studies)

This long established and highly respected course with a team of Deaf and hearing staff from diverse backgrounds. It is one of the few courses of its kind in British Sign Language (Deaf Studies) in the UK. An opportunity for practical application of learning through a community-based research project in the final year. An opportunity to explore deaf blindness as part of your studies. We recognise that you will have a unique learning journey and we will maximise your potential through a range of assessment types such as presentations, written assessments, problem-solving approaches and reports. You will also have the opportunity to gain a recognised British Sign Language qualification. Staff are active researchers and these interests contribute to high quality teaching, curriculum development and innovation which underpins the teaching and learning that you will experience. The lecturing team have a variety of national and international expertise in teaching and professional qualifications and have experience working for a diverse range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations. Access to technology support for filming of 'live assessment' - use of filming studio, editing suite, as well as other situated learning environments. The team believes in interactive learning and encourages full participation from all our students: external examiners have consistently highlighted our innovative learning, teaching and assessments regimes as a major strength

Within the context of the University’s mission statement and its commitment to widening participation and equal opportunities, responsiveness to local, regional and national needs, curriculum innovation and continuing quality enhancement, the programme aims to: 1. Apply conceptual, theoretical and vocational knowledge of British Sign Language to the study of Deaf people and their language. 2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Deaf issues within a wider context. 3. Identify and understand the challenges faced when trying to adopt an inclusive approach in all aspects of life, and how you can meet and address these challenges in a positive way as members of a diverse global society. 4. Develop critical capabilities through the selection, analysis and synthesis of relevant perspectives, and be able to justify different positions on matters relating to, audiological and environmental technologies related to deaf and deafblind people’s lives, Deafhood, Deaf Gain and educational philosophies. 5. Encourage students to undertake voluntary placements as part of the course which can be negotiated in a variety of settings. 6. Sustain and foster the enjoyment of lifelong learning within a variety of settings