British Sign Language (BSL) BA Hons Course: University of Central Lancashire

The University of Central Lancashire has recently launched a British Sign Language BA Hons Course. This course is currently unparalleled in the academic work and it is anticipated that students graduating from the course will have a truly positive effect within the signing community.

This course is aimed at anybody who wishes to work with the Deaf community – particularly benefiting anyone who would like to work as a sign language interpreter.

Whereas current sign language courses focus almost exclusively on sign language skills, the Lancashire British Sign Language course aims to equip students with a broad knowledge base of Deaf issues, culture and history. Examples of the British Sign Language modules include:

• Deaf Culture
• Sign Linguistics
• Sign Language Culture
• Advanced BSL
• Sign Language Literature and Performance
• Signing in Transnational Contexts
• Teaching BSL – Theory and Practice

British Sign Language is studied extensively throughout the course and as such, it is likely that the majority of students will graduate with Advanced BSL accreditation (essential to a career in BSL interpreting).

Work experience is central to the British Sign Language course and students will have the opportunity to engage in work placements within the community. This will also help to develop and consolidate any sign language skills which have been acquired.

The British Sign Language course lecturers actively engage the use of practical learning and as such there is a shift away from the traditional essay based learning. Instead, practical tutorials and presentations are made use of, peer evaluations, notebooks and project work.

Although many graduates are likely to opt for the world of British Sign Language Interpreting, it is likely that others will progress into positions of research, teaching and community development.

The British Sign Language course is three years in length and students gradate with a Single Honours. The course can also be studied on a part time basis.

Entry requirements for the British Sign Language course include at least 180 points at A2 and BSL Stage 2 or equivalent accreditation.

A postgraduate Diploma and an MA in BSL / English Interpreting are available for graduates. The British Sign Language course is also open to individuals completing the Combined Honours Programme.

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