Is this course right for me?

Are you interested in starting or developing your career as a Language Service Professional? Could you benefit from an increased fluency in British Sign Language, or a broader understanding of deafness from a range of perspectives?

This course is designed for those who work (or want to work) with Deaf people, as an LSP or in another capacity. It develops your skills and knowledge, preparing you to begin or advance your career in a range of professional roles.

Additional information

More detailed information on Modules is to be found in the ‘Additional Campus/Course Information’ section.

Fees

Visit the Financial Support and Finance page for more information.

More detailed information on other costs associated with your course and work placements/work experience (if applicable) will be outlined in the programme validation document and explained to you at your interview.

Start date

Currently being revalidated. New programme first delivery September 2021.

Entry requirements:

Entry Requirements for Level 4

Language requirements:

• GCSE in Welsh or English or equivalent  as first language, grade C or above
• Any degrees, diplomas or certificates eligible should have been taught and assessed in Welsh or English, or BSL
• For overseas applicants, for entry onto Level 4, English fluency to IELTS 5.5 or higher (with no element less than 5.0)
• For overseas applicants, for entry onto Levels 5 or above, English fluency to IELTS 6.0 or higher (with no element less than 5.5)

 Academic requirements:

• There are no specific qualification requirements to enter this programme, however demonstration of skills at a suitable level to meet the demands of the programme successfully, will need to be demonstrated at interview.
• All potential learners must be able to display strong motivation to join the course including a commitment to Deaf issues and evidence of Deaf awareness

GLlM will consider a wide range of non-standard or professional qualifications and experience, through the submission of a portfolio for accreditation of prior learning (APL/APEL/RPEL), in accordance with GLlM regulations and policies.

All places are subject to a satisfactory interview where you will have a discussion of the programme expectations, level of study and your previous knowledge and experience as suitable for entry to this level of the programme.

Entry Requirements for Level 5

Academic requirements:

Entry onto level 5 will be considered on an individual basis in line with GLlM credit transfer policy, based on previous successful study of 120 credits per level in a compatible qualification (within the time frame outlined in the policy).  Or by supporting their application with the submission of a portfolio for accreditation of prior learning (APL/APEL/RPEL), in accordance with GLlM regulations and policy.

Progression:

The course can lead to lead to a number of professional and educational routes, depending on your goals. Some students will progress onto Level 6 to complete the BA (Hons) degree.

Others will proceed to work as Language Service Professionals, working with deaf people in schools, colleges, universities and in the community. There is also the possibility of working in social work, audiology, teaching, support services and deaf organisations.

Additional campus/course information:

• Rhos-on-Sea

  For every 10 credits, students should engage with around 100 notional hours of learning. This will be approximately 30% direct learning contact, 70% independent student learning.

  The modules for the Foundation Degree (FdA) British Sign Language and Deaf Studies are:

  Year 1 (Level 4)

  Research and Study Skills (10 credits, compulsory): 

  This module aims to develop the study skills of the learners, enabling the production of sound academic writing, the introduction of critical thought and basic research skills.  (Portfolio 100%)

  BSL1: Receptive, Descriptive and Conversational Skills (20 credits, core): 

  This module aims to enable learners to develop suitable and sufficient skills to communicate with Deaf people in British Sign Language (BSL) on everyday topics in accordance with the National Language Standards at Level One. (Essay 100%)

  Sign Linguistics 1 (10 credits, compulsory): 

  This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the linguistic analysis of the structure of British Sign Language. Students will examine similarities and differences between sign languages and spoken language. (Essay 80%, Signed story 20%)

  Working with Deaf People (10 credits, compulsory): 

  This module aims to identify a range of professions within the field of deafness and explain historical influences that have shaped their current roles and responsibilities. (Essay 70%, Presentation / Poster 30%)

  Employability-based Learning 1 - Applying Theory in Practice (20 credits, compulsory): 

  This module aims to enable learners to carry out a number of employment related tasks, negotiated jointly with employers/industry representatives and Grŵp-based staff. (Portfolio 100%)

  Deaf People in Society (20 credits, compulsory):

  This module aims to provide students with a wider appreciation of the Deaf community, their language, lifestyles and diversity, including reference to medical, social and linguistic models of disability and both public and personal perceptions of deafness. (Essay 80%, Presentation / Poster 20%)

  Education and Deaf People (20 credits, compulsory):

  This module aims to examine the evolution and development of deaf education by examining past and present changes in the legislative context through comparison of past and present teaching and learning methodologies. (Essay 80%, Presentation / Poster 20%)

  Introduction to Counselling Skills (10 credits, compulsory):

  This module aims to provide learners with a basic knowledge of the counselling profession to support skills for working with deaf people. (Essay 70%, Presentation / Poster 30%)

  Year 2 (Level 5)

  Research Methods and Study Skills (20 credits, compulsory): 

  The module aims to enable students to apply a range of research skills appropriate to study of the field of deafness. (Literature Review and Research Proposal 40/60%)

  Introduction to Interpreting (20 credits, compulsory): 

  This module will enable students to apply, practice and reflect upon the use of language skills within a range of interpreting contexts. (Interpreting Tools 40%, Reflection 60%)

  Introduction to Mental Health and Deafness (20 credits, compulsory)

  This module aims to provide learners with a basic knowledge of the counselling profession to support skills for working with deaf people. (Essay 30%, Presentation 30%, Case Study 40%)

  Employability-based Learning 2 - Professional Reflection and Personal Development (20 credits, compulsory): 

  This module aims to provide learners with the opportunity to analyse the value of their learning within vocational and work-specific contexts.  (Portfolio 100%)

  BSL2: Receiving, Presenting and Conversation Skills (20 credits, core)

  This module aims to further learners’ experiences and development in communication through British Sign Language (BSL) with Deaf people on everyday topics involving social life and at work, school or college. (Reflection 100%)

  Sign Linguistics 2 (20 credits, compulsory) This module will further enhance the students understanding of the linguistic analysis of the structure of British Sign Language and place the linguistic study of BSL within the context of the linguistic study of other languages. (Essay 50%, IBSL/Signed Assessments 50%)