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?

If you have already completed a Foundation Degree in Deaf Studies (or equivalent), this course gives you the opportunity to progress onto Level 6 and gain a full honours degree. The course builds upon the skills and knowledge you have already developed, and provides you with deeper insights into the field of deafness and the sphere of Language Service Professionals.

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:

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:

• Entry onto level 6 will be direct for those progressing students from the GLLM BSL and Deaf Studies Foundation Degree to the GLLM BSL and Deaf Studies Bachelor Degree (Hons) after successful completion of the foundation degree.
• External applicants on to the level 6 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:

Graduates of this programme will be ideally equipped to work within the field of deaf studies.

The course provides pathways towards various careers including:

• BSL/English interpreting
• Communication support work
• Teaching
• Employment within a Deaf Organisation

You could also become an Educational Communicator or other Language Service Professional.

If you are already employed in one of these contexts, the course gives you the skills and qualification to advance your career.

Additional campus/course information:

• Rhos-on-Sea

  This programme provides students with an honours degree qualification that enables them to work within the field of deafness.

  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.

  LEVEL 6 MODULES:

  Advanced BSL and Interaction with People from Different Countries or Diverse Cultures (20 credits, compulsory): 

  This module aims to further develop students’ knowledge and understanding of previously acquired language skills in order to be able to operate at an advanced level in British Sign Language, and to provide students with a wider appreciation of the culture surrounding that language. (Essay 40%, Presentation 30%, Signed Assessment 30%)

  Interpreting Coping Strategies (20 credits, compulsory): 

  This module aims to enable students to demonstrate their capability and extend their capacity to apply sign language interpreting strategies in a range of contexts and to critically evaluate their own performance with reference to language processing. (Essay 50%, Interpreting Tools 50%)

  Social Psychology and Deafness (10 credits, compulsory): 

  The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the main theoretical perspectives of Social Psychology, and how they can be applied within the context of Deaf studies. The module will focus on key principles explaining social cognition and interpersonal and group processes. Students will be encouraged to apply their theoretical knowledge to a range of issues relevant to Deaf people. (Reflection 100%)

  Sign Using Varied Language in a Range of Work Contexts (20 credits, compulsory): 

  The aim of this unit is to enable studentss to express information, ideas and opinions in a varied range of work-related and social contexts signed in short passages at normal speed and in normally used social and work registers. (Essay 50%, Interpreting Tools 50%)

  Understand Varied Signed Language in a Range of Work Contexts (20 credits, compulsory): 

  This qualification aims to further students’ experiences and development in communication through British Sign Language (BSL) with Deaf people on everyday topics involving work and social contexts. (Essay 100%)

  Research Proposal (10 credits, compulsory): 

  This module aims to consolidate previously developed skills associated with research and evaluation methods considered essential across a range of appropriate applications; it also aims to further develop and extend skills in sourcing and evaluating information, enabling applied research that encourages original, critical and independent thinking. The module aims to enable students to formulate a coherent proposal for the Dissertation module which may be focussed on an issue of social, managerial or educational significance in the student’s sphere of practice and to develop advanced presentation skills. (Proposal 80%, Presentation 20%)

  Dissertation (20 credits, compulsory): 

  The aim and purpose of this module is to undertake a contextualised research dissertation as proposed during the Research Proposal module, enabling students to consider and apply feedback following the previous module. Students will develop a range of academic and transferable skills including critical thinking, specialist knowledge and understanding through continued research, planning and time management, analysis and evaluation of both primary and secondary research, summary and presentation of data, structured writing, decision making and justification and the discussion and application of theory. (Dissertation 100%)