York St John University
British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics BA (Hons)
York St John University

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Course Description

On this course, you will learn British Sign Language (BSL) – the preferred language of over 87,000 people in the UK – to an advanced level. This course is your chance to study the history, cultures and lived experiences of deaf people. You can choose to learn about speech and language impairments and the role of language in education.

This course is suitable if you are a beginner, or have prior knowledge of British Sign Language (BSL). We will place you at an appropriate level. As part of your course you will study for a Signature British Sign Language award.

Our approach to teaching Deaf Studies draws on current research. You will explore the experiences of deaf people and how they have changed over time. Together we will also explore the perception of deafness as a disability and how deaf communities in the UK are changing. In your second year you will examine the challenges faced by BSL users in the workplace on a dedicated work based module.

While studying Linguistics, you will learn how language is structured, learnt and used. You can choose linguistics modules that interest you and support your ambitions. This could include exploring speech and language impairments or examining multilingual classrooms. Linguistics can help you consider how language relates to identity, society and culture.

As your language skills develop you will gain an understanding of how society impacts the use of BSL. You will develop this by engaging with our welcome community of BSL speakers. Together with your peers you will consider the development of BSL. This includes exploring the translation processes between BSL and English.

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 23 graduates of British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics BA (Hons) at York St John University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in British Sign Language Studies.

Overall student satisfaction
73 /100
23 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates of British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics BA (Hons) at York St John University

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics BA (Hons) at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £21000 £19500 £22500
25-75 percentile range £18000 - £25000 £15500 - £23000 £17000 - £27500


Salary of all UK Graduates of British Sign Language Studies

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £21355 £22280 £26228
25-75 percentile range £17942 - £25500 £17243 - £26908 £20750 - £32183

What You Will Learn

Programme content: As a student of British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics, BA (Hons) you will study the following course modules.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Job in line with future plans

Utilise skills from studies

Work is meaningful

Required skill level of job after 15 months

% Skilled jobs

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics BA (Hons) at York St John University

20% Teaching Professionals
15% Elementary occupations
10% Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation
10% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
5% Caring personal services
5% Media Professionals
5% Secretarial and related occupations
5% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
5% Artistic, literary and media occupations

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • All Degrees
Do you not fulfill the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements?
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics, BA (Hons).

Costs

Tuition Fees British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics BA (Hons)

England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
Channel Islands £9250 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
EU £9250 year 1
International £12750 year 1

Additional fee information

For courses with an optional Placement Year, during the Placement Year your fees will be reduced to 15% of the annual fee value.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2024

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

University Rankings

Positions of York St John University in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of York St John University in related subject specific rankings.

Languages & Literature

    • #68 
    • #81 
    English
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 13 June, 2022]

See all university rankings of York St John University

What students say about studying British Sign Language Studies in the UK?

  • Beginner BSL Tips
  • Student shares experiences of BA (Hons) BSL/English
  • Study British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics at York St John University

About York St John University

York St. John University, previously known as York Diocesan College, is a government funded university located on the outskirts of the historic York city centre, just a 10 minute walk away from the York Explore library and the famous York Minster. York is a small and charming city whose city centre is surrounded by miles of intact roman walls and a number of other historical wonders.

  • Why you should study abroad with York St John University
  • Student View: Postgraduate Support
  • Ask Our Students - Accommodation
  • York St John University - A home away from home

Where is this programme taught

YSJ Main Campus
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York St John University
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Main Site - Lord Mayor's Walk
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