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

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.
Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.
All British Sign Language Studies courses of York St John University
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 |
All British Sign Language Studies courses of York St John University
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 |
All British Sign Language Studies courses of UK
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.
All British Sign Language Studies courses of York St John University
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
All British Sign Language Studies courses of York St John University
Requirements for international students / English requirements
IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)
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- 6.5
- All Degrees
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
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
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- #68
- #81
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- English
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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?
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.
Where is this programme taught



Similar courses
Program | University | Student satisfaction | Unemployed | Dropout | Tuition (UK) | Tuition (International) | City | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics BA (Hons) | York St John University | 73% | 0% | 5% | £9250 | £12750 | 110 | York | On campus Full-time | |
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British Sign Language and Deaf Studies (Foundation Entry) BA (Hons) | University of Central Lancashire | 83% | 15% | 15% | £6000 | - | 118 | Preston | On campus Full-time | |
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Deaf Studies and Education BA (Hons) | University of Central Lancashire | 81% | 15% | 15% | £9250 | - | 125 | Preston | On campus Full-time | |
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British Sign Language and Deaf Studies BA (Hons) | University of Central Lancashire | 83% | 15% | 15% | £9250 | - | 118 | Preston | On campus Full-time | |
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British Sign Language and Applied Language Studies MA (Hons) | Heriot-Watt University | - | - | - | £9250 £9250 | £15384 £16000 | - | Edinburgh | On campus Full-time | |
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British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies) MA (Hons) | Heriot-Watt University | - | - | - | £9250 £9250 | £15384 £16000 | - | Edinburgh | On campus Full-time | |
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Deaf Education MSc | The University of Manchester | - | - | - | £9000 | £16500 | - | Manchester | On campus Full-time | |
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British Sign Language and Deaf Studies FdA | Coleg Llandrillo (Llandrillo College) | - | - | 0% | - | - | - | Colwyn Bay | On campus Part-time | |
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Interpreting (British Sign Language/English) BA (Hons) | University of Wolverhampton | - | - | - | £9250 | - | - | Wolverhampton | On campus Full-time | |
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Interpreting (British Sign Language/English) plus Foundation Year BA (Hons) | University of Wolverhampton | - | - | - | £9250 | - | - | Wolverhampton | On campus Full-time |
Ranking publishers
The University League Tables
- Published:
- 13 June, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject:
- Entry Standards 26%
Student Satisfaction 26%
Research Quality 22%
Graduate Prospects 26%