Foundation Degree (FdA) British Sign Language and Deaf Studies
Key Details
- Available at:Rhos-on-Sea
- Study Mode:Part-time
- Course Length:
Part-time: 1 day per week. 3 years. Also available on a modular basis.
Foundation Degree (FdA) British Sign Language and Deaf StudiesDegrees (Higher Education)
Part Time
If you are applying to study part-time you can apply directly to the campus of your choice.
Course Description
To enquire about applying for this course, please email David Duller (Programme Leader): duller1d@gllm.ac.uk
This course is designed for those who work (or want to work) with Deaf People as a Language Service Professional or in another capacity. It develops your skills and knowledge, preparing you to begin your career in a range of professional roles.
Modules include:
Year 1 (Level 4)
- Introduction to Research
- Introduction to Mental Health
- Communication
- Introduction to Deaf Studies
- British Sign Language 1
- Sign Linguistics and Sign Sociolinguistics
Year 2 (Level 5)
- Individual Rights & Professional Practice
- BSL2: Receiving and Presenting
- BSL 2 Participating in Conversation
- Wellbeing and Deafness
Additional information
More detailed information on Modules is to be found in the ‘Additional Campus/Course Information’ section.
Entry Criteria
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:
- A minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points in a main level 3 qualification, usually gaining a pass in at least one relevant subject which could include: A Levels, BTEC, International Baccalaureate, ACCESS to HE; or NVQ Level 3; many additional qualifications from Wales, England and Scotland are accepted to support the UCAS points in addition to the relevant subject, such as the Welsh Baccalaureate.
- GCSE Mathematics/Numeracy, grade C/4 or above, or Key/Essential Skill equivalent level. For applicants without these qualifications, evidence of numeracy skills at a suitable level to meet the demands of the programme successfully, will need to be demonstrated.
Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable - For individuals who do not meet the above academic requirements we 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.
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.
If your qualifications do not meet the entry requirements listed above, we would still encourage you to apply for the course you're interested in, as many of our courses will consider learners based on their previous work and skills experience rather than their qualifications.
Delivery
The course is delivered through a blend of the following:
- Lectures
- Guest Speakers
- Tutorials
- Independent research
- Virtual learning environment (MOODLE)
Students are responsible for organising their own work experience if it is a requirement on their programme, and they will be supported by the course team.
Timetable:
Part-time: 3 years, 1 day per week
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.
Additional costs
Additional costs may be associated with the following:
Sign Hub £2 per month
Start date
September 2021
Contact:
For specific course enquiries, please contact:
David Duller (Programme Leader): duller1d@gllm.ac.uk
Celine Rea (Administration): rea1c@gllm.ac.uk
For general enquiries about our degrees, please contact: degrees@gllm.ac.uk
Assessment
The course is assessed through a blend of the following:
- Essay
- Case Study
- Poster
- Exam
- Portfolio
- Presentation
- Role Play
- Signed Story
- External Assessment
Feedback
Where relevant, assessments will be marked and returned to students with constructive and developmental feedback. Effective feedback combines information which enables students to understand the strengths and limitations of their past performance, and information which enables them to recognise how future performance can be improved. Students will be provided with feedback in a timely manner and this feedback will justify how the grade has been awarded. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on the feedback given and identify their strengths, things they found challenging and areas for development that they will feed forward to their next assessment. Feedback will include linking evidence to assessment criteria to demonstrate how the student will have met the learning outcomes.
Progression
The course can 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.
Campus 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%)
Other details
Course type: Degrees (Higher Education)
Level:
4+5
Awarding Body: Bangor University
Bilingual:
n/aAwarding Body
