British Sign Language - Interpreting and Deaf Studies

What is BSL and Deaf studies?

Through a combination of sociological evaluation, social policy analysis and British Sign Language learning your bilingual and bicultural teaching team seek to keep your minds (and hands) working hard, whilst nurturing your academic and real-world understanding of the lives of deaf people and Deaf communities.

Why study deaf studies and BSL at the University of Wolverhampton?

Our Deaf Studies and Interpreting students benefit from our strong links with Deaf communities across the Midlands, which has a vibrant and thriving ‘Deaf scene’ and enjoys a wide range of cultural and political Deaf events. The University is extremely proud to be part of the international Deaf film festival ‘Deaffest’, which takes place biennially at the Lighthouse in Wolverhampton.

Alongside volunteering opportunities, you will also have the chance to join the very active Sign Language Society, meet deaf and hearing people with similar interests and develop your language skills. As a student on this course you have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in the second semester of your final year and it’s interesting to know that many of these placements have led to offers of employment.

As a graduate, you will benefit from specialist knowledge and skills that are sought-after in many workplaces. Graduate destinations include:

• Working in deaf-related third sector organisations
• Teaching (primary and secondary)
• Educational support Work
• Staff or freelance Interpreter/Translator

Deaf Studies students move into a variety of settings and, depending on your choice of subject, you could be working in areas as diverse as social work, disability access, teaching deaf children, advocacy, working with deafblind people or speech therapy. Whichever route you choose, your future has the potential to be full of variety and incredibly rewarding.

To date, our Interpreting (BSL/English) graduates have enjoyed extremely high levels of employment success and are now regularly seen working in community (local government, health and education) and conference settings including theatre and television interpreting.

Meet the Team

Christopher Stone 

Sarah Bown

Thaisa Hughes 

Avril Langard-Tang

Ruth Langard

Sandra Pratt

BSL and Interpreting courses

• BA (Hons) British Sign Language (Interpreting)
• BA (Hons) British Sign Language (Deaf Studies)