BA (Hons) British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics Bachelor's degree at York St John University
BA (Hons) British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics at York St John University. You'll study core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project and professional skills.
About this course
Prepare for a future working with deaf communities by studying British Sign Language (BSL), deaf identities and signed languages linguistics. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at York St John University, based in YSJ Main Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For English studies graduates from this provider, 83% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 30% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £22,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for English & Literature, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 83% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 95% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1, Semester 1 3 modules
- British Sign Language (A2/B1)Compulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will introduce you to British Sign Language (BSL) at level A2/B1 of the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR). The topics you will cover include simple description of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, and more. You will use video materials to develop your receptive skills, as you learn to understand signed communication and answer questions. You will learn key BSL grammatical features and practise your ability to sign short BSL narratives, use everyday gr
- Deaf HistoryCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will introduce you to key concepts and events in Deaf History around the world. We will explore the full sweep of Deaf history, from the oldest records of deaf people known globally, through to recent events in the UK, and possible implications for the future. We will take a mixed approach of looking at the systems which have structured deaf lives, and looking in depth at individual experiences through history. This module will equip you with key theoretical concepts to approach your
- Linguistics: An Introduction to Language in our Multilingual WorldCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will introduce you to the fundamental components of linguistic study, and place your learning about these concepts within our multilingual world. We will explore the history of English as a global language, and consider how our languages have been shaped by contact with each other. You will consider the current dominance of the colonial languages, and think about the implications of this for smaller and indigenous languages, and for their speakers and natural environments. This will
Year 1, Semester 2 3 modules
- British Sign Language (B2)Compulsory20 credits
Module details
This module continues your learning from your semester 1 British Sign Language module, as you move on to study BSL at level B2 of the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR). The focus will be on developing your receptive and productive skills. You will build an in-depth understanding of BSL grammatical features and communication on a theme of your choice. You will also: Learn to use more sophisticated everyday greetings Understand signed communication to respond to and answer simple ques
- Grammar and Word ClassesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module is your introduction to the descriptions of grammatical structures. This means looking at word classes, sentence types, morphology and more. You will study grammatical variations in English found within the UK and in other parts of the world. By the end of the module you will have a solid understanding of the basic terminology and key concepts.
- PhoneticsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to the principles of articulatory and practical phonetics. You will learn how to recognise, describe and produce a subset of the sounds of the world's languages, using the symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet. You will also learn basic transcription skills in English. The module provides a foundation for further linguistic study, enabling you to recognise, transcribe and analyse sounds in, for example, children's language and varieties of English or other lan
Year 2, Semester 1 4 modules
- Sociolinguistics of Signed LanguagesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module we will investigate signed languages in a range of different social contexts. This will include investigating: Individual language use Learning signed languages as first or second languages Language evolution and the development of individual signed languages The political context of language use, such as the effect of racial segregation on language development, and language policies. The module will include a range of in-class activities including experiments, presentations, grou
- Teaching British Sign LanguageCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will learn about the use of British Sign Language (BSL) for educational purposes. This will involve exploring appropriate registers for teaching children, young people and adults, and considering the study vocabulary relevant to primary, secondary, further and higher education, and lifelong learning. You will have the chance to learn and practise teaching skills, applying and demonstrating your knowledge in a 10 minute micro-teaching session as part of your assessment.
Assessment: 10 minute micro-teaching session
- Feminist and Queer LinguisticsOptional20 credits
Module details
On this module you will learn about key areas of feminist and queer linguistics. We will cover different theories and approaches to the study of language, gender and sexuality, and you will learn about how some of these approaches have been applied in domains such as education, the workplace, literature and the media. Through this you will gain confidence in arguing for your own, informed position, and using the grounding you have received as a starting point for your own work and ideas.
- Media and CommunicationOptional20 credits
Module details
On this module you will explore how media uses language and other communication resources to shape ideas and influence power. You will learn to analyse the choices media makes in language (and beyond) and uncover the hidden messages and beliefs woven into the ways those behind it communicate with us.
Year 2, Semester 2 3 modules
- British Sign Language at WorkCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will learn how to use British Sign Language (BSL) at work, as well as considering how Deaf people interact with their work environment. You will: Explore Deaf people's rights in the workplace by looking at the Access to Work grant and the Equalities Act Study vocabulary relating to different careers and jobs, and practice translation skills Consider how communication technology, such as different video platforms can be used effectively with Deaf people
- Work Related Experiential LearningCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will focus on your future career, as well as taking part in a 10 day work placement. 5 days will be completed in a graduate level role, while the other 5 can be completed in a role of your choice that will be discussed with your tutor. The module will also involve considering the role of language in different workplace contexts. This might include looking at advertising, language and power, and clinical communication. We will also help you to enhance your employability by prov
Assessment: 10 day work placement
- Social Theory and LanguageCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will explore different social theories, as well as how they can be used to understand languages and our use of languages. We will explore how social theory can help us understand how language communities form, how we can define language, and how we can understand practices which challenge language norms. We will work with ideas such as crip linguistics, citizenship, imagined communities, and a wide exploration of what power means in these contexts.
Year 3, Semester 1 4 modules
- British Sign Language in Recreational and Leisure ContextsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will study how to use British Sign Language (BSL) in the context of recreational activities, as well as considering Deaf people's access to mainstream activities. You will learn how to use filming technology in informal environments, and develop your BSL vocabulary relating to social interactions and leisure activities.
- Language Attitudes and DiscriminationOptional20 credits
Module details
On this module you will learn about the wide variety of ways attitudes to language use and language learning impact on society and individuals. We consider language hierarchies, what is known as the Complaint Tradition, and explore the notion of the Monolingual Habitus. Through these explorations, we consider how language discrimination arises in multiple contexts, and explore the potential role of the applied linguist in creating social change.
- Language, Identity and CultureOptional20 credits
Module details
On this module, you will gain an advanced understanding of the role language plays in the construction and expression of a wide range of social and cultural identities. We will introduce you to social philosophy and theory concerning the nature of identity itself, before applying these theoretical ideas to analysis of the relationship between language, identities and cultures.
- Clinical Linguistics and Communication DisordersOptional20 credits
Module details
This module will introduce you to the field of communication disorders, developing your understanding of clinical applications of linguistics, and how background understanding of linguistics works alongside clinical knowledge. You will find out about how clinical decisions can be reached using a range of informal and formal assessments, and how communication disorder and difference impacts on people throughout their lives.
Year 3, Semester 2 1 modules
- British Sign Language: Mental and Physical HealthCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will further your knowledge of British Sign Language (BSL) to communicate on topics relating to mental and physical health. You will develop your vocabulary to include words and phrases about mental health and common physical diseases. By learning to describe body parts, you will be able to communicate ailments in more detail.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course prepares you to work with deaf communities by studying British Sign Language (BSL), deaf identities and signed languages linguistics. You'll usually begin with foundational modules in BSL language skills, deaf culture and history, and introductions to linguistics. As you progress, a typical course like this moves into more specialised areas such as advanced BSL linguistics, sociolinguistics of sign languages, and deaf education or community work. In your final year, you'll undertake independent research, often culminating in a project or dissertation that applies your linguistic and cultural knowledge to real-world deaf community contexts. Throughout, you'll develop practical signing fluency alongside academic understanding of language structure and deaf identity.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in sign language, Deaf culture and linguistic study. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff band among entrants was 96–111 points.
University & format
This course is studied full-time over 3 years at York St John University, a university founded in 1841, located at YSJ Main Campus. The language of instruction is English. The degree is a nationally recognised Bachelor's qualification (BA (Hons)) from a recognised UK degree-awarding body. The university holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 85% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at York St John University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What English & Literature graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £22,000 | £16,000 – £26,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £19,500 | £15,500 – £24,000 | 320 |
| 5 years after | £25,000 | £21,000 – £29,000 | 330 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in english & literature · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs English & Literature nationally
National figures for English & Literature graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with English & Literature courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,436 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 20% of published destinations
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 35; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BA (Hons) British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BA (Hons) British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The model remains below break even after 30 years. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How English & Literature graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where English & Literature graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Publishers
- Media & broadcasters
- Marketing & PR agencies
- Charities & public sector
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit English & Literature graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
83% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £22,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.9 out of 10: NSS 88.6% · in work or study 83% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
York St John University
Language and area studies across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around YSJ Main Campus
2,229 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is English & Literature right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to York St John University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £12,100 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check York St John University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with York St John University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at York St John University
English & Literature at other universities
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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