#TheUCLanExperience
VISITS TO
EUROPE
OUR TIME THE ITALIAN
IN...PRAGUE
JOB
S GN
COURSE NOMINATED
FOR SIGNATURE
AWARD
20 YEARS OF BSL
AND DEAF STUDIES
AT UCLAN
CHINA ADVENTURE
STAFF HEADLINES
FUTURE LEADERS
DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMME
THOUGHTS FROM
BSL GRADUATES
Find out more:
StudyAtUCLan
@StudyAtUCLan
02
UCLan is the UK’s leading
higher educational institution
for the training of BSL/English
interpreters
IIN
THIS ISSUE
20 YEARS OF
BSL AND
DEAF
STUDIES AT
UCLAN
THE
ITALIAN
JOB
03
04-05
SPOTLIGHT ON
NIRVANA
ASPLIN
FUTURE
LEADERS
DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMME
07
THOUGHTS
FROM BSL
GRADUATES
09
STAFF
HEADLINES
10-11
OUR
COURSES
Find out more:
12-13
WHY STUDY
BSL AND DEAF
STUDIES AT
UCLAN?
15
@StudyAtUCLan
06
OUR TIME
IN...PRAGUE
08
StudyAtUCLan
CHINA
ADVENTURE
14
It is estimated that
over 60 per cent of
interpreters working
in the UK have been
taught on our courses
03
Course
Nominated
for
Signature
Award
We were delighted
and extremely proud
to be shortlisted for a
high-profile national
award by a UK charity
and leading awarding
body in deaf
communications.
As one of only four contenders
in the Organisational
Achievement category at the
Signature Annual Awards,
our BSL and Deaf Studies
programme was considered to
be one of the best of its kind
in the country.
“It’s fantastic to have our
efforts recognised, and going
forward we will continue to
expand the programme and
develop the team’s already
strong reputation for teaching
and research.”
Lynne Barnes, Divisional
Co-ordinator for Deaf Studies
“UCLan’s BSL and Deaf Studies
programme is highly regarded
and for good reason: 60 per
cent of interpreters working
in the UK today have been
taught on UCLan courses.
The University thoroughly
deserves its place on the
shortlist for its commitment
to excellence in teaching
and research in this field.”
Jim Edwards, Signature
Chief Executive
20 YEARS OF BSL
AND DEAF STUDIES
AT UCLAN
Our successful British Sign Language and Deaf Studies courses
have celebrated their 20th anniversary. To mark the event, we
invited back some of our most successful alumni for a one-day
celebratory event, including Asif Iqbal MBE, the public
appointments ambassador for the Cabinet Office and
Government Equalities Office.
Asif said: “Many congratulations! Deaf
Studies courses are vital for both deaf
and hearing people to gain a powerful
insight into how deaf people live on a
day-to-day basis, as well as educating
those students on the ethics and
professionalism of working with deaf
people in a huge range of professions
from public services to charities and
the third sector.”
Dr Martin Atherton, Course Leader,
commented: “The work of the team
and our graduates has influenced
policy and practice in areas such as
education, BSL/English interpreting,
curriculum development and support
for deaf students on national and
international levels. These activities
have placed UCLan at the very heart
of BSL and deaf studies discourses,
research and education in the UK and
beyond, to establish our reputation
for quality and innovation.”
04
THE
ITALIAN
JOB
“I had a fantastic time and
learnt not only Italian
culture but the Deaf
culture of the Italian
Deaf community. I
wouldn't have ever
considered visiting Siena
and I am pleased that I got
to stay in such a beautiful
place.”
Sophie Kang, Student
Find out more:
StudyAtUCLan
@StudyAtUCLan
05
Students and lecturers visited the Siena School for Liberal Arts and
Mason Perkins Deafness Fund in Siena during a recent course trip to Italy.
The president of the Mason Perkins Deafness Fund (MPDF), Miriam
Grottanelli de Santi, explained the history of the beautiful 19th-century
building that was originally a deaf school. She also told us about the
projects and services the Fund provides, the academic programme and
their international partnerships across Europe. Whilst at the school we
took part in two workshops, one involving Italian deaf filmmakers and
another about Italian Sign Language poetry.
“Field trips are an added bonus to the BSL
and Deaf Studies course. I learnt so much
and made memories that will last forever.”
“We had the opportunity to experience a guided
tour of Siena, including sites such as the
Cathedral of Siena, the Piazza del Campo and
the Torre del Mangia. Students were particularly
impressed by the Piccolomini Library inside the
Cathedral of Siena, which incorporates some
beautiful brightly coloured artwork by a
deaf artist.
Altogether we spent two days in Siena, one day
in Florence and half a day in Pisa with several
deaf volunteers giving us a tour in Italian Sign
Language. The field trip gave the students an
opportunity to experience a non-English
speaking environment and communication
barriers that deaf people face, combined
with a different sign language, culture
and deaf-led environment.”
Junhui Yang, Senior Lecturer
“Thank you so much for the
opportunity and I hope the trips
continue for future students!”
Sophie Kang, Student
06
“we had the opportunity to travel to China for ten days. We were lucky enough
to be awarded funding from UCLan’s International Travel Bursary which
enabled us to plan an amazing trip with the help of our lecturer Junhui Yang.”
Travel Bursary Funds
China Adventure
“We built a trip to meet as many members of the deaf
community in China as we could to learn about their lives as
well as experience Chinese culture and see the sights. Beijing
is massive but we managed to see a lot including The Great
Wall of China, the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven.
We had the privilege of being guided by local deaf students
from Beijing Union University which allowed us to see places
from their perspective and attempt to learn some Chinese Sign
Language (CSL), something we realised was very difficult!
by deaf artists who were keen to show us their work. If we had
bigger suitcases we would have brought many pieces home!
One highlight was the day spent in the city of ZhengZhou
where we met with academics and students from ZhengZhou
University’s Sign Language Interpreter programme – the only
course of its kind in China. We compared our studies to theirs
and saw how the profession is changing and growing in China
thanks to their work. We visited an art gallery set up and run
We were made to feel so welcome in China and are really
grateful to have met the people who shared their time with us.
This trip has given us a new appreciation for the value of sign
languages and the international deaf community. We have
learnt so much and would encourage anyone who has the
opportunity to go on a similar trip to take it!”
Samantha Smith
Angela Dawes
Lisa Irvine and
Geraldine Devine
second year students
Find out more:
StudyAtUCLan
@StudyAtUCLan
Back in Beijing we were taken to a deaf restaurant where
we spoke to the deaf staff and other CSL interpreters.
We enjoyed being able to communicate with people where
we had no language in common, yet by adapting our
languages and learning vocabulary from each other, we had
amazing conversations.
07
Our Time in...
“We were given the
fantastic opportunity to
visit the Deaf Studies
department at Charles
University in Prague.”
“Upon arrival (and after a rather bumpy flight), we received an
extremely warm welcome from university representatives.
Our schedule consisted of city tours, presentations, lectures and
Czech Sign Language classes. Needless to say, we were all eager
to learn about the culture, history and deaf issues in Prague.
During the lectures we were able to expand our knowledge on
the rich history of Czech Sign Language. It was interesting to
learn that during the aftermath of the Milan Conference, when
most countries proceeded to favour oralist methods, that the
Czech educational system continued to champion the use of
sign language in the majority of schools. Other topics included
access to deaf services (interpreters etc), a sign language drama
workshop, and many other practical sessions.
The highlight of the trip was without a doubt the language, and
the opportunity for students to share and compare their
university experiences, both in and out of the classroom
environment. We were able to sample some of the traditional
cuisine which was … interesting, alongside the finest local beer
we’d ever tasted! The entire experience was thoroughly
enjoyable and we’re happy to say that we remain in contact
with some of the lovely students from Charles University, and
hope to return soon.”
LAURA BENBOW, JEMMA HOADLEY AND MORGAN WOOD, STUDENTS
08
on
Nirvana Asplin
Nirvana graduated from BA (Hons) British
Sign Language and is now working as a
Trainee Sign Language Interpreter in London.
She tells us about her UCLan experience.
Why did you choose to study your degree at UCLan?
The course was more appealing and challenging compared to
other universities, but the deciding factor was the campus as
it was friendly and welcoming with many activities, clubs and
social aspects. The security and halls of residence were also
extremely important, I wanted somewhere I felt comfortable
and safe, this was also a big tick for my parents too.
Did you come across any personal barriers?
I struggled a lot with writing academically including referencing
but my peers and lecturers were incredible and would always
be there to help. It is important to remember that nearly
everyone is in the same situation so do not be afraid to talk
to people, everyone is so supportive and helpful.
Tell us about the teaching on your course
I cannot thank the teachers enough, they were great! The
teaching was structured, interesting, and involving. They step
you out of your comfort zone from your first day, at the time
you may hate it but it is worth it in the long run. Outside of
teaching hours they are there - if you need them email or go
to see them.
What other opportunities have you got involved in?
UCLan was really good with career planning - making it very
clear that your degree alone will not be enough to wow employers.
I got stuck in with voluntary work, became part of a society and
went on field trips to have as much in my favour as possible.
I went to see interpreted theatre performances, volunteered
at my old school in the Partially Hearing Unit (PHU) and
with the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS), I was a
social rep for the D/BSL committee and also worked for
the Students’ Union interpreting for the yearly meetings and
conferences they held.
What is your greatest achievement so far?
Having the opportunity to interpret for big fashion labels at an
annual European conference which was held in Paris.
What is you lasting memory?
Receiving my degree. It was one of the most amazing
moments. It just went too quickly.
Why should people do this course?
Doing the BSL degree was one of the best decisions in my life.
It taught me so much not only about sign language but much
more. The course truly gives you so many skills and so much
knowledge.
Has your degree had any particular impact on your life?
My degree is the reason I am where I am at the moment. I
have a job as an interpreter working with some lovely people
and learning every day, which has allowed me to recently
buy my own place with my fiancé. UCLan also gave me the
opportunity to make some amazing friends, some of which
I work with and others who will be my friends for the rest of
my life. I am currently doing a Postgraduate Diploma in
BSL/English Interpreting, which means I will be a registered
sign language interpreter early next year.
09
Katie Paterson
Future Leaders
Development Programme
“Being invited to apply for the
UCLan Future Leaders
Development Programme, after
I was identified by my Dean as
someone who had leadership
potential, was a huge honour.”
“Once I successfully completed a number of assessment
stages, I began the 14-month course which would lead to
achieving a level 5 International Leadership and
Management award.
Throughout the course, we had teaching sessions and took
workshops with guest lecturers. We experienced ‘audience
with’ sessions where we talked to current leaders from
various sectors and also participated in a week-long
residential at the UCLan Cyprus campus, creating group
presentations about current issues within the student
population and suggesting how to overcome them.
The programme not only created an extra opportunity for
us to gain knowledge and skills outside of our current
courses and lead to an extra qualification, but we also
developed personally. Under the guidance of the diverse
teaching team we broadened our identities, learnt how to
lead and manage appropriately, be self-aware, responsible
and present ourselves in order to enhance our
employability. Right the way through the programme we
had networking opportunities with current leaders and
fellow future leaders from a variety of courses at UCLan.”
Find out more:
StudyAtUCLan
@StudyAtUCLan
10
THOUGHTS FROM
BSL GRADUATES
“The course has greatly impacted on my employability as a primary school teacher
and has provided a solid foundation for my aspirations of becoming a teacher of the
deaf in the near future. It gave me an insight into deafness in education and the
community’s thoughts on the current system; this has and will continue to be
invaluable whilst working in education. The degree itself has given me a niche set of
skills which has gained unique interest both from course providers for my PGCE and
current employers from a primary school. I am confident the skills and knowledge I
have acquired on this degree will support the successful
achievement of an MA teacher of the deaf and
employment in a local sensory service.”
Sarah Hamilton
“This degree programme has enabled me to become a
confident and competent BSL to English interpreter. I was
introduced to the local deaf community in Preston and the
North West; as the course is closely linked with the deaf
community, this has been pivotal to my career and
employability. The course provided both supportive and
independent development which has also had a
positive impact on my ability to be self-employed,
and confident meeting new clients and
interpreting for them on a day-to-day basis.”
Martin Roberts
11
“After completing an evening class in BSL, I was keen to learn
more about the experience of deafness and the British deaf
community. As I already lived and worked locally, the UCLan
course was perfect for me. I particularly liked the wide range of
modules and the variety of the assessments. The lectures were
interesting and always provided the opportunity to get involved
in discussions and activities. The academic and personal skills
gained have been useful in all my jobs, and I also felt inspired
to study further by completing a PhD. I currently have several
roles: I work part-time as a Language Tutor for deaf
students at UCLan, and I am also self-employed as
a support tutor, academic proofreader, qualitative
researcher and virtual assistant.”
Dr Laura Snell
“I liked the variation of teaching styles and assessments.
Deaf and hearing staff meant there was a variety of delivery
methods. A lecture could be signed, interpreted or spoken
depending on the content and desired outcome. BSL is a practical vocation so
along with writing essays I designed leaflets, posters and took part in live
presentations in both English and BSL. The variety kept me on my toes! You
have to give yourself a break sometimes and recharge your batteries, which
included attending The Guild Pub most Thursdays for Deaf Club where students
and members of the community socialised. My advice to prospective students
would be … chill out! There’s so much to do and learn, but the opportunities will
be around throughout your whole degree. The worst thing you can do is burn out
in your first year, trust me … I speak from experience!”
Stephanie Aindow
Find out more:
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@StudyAtUCLan
12
STAFF
HEADLIN
New Staff
Lesley
Davidson
Lesley is an Associate Lecturer in
the department. Originally from
Plymouth, she has moved to several
places including Bradford, London,
Ireland, Malta, Cardiff and the USA.
She has worked in most sectors of
education: primary school, junior
school, high school, adult education,
college and university, and has also
worked for an examination body
devising materials for students and
new curricula. In London, Lesley was
a senior TA at a school for the deaf,
and took part in research work with
Wolverhampton University. At
Bradford, she was a senior lecturer
for the BSL Tutor Training Course
in conjunction with Durham
University and taught the CSW
course. Lesley has also worked at
Bristol University as part of the
team, teaching BSL interpreting.
Find out more:
StudyAtUCLan
@StudyAtUCLan
Luigi
Lerose
Partnership
with Italy
Lecturer Luigi is originally from
Italy and received a PhD in
Linguistics from Alpen-Adria
University in Klagenfurt, Austria in
2012. He worked for more than
10 years as a lecturer of sign
language in various Italian
universities (Trieste, Venezia,
Napoli, Bologna) and also as a
researcher in sign language
(phonology, morphology, syntax).
His research interests are in the
areas of iconicity and the structure
of sign language. Luigi is also a
member of ENSLT (European
Network of Sign Language Teachers)
and is conversant in different
sign languages (Italian, Austrian,
American,
International
and
British). He has authored and coauthored a variety of articles and
DVDs on both aspects of linguistics
and the teaching of sign language.
Luigi visited Italy to take part in a
collaborative project between
UCLan and Mason Perkins Deafness
Fund (MPDF). Both parties worked
in partnership on a workshop aimed
at improving the skills of sign
language users in translating and
telling classic fables from literature
as well as encouraging international
collaboration.
The workshop aimed to take famous
fables and translate them into sign
language with some examples of
deaf culture included.
This was filmed and will eventually
be incorporated into a book with a
signed DVD, which will promote
access for both deaf and hearing
children via either written or signed
language.
13
ES
Teach, Research, Travel, Inspire
Washington Graduate
Professor Internship
Visits UCLan
Professor Amy Wilson from
Gallaudet University, Washington,
DC in the USA was invited to visit
UCLan under the Distinguished
Visitor Scheme. During her
two-week stay, she delivered two
key presentations, demonstrating
her own research and fieldwork
with deaf people around the world.
Award
Winning
Staff
Nicola Nunn
Lecturer of the Year
As a user of BSL, senior lecturer
Nicola Nunn spent many years
working with the British deaf
community before joining UCLan as
a BSL and deaf studies lecturer in
2002. She is a valued member of
staff, and is committed to excellence
in BSL and deaf studies. Nicola ranks
as one of the UK's most highly
respected deaf academics.
Nicola’s
commitment
was
recognised at the Golden Roses, an
annual prestigious student-led
teaching awards held by UCLan’s
Students’ Union. She won Lecturer
of the Year for making a significant
contribution to the academic
experience.
As a globally noted scholar and
founder of the Master of Arts course
in International Development for
Deaf researchers and overseas
workers, she recognised the
achievements of staff in the BSL and
Deaf Studies team and iSLanDS and
praised their models of working
with deaf people in developing
countries. Professor Wilson’s visit
was extremely successful and as a
result there will be further
collaboration and transformative
research taking place in conjunction
with her in the future.
John Stewart, a native BSL user,
completed his course in BA (Hons)
BSL and Deaf Studies and
immediately took up a job position
as a BSL Lab Assistant under
UCLan’s
Graduate
Internship
Scheme. His main roles were
providing instructional support
during the BSL lab sessions,
producing signed videos for
teaching,
giving
one-on-one
tutorials, and facilitating in BSL Club
and debates. John says: “This has
been a great opportunity for me and
I have learned a great deal,
particularly working as part of a
team and the processes involved in
lesson planning and lesson delivery.”
14
WHY STUDY BSL AND DEAF
STUDIES AT UCLAN?
You’ll study all aspects of
deafness as a social and cultural
phenomenon and graduate with a
fluency in BSL. You can design a
course to meet your individual
needs and ambitions, choosing
from a wealth of fascinating
modules. Our BSL, sign linguistics
and deaf studies have long been
recognised for world-leading
research, continuous top student
satisfaction rates and pioneering
work on the development of
employability skills.
study
highlights
In both 2013 and 2014,
all our graduates had
secured employment or
been offered a place on
postgraduate study by
their graduation day.
You’ll be able to take advantage of volunteering
opportunities through the Centre for Volunteering
and Community Leadership, of which a number of
modules are accredited by the Institute of Leadership
and Management.
The 2014 National Student Survey (NSS) results show
96% of Deaf Studies students were satisfied with
teaching on their course and 92% were satisfied
with their programme overall.
You’ll have opportunities for overseas study and
work placements within the deaf community.
In recent years, students have studied in Finland,
Germany, the USA and the Netherlands, but there is
a wide range of other opportunities available.
foundation
entry
We also offer foundation entry routes to our degree
courses. These are an alternative way for students
without the appropriate entry requirements to access
degree courses. The foundation entry year is an
excellent introduction to your BSL and Deaf Studies
degrees, helping you to gain the knowledge, study
skills and confidence to really succeed through the
remainder of your studies.
15
BA (Hons) British
Sign Language
and Deaf Studies
UCAS Q160 BA/BSKDS
3 yrs full-time
5-6 yrs part-time
If you want to work with deaf people, this degree is the
perfect launchpad for a wide range of careers and occupations.
As well as advanced BSL skills - taught in a highly practical
way, by a mixed deaf and hearing team - you’ll gain invaluable,
thought-provoking insights into the social and cultural aspects
of deafness.
This is a ground-breaking degree, taught by experts in a range
of topics - you’ll cover community culture, linguistics, history,
politics and interpreting practice, and graduate with high
levels of BSL fluency and the confidence to forge a career in
the deaf community.
The BSL and Deaf Studies course combines historical and
contemporary aspects of deaf life in the UK and beyond,
providing a knowledge base so that you can specialise in
your second and third years, each tailored to a wide
variety of careers.
What can it lead to?
Graduates from BSL and Deaf Studies degree courses enter a variety of careers and professions,
including all aspects of education (teaching, lecturing, communication support, curriculum
support, personal tutoring, etc), BSL/English interpreting, other support roles (such as notetakers,
lip speakers, communication support workers), counselling, social work, media, roles in the
police, higher degrees and research.
On this practical, hands-on degree course, you’ll explore the
issues around the educational inclusion of deaf students and
learn how to support them effectively. As well as gaining
insights into the lived experiences of deaf people and learning
about the practical and theoretical approaches to deafness as a
social and cultural phenomenon, you’ll gain an understanding
of educational theories, policies and practice, and apply them
to real-world situations and issues facing deaf learners. It’s a
great way to gain hands-on experience of the day-to-day
responsibilities of being a teacher - perfect if you want to work
in an educational setting.
BA (Hons)
Deaf Studies
and Education
UCAS BX63 BA/DSEd
3 yrs full-time
5-6 yrs part-time
This degree course is made up of equal parts from each subject,
with BSL being compulsory in the first two years. You will
study alongside fellow students taking the BSL and Deaf Studies
degree and will all have equal opportunities to learn more about
deafness and deaf issues. On this joint degree, you’ll also study
both general theories and practices of education, as well as gain
more specific insights into the pedagogic needs of deaf children.
What can it lead to?
Students have gone on to a wide range of careers, working as educational and communication
support workers, teaching assistants, primary school teachers and early years teachers and
supporters, as well as getting involved in social work, youth work and working with children
and families.
ABOUT UCLAN
UCLan is a modern university but has roots going back over
150 years, offering high-quality teaching by dedicated and
experienced staff with real-world experience. We offer
state-of-the-art teaching buildings and resources and are
investing around £200 million over the next ten years to
create an attractive and inviting world-class campus
compatible with our status as one of the UK’s largest
universities.
We are renowned for providing a high level of support to our
students - UCLan is one of just a few universities which have
been awarded Matrix Standard in recognition of effective
delivery of quality information, advice and guidance.
To find out when our
Open Days
Our students enjoy excellent IT facilities, including a
pioneering virtual learning environment, plus an ultra-modern
library and resources centre. We provide professional support
for finding high-quality work placements and advice and
support for career development. We offer excellent business
incubation facilities and support for entrepreneurial
students and graduates.
take place go to
www.uclan.ac.uk/opendays
ABOUT PRESTON
Our campus is in the heart of
Preston’s city centre, a buzzing vibrant
city, with a wide range of shops,
restaurants, bars and great nightlife.
Preston enjoys excellent transport
links - it is just a short distance from
Manchester and Liverpool, and just
over two hours from London by train.
The beautiful scenery of the Lake
District, the Lancashire countryside
and Blackpool and the coast are
within easy reach.
A safe and friendly city with a student
village feel and lower living costs than
many other parts of the UK. We offer
a 24hr security service and a Safety
Bus, to take students home from
events and the library after dark.
Preston has recently been awarded
Purple Flag status for the quality,
variety and safety of its nightlife, as
well as a Green Flag Award for its
parks and open spaces.
SPORT FOR ALL
UCLan has great indoor and
outdoor sports facilities,
including the magnificent
UCLan Sports Arena, which
caters for a huge range of
sports, and the brand new
multi-million pound Sir Tom
Finney Sports Centre.
Sports
membersh
ip
is free to
a
UCLan ll
students!
University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2HE
Course Enquiries:
+44 (0)1772 892400
cenquiries@uclan.ac.uk
www.uclan.ac.uk
StudyAtUCLan
@StudyAtUCLan
University of
Central Lancashire
The information contained in this leaflet was compiled in October 2015 and all reasonable care has been taken to ensure its
accuracy at that time. The University cannot guarantee that all courses will be available in exactly the form and detail described
and it may be necessary to vary the content or availability of some courses. Material changes will be highlighted in course
documentation and also at the time of an offer to study on a particular course is made. We hope that you are happy with
your UCLan experience; if not please tell us! We have a complaints procedure in place, please email cenquiries@uclan.ac.uk
or call 01772 892400.