Language Sciences with specialisation in Sign Language and Deaf Studies

The MSc in Language Sciences with Specialisation in Sign Language and Deaf Studies at University College London offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to understanding the linguistic, cultural, and social aspects of sign languages and deaf communities worldwide. This programme is designed for students who are interested in exploring the nature of sign languages as fully-fledged natural languages, their structure, history, and variation, as well as the social, educational, and political contexts in which deaf people live and communicate. Throughout the course, students will engage with cutting-edge research in linguistics, anthropology, psychology, and education, gaining the skills needed to critically analyse sign languages and contribute to advancing knowledge and practice in deaf studies.

The programme covers a broad range of topics, including the linguistic structure of various sign languages, the development and evolution of sign languages, the role of sign language interpreters, and the impact of technology on deaf communication. Students will also examine issues related to deaf identity, rights, and inclusion, as well as policies affecting deaf communities globally. Emphasis is placed on both theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing graduates for careers in research, advocacy, education, healthcare, and policy development. With access to world-class facilities and expertise from leading academics and practitioners, students will have opportunities for hands-on learning, fieldwork, and collaboration with deaf communities.

Designed for individuals with a keen interest in language and social justice, the programme fosters intercultural awareness and critical thinking. Applicants from diverse backgrounds, including linguistics, anthropology, psychology, and education, are encouraged to apply. The MSc in Language Sciences with Specialisation in Sign Language and Deaf Studies not only enhances understanding of the linguistic diversity of sign languages but also promotes inclusive communication practices and supports the development of interventions aimed at improving the quality of life for deaf individuals. Graduates will be well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to academic research, policy-making, community activism, and professional practice within the field of deaf studies and sign language linguistics.

Students take a set of core modules and then specialise in linguistics, psychology of language, and/or interpreting. In selecting the modules for specialisation, students are able to take full advantage of the breadth of expertise in language research in the UCL Division of Psychology & Language Sciences.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits

The programme consists of two mandatory modules (45 credits), three specialisation modules (45 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and a research project (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) consisting of two mandatory modules (45 credits), four core modules (60 credits), and one optional module (15 credits) is also offered.

A Postgraduate Certificate of four mandatory modules (60 credits) is also offered.

Core modules

• Introduction to the Brain and Imaging
• Research Methods: Principles, Skills and Applications
• Specialisation modules
• Students take four specialisation modules, students who already hold BSL CACDP Level 1 or equivalent choose three specialisation modules and two optional modules:
• Introduction to British Sign Language
• Deafness: Cognition and Language
• Linguistics of Sign Languages
• Introduction to Deafhood

Optional modules

Students then select one optional module from all those offered within the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, subject to availability and agreement with the Programme Director (students who already hold BSL level one or equivalent select two). Recommendations include:

• Foundations of Linguistics
• Historical and Social Context of Interpreting
• Interaction and Language Management of Interpreting 
• Introduction to Children’s Language Development
• Multimodal Communication and Cognition
• Sociolinguistics

Not all modules will run every year, some modules may require a minimum number of registered students.

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project in an area of Language Science which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, small-group teaching and a virtual learning environment. Some modules also involve workshops or practical classes. Student performance is assessed through coursework, examinations and the research dissertation.

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in a language-related area such as deaf studies, linguistics, speech sciences, English language, psychology, cognitive science, or a cognate discipline.

Funding for the Language Sciences with Specialisation in Sign Language and Deaf Studies program at University College London is available through various channels. Students can apply for national and institutional funding options, including government student loans, grants, and scholarships. The UK government offers student loan schemes that cover tuition fees and living expenses, which are accessible to both domestic and international students meeting specific eligibility criteria. UCL also provides a range of scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and specific circumstances. These scholarships may be funded by the university itself, external organizations, or partnerships. Additionally, UCL offers bursaries and financial support schemes to help reduce the financial burden for students from diverse backgrounds. For international students, there may be specific scholarships designed to support study abroad and international education. Some students may also seek external funding through research councils, charitable foundations, or professional organizations related to language sciences and deaf studies. Students are advised to consult the university’s financial aid office and the program-specific webpage for detailed information on eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines. It is important to consider additional costs such as accommodation, study materials, transportation, and personal expenses when planning funding arrangements. The program’s structure and content, which integrate theoretical and practical components related to sign language and deaf culture, make it an attractive option for funding bodies focused on promoting inclusivity and linguistic diversity. Overall, prospective students should explore all available funding opportunities early in their application process to secure adequate financial support throughout their studies.

The Language Sciences with Specialisation in Sign Language and Deaf Studies at University College London is a comprehensive programme designed to explore the linguistic, social, cultural, and cognitive aspects of sign languages and deaf communities. This interdisciplinary course combines theoretical linguistics with practical insights into the use and structure of sign languages worldwide, including British Sign Language (BSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and other emerging sign languages. Students will examine the linguistic features that distinguish sign languages from spoken languages, such as their use of space, movement, and facial expressions to convey meaning, as well as the social dynamics within deaf communities and the broader implications for communication and accessibility.

The programme aims to develop a deep understanding of sign language acquisition, language policy, and the sociolinguistic issues faced by deaf individuals. It also covers topics such as the history of deaf education, sign language interpretation, and contemporary challenges in deaf awareness and rights. Students will have access to UCL’s extensive resources, including expert faculty members with backgrounds in linguistics, anthropology, psychology, and education, as well as interdisciplinary research centres dedicated to language sciences and deaf studies.

Moreover, the course offers practical modules where students can learn about sign language interpretation and delivery, gaining skills that are directly applicable to careers in translation, education, advocacy, and community support. The programme encourages critical thinking about language rights, inclusion, and the technological innovations that enhance communication for deaf people. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, research, policy-making, linguistics, and deaf education or to continue their academic journey into postgraduate studies.

Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to engage with real-world issues affecting deaf communities globally, fostering a culturally sensitive and socially responsible approach to language sciences. The programme combines classroom learning with fieldwork, professional placements, and collaborative projects, providing students with a well-rounded education that bridges theoretical knowledge and practical application. This specialization at UCL stands out for its commitment to inclusivity, academic excellence, and the promotion of linguistic diversity, supporting students to become leaders in the field of sign language research and deaf community advocacy.