The MSc in Deafhood Studies, run by the University of Bristol's Centre for Deaf Studies (CDS), will offer people the opportunity to study the Deafhood theory.
The Deafhood concept was developed at CDS by Dr Paddy Ladd and colleagues and in only five years has rapidly spread around the world.
The course will focus on the languages, cultures, arts and social structures of Sign Language Peoples, using the most up-to-date research information presented from Deaf communities' own (Deafhood) perspectives.
Dr Ladd, Senior Lecturer, said: "It's great we are taking the lead once again to offer the world's first postgraduate degree in Deafhood. CDS was Europe's first academic institution to concentrate solely on research and education that aims to benefit the Deaf community.
"The MSc programme welcomes both d/Deaf and hearing people from around the world. We hope the course will increase awareness of the positive contributions that Sign Language Peoples offer to the whole of society."
The course will include the study of six units from the following together with a dissertation:
- Deafhood Philosophy and Social Theory (Introduction to Deafhood)
- Sign Linguistics
- Deaf Culture and Deafhood
- Research Methods for Deaf Studies
- Bilingual Development in Deaf Children at Home and at School
- Deaf Wellness and Development
- Deaf History and Deafhood
- Sign Language Literature and Folklore
People can also work towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Deafhood Studies or a Postgraduate Certificate in Deafhood Studies. In addition, many of the units within the masters programme will be offered as short courses as part of CDS' widening participation strategy.
The MSc in Deafhood Studies can be taken full-time over 12 months or part-time over two years. The closing date for applications is June 30 with the programme starting in September 2009.
Further details about the new programme can be found at www.bristol.ac.uk/deaf/