Certificate in New Zealand Sign Language and Deaf Studies - AUT University

TEL: 0207 193 7932   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Certificate in New Zealand Sign Language and Deaf Studies is a comprehensive training programme designed to deliver intensive study on New Zealand sign language (NZSL) and deaf culture. The programme provides instruction from experts who use NZSL and gives an insight into the rich culture of the deaf community. The course is designed to be studied full time. For part time students, theory papers are studied prior to engaging in NZSL papers.

Programme Code: AK3690
Level: 6
Points: 120
Duration: One year full time / Equivalent part time
Venue: City campus
Starting date: 3 March 2008
Application deadline: 16 November 2007

AUT encourages early application.
Late applications may be accepted if the programme is not full.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Meet entry-level standard in NZSL. (This generally equates to one and half years of community night classes or more, or the equivalent of a minimum of 100 hours of NZSL language acquisition). A videotaped sample of NZSL language production will be required
• NCEA: 4 credits at Level 1 or above in Reading; 4 credits at Level 1 or above in Writing
  OR
• CIE: Grade E or better in IGCSE English
  OR
• Provision for adult entry (20 years and above). Evidence of academic study or equivalent preferred

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants for whom English or Māori is not their first language are required to provide proof of an acceptable pass/grade gained in an accepted English language test.

THE KEY SKILLS YOU WILL ACQUIRE

Students will develop receptive and expressive fluency in New Zealand Sign Language, and an understanding of the Deaf Community and Deaf Culture, including the historical and current dynamics of the Deaf Community.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The Certificate programme is ideal for those who have, or intend to have, contact with Deaf People and the Deaf Community. It is particularly intended for:

• Deaf people
• Hearing impaired people
• Counsellors
• Social workers
• Professionals
• Teachers of the Deaf
• Future interpreter trainees
• Parents, family and friends of Deaf people
• People working in public positions
• People with Deaf employees or colleagues.

FURTHER STUDIES

This Certificate is an excellent supplement to other professional qualifications, such as those related to the education, social work and health sectors.

The Certificate in New Zealand Sign Language and Deaf Studies is not an interpreting qualification and contains no instruction specific to interpreter training. However, the Certificate may, in certain circumstances, be cross credited to the first year of the Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting. Acceptance to the Certificate in New Zealand Sign Language and Deaf Studies is based on the students’ language and theory performances during their study on this programme and their ability to meet standard entry criteria.

PAPERS

All Papers are taught in New Zealand Sign Language and/or English:
165414 New Zealand Sign Language I*
166414 New Zealand Sign Language II
166469 New Zealand Society and Intercultural Issues
166470 Introduction to the Deaf Community
166471 Introduction to Deaf Culture
166801 Current Issues in the Deaf World

* Although entitled New Zealand Sign Language I, this paper is not taught at a complete beginner’s level. Generally, the proficiency level at which a student enters the programme requires a minimum of one and half years of language acquisition or more, equivalent to 100 hours or more.