BSL level 1 for Deaf people
You will be able to communicate in BSL in a range of everyday topics and achieve a level 1 qualification, accredited by Signature.
This course is FREE if you are a resident in London and your preferred language is BSL
Why do I need an advice session
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 23 Sep 2025End Date: 24 Mar 2026Tue (Evening): 17:45 - 20:15In PersonFull fee £0.00 Senior fee £0.00 Concession £0.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course is for Deaf people who already use sign language in their everyday lives.
You will develop your use of British Sign Language, using everyday phrases in a wide range of topics. The course leads to a Level 1 qualification in BSL, accredited by Signature awarding body.
You will be able to take the examination for these three units within the course.
What will we cover?
You will learn BSL level 1 in communication skills relating to the following topic areas:
- meeting people
- using numbers
- weather
- transport
- directions
- people, animals and objects in the home
- interests and activities
- food and drink
- getting around.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- understand and use a limited range of simple words and sentences in BSL
- take part in simple conversations in BSL
- give and understand simple directions in BSL
- give and understand simple descriptions in BSL.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for deaf people who already use Sign Language in their everyday lives.
Students need to meet certain residency criteria (including living in the London area) to be eligible for a free place on this course.
You will need to have basic literacy skills as you will need to be able to read basic words during class. You will write down briefly what you have learned. Your tutor will help if this is difficult.
Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview.
Please email deafedu@citylit.ac.uk to arrange an interview time.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
- demonstration
- pair/group work
- discussion
- narrative short story
- conversation practise.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Students need to meet certain residency criteria (including living in the London area) to be eligible for a free place on this course.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
If you are successful in passing the level 1 in BSL assessment, you can be interviewed to progress to a level 2 in BSL course for Deaf people or BSL practice for Deaf people.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.