BSL level 1
You may wish to study BSL without the pressure of an exam, or just for fun. We can arrange for you to be taught without a formal final assessment and you will receive a certificate of attendance.
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.
10 Dates Available
- Start Date: 01 May 2025End Date: 10 Jul 2025Thu (Daytime): 10:00 - 16:00In PersonFull fee £629.00 Senior fee £528.00 Concession £477.00
- Start Date: 09 May 2025End Date: 18 Jul 2025Fri (Daytime): 10:00 - 16:00In PersonFull fee £629.00 Senior fee £528.00 Concession £477.00
- Start Date: 17 Sep 2025End Date: 18 Mar 2026Wed (Evening): 18:00 - 20:30In PersonFull fee £779.00 Senior fee £779.00 Concession £584.00
- Start Date: 22 Sep 2025End Date: 08 Dec 2025Mon (Daytime): 10:00 - 16:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 11 sessions (over 12 weeks)Course Code: QB011Tutors: Susan WhalleyFull fee £679.00 Senior fee £569.00 Concession £514.00
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?
The course is designed to enable you to communicate with Deaf people in British Sign Language at level 1 standard within a range of everyday topics. The course leads to the Level 1 Award in BSL, accredited by the Signature awarding body. The qualification comprises three units: introduction to British Sign Language, conversational British Sign Language and British Sign Language at school, college or work. You will have the opportunity to undertake the examinations for these three units within the course.
To achieve the full certificate in BSL, you must pass all three units. Unit BSL101 is internally assessed. Units BSL102 and BSL103 are externally assessed by a Signature assessor.
What will we cover?
You will learn level 1 BSL 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?
You will not need an interview for the Level 1 in BSL course – you can enrol directly.
Signature, the awarding body for BSL exams, has the following essential requirements: ‘BSL competence standards include requirements for candidates to have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, facial and body movement to produce and receive BSL. If you wish to discuss these requirements, please contact the department at deafedu@citylit.ac.uk for advice.
You will need to have basic literacy as you will be asked to write some self-evaluations and read topics and instructions for examinations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The teaching delivery methods will include:
• Interactive teaching
• Conversation practice
• 1 to 1 feedback sessions
• Google classroom for resources
You will be expected to practice your BSL skills at home as homework. You will have access to resources through Signworld online which you will be asked to refer to for homework – there are no additional costs for this.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There will be no additional costs for this course.
Examination fees are included in the course fees.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Successful candidates can apply for a place on a Level 2 in BSL course or a Pre-level 2 course.
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.