City Lit has provided support for deaf people at its heart right from our establishment, in 1919. Some of the first courses ever offered by City Lit were lipreading classes for deafened soldiers returning from World War I. Over the years, we have grown to become an internationally-renowned centre of a wide range of provision - it is the largest centre of its kind in Europe. Our staff is a mixed group of deaf and hearing professionals; all highly skilled in their own areas of specialist expertise. Learn British sign language with City Lit today.
Watch Samba, a student in the Centre for Deaf Education, discuss his experiences of studying at City Lit.
Courses available both in-person and online
We offer a range of long and short courses allowing you to choose between in-person and online learning.
Learn in the centre of London with our in-person courses. Our purpose-built facilities in Covent Garden mean we are ideally located and easy to get to.
Have you always wanted to learn British Sign Language and communicate with Deaf people? Develop the skills you need to gain the level 1 BSL qualification, accredited by Signature. The fees for BSL level 1 courses include a year's subscription to Signworld.
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.
If you have passed level 1 in BSL but are not quite ready to do level 2, this course is for you. Practise storytelling, having conversations and presenting information to others in an unhurried and friendly class. This is not an exam class, but you will receive an attendance certificate.