Level 1 Award in British Sign Language

This qualification is designed to teach learners how to effectively communicate with Deaf individuals using British Sign Language (BSL) on a range of simple everyday topics. Participants will develop foundational skills and confidence in both producing and understanding BSL. Our Level 1 BSL course welcomes complete beginners with no prior experience required! Upon completion, learners will be able to:

• understand and use a limited range of simple words and sentences in BSL
• take part in simple, everyday conversations in BSL
• give and follow simple directions or instructions in BSL
• give and follow simple familiar statements or descriptions in BSL

For a full overview of this qualification, please visit Signature's website here.

Entry requirements as outlined by Signature:

- applicants must be 16 or over
- applicants must have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, facial and body movement to produce and receive BSL

If you are 19 and over and resident in Manchester you may be eligible to join a free BSL course at MDC. For more information click here

Upcoming Courses

Applications open Thursday 23rd May 2024

Start date: Monday 23rd September 2024
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Duration: 30 weeks (during term time)
Location: Manchester Deaf Centre
Fee: £450

Start date: Tuesday 24th September 2024
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Duration: 30 weeks (during term time)
Location: Manchester Deaf Centre
Fee: £450

Start date: Wednesday 25th September 2024
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Duration: 30 weeks (during term time)
Location: Manchester Deaf Centre
Fee: £450

Start date: Thursday 26th September 2024
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Duration: 30 weeks (during term time)
Location: Manchester Deaf Centre
Fee: £450

Additional Information

How much does the course cost

Each course costs £450 in total including assessments. This can be paid in full prior to the course starting or in monthly instalments. Please note that a payment declaration will be required, which must be agreed upon and signed.

Where is the course taught

The course is taught face-to-face at the Manchester Deaf Centre.

How long is the course

The course consists of 30 weeks of classroom based learning, excluding holidays, and operates on a term-time-only basis.

Course Attendance

Attendance every week is vital in order for you to ensure you are benefitting and learning as much as you possibly can. Please note: a record of your attendance will be kept and poor attendance could impact whether or not you pass the course successfully. If you fail to attend 90% of the course or more, you may not be eligible to sit your exams.

Course Fees

There will be 2 payment options. Students can either pay course fees in full prior to the course starting or pay via instalments through an instalment plan.

C​ourse fees must be paid in full no later than 30.08.24 or if paying via instalments a course payment plan declaration must be signed and deposit received before 30.08.24. Failure to make payment will result in your place being offered to someone else.

Please note, our course dates are dependent on meeting minimum enrolment criteria. If these criteria aren't met, there may be changes to the schedule. Enrolled participants will be promptly informed of any adjustments. Thank you for your understanding.

Our BSL courses are accredited by Signature, the leading awarding body for British Sign Language