BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE
British Sign Language (BSL) was recognised by the government as a language in its own right in March 2003. BSL is the first or preferred language of an estimated 70,000 Deaf people in the UK. BSL is a visual-gestural language, with its own grammar and principles, which are completely different from the grammatical structure of English.
We offer qualifications in British Sign Language from Level 1 to Level 6.
Level 1 Award in British Sign Language
Qualification aim
This qualification is designed to teach learners to communicate with Deaf people in British Sign Language (BSL) on a range of topics that involve simple, everyday language use. They will gain basic skills and confidence in production and reception of BSL.
The specification has been designed using the UK Occupational Language Standards 2010 at Level 1.
Qualification structure
The qualification is divided into three units, each of which can be achieved separately. Learners who are new to BSL should cover BSL101 first, as units BSL102 and BSL103 build on this knowledge. Units BSL102 and BSL103 can be taken in any order.
To achieve the full Level 1 Award in British Sign Language, candidates must pass all units.
| Unit | QAN unit number | Unit title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSL101 | F/502/4513 | Introduction to BSL | Practical assessment of skills |
| BSL102 | J/504/0762 | Conversational BSL | Conversation in BSL |
| BSL103 | F/504/0761 | Communicate in BSL about Everyday Life | Conversation in BSL |
Unit BSL101 is internally assessed by the teacher. Units BSL102 and BSL103 are externally assessed by a Signature assessor.
Suggested duration
The recommended guided learning hours are 64 hours as shown below:
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSL101 | 20 | 10 | 30 | 3 |
| BSL102 | 22 | 8 | 30 | 3 |
| BSL103 | 22 | 8 | 30 | 3 |
| Total | 64 | 26 | 90 | 9 |
GLH includes assessment time
Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.
Essential requirements
BSL competence standards include requirements for candidates to have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, facial and body movement to produce and receive BSL. It is the responsibility of the centre to explain these requirements before accepting a candidate for this qualification.
Qualification objectives
At the end of the qualification, 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
Target group
Level 1 Award in British Sign Language can be taken without any previous BSL experience at any level. This qualification allows learners to gain basic skills and confidence in the two areas of production and reception of BSL.
The qualification is supported by over 500 centres throughout the UK ranging from Further and Higher Education establishments to schools and academies.
Level 1 Award in British Sign Language is suitable for those who:
- want to learn basic language skills to communicate simple conversations with Deaf people
- want to learn new language skills as part of a programme of study
- want to progress to more advanced study and/or employment using BSL in the future
- are studying for personal development
- are parents, family, friends or colleagues of Deaf people.
Level 1 Award in British Sign Language is suitable for all ages, including pre-16.
Progression routes
On completion of Signature Level 1 Award in British Sign Language, a wide range of further qualifications are available, including:
- Signature Level 2 Certificate in British Sign Language
- Signature Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language
These qualifications would potentially lead an individual to various employment opportunities.
Learning resources
BSL Homework
Our online BSLHomework package is perfect for anyone studying towards a Signature Level 1, 2 or 3 Award in British Sign Language. BSLHomework is a comprehensive online library of video clips and support materials to help you understand the assessments, develop your vocabulary and linguistics skills, and practice your receptive BSL skills from wherever you are.
Packages start from £30.00 ex VAT
Signature Shop
In the Signature online shop you can buy homework DVDs for both BSL level 1 & 2. These DVDs will help you to practice what you have learnt as part of your course, and allow you to prepare for your upcoming assessments.
Level 2 Certificate in British Sign Language
Qualification aim
This qualification is designed to enable learners to develop their skills to communicate with Deaf people using British Sign Language (BSL) in a range of everyday situations. The qualification will allow learners to participate in longer and more varied conversations than at Level 1. The course will develop communication in BSL about real life, routine, and daily experiences. The learner will be able to deal with most routine communication and have enough understanding of grammar to cope with some non-routine communication. Learners should be taught a number of regional variations in sign language.
The specification has been designed to be consistent with the National Language Standards at Level 2.
Qualification structure
The qualification is divided into three units, each of which can be achieved separately.
The units can be done in any order at any time but it is recommended that the content of Unit BSL201 is covered before Unit BSL202 or BSL203.
To achieve the full Level 2 Certificate in British Sign Language, candidates are required to achieve all units.
| Unit | QAN unit number | Unit title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSL201 | J/600/0210 | BSL Receptive Skills | Multiple-choice examination |
| BSL202 | D/600/0214 | BSL Productive Skills | Presentation in BSL |
| BSL203 | A/600/0219 | BSL Conversational Skills | Conversation in BSL |
Suggested duration
The recommended guided learning hours are 100 hours as shown below:
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSL201 | 30 | 20 | 50 | 5 |
| BSL202 | 35 | 15 | 50 | 5 |
| BSL203 | 35 | 15 | 50 | 5 |
| Total | 100 | 50 | 150 | 15 |
Guided learning hours includes assessment time.
Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.
Essential requirements
BSL competence standards include requirements for candidates to have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, facial and body movement to produce and receive BSL. It is the responsibility of the centre to explain these requirements before accepting a candidate for this qualification.
The qualification has four themes:
| Theme 1 | Everyday Conversation | 30 hours | Mandatory (this theme must be done) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theme 2 | Eating and Drinking | 35 hours | Optional themes: Pick two of these themes. The themes chosen for unit BSL202 and BSL203 must be different. |
| Theme 3 | Spending and Shopping | 35 hours | |
| Theme 4 | Travel and Holidays | 35 hours |
Theme 1 is mandatory so all learners must do this. Learners will also study two other themes out of the three optional themes above. The two optional themes will be chosen by the teacher in consultation with the learner.
In Unit BSL201 learners will be assessed on the content of Theme 1 only. The hours within the unit include time for practice and assessment.
In Units BSL202 and BSL203 learners will use and build upon the vocabulary and grammatical features of Theme 1.
Themes 2, 3 and 4 include the vocabulary from Theme 1. Learners are expected to increase their understanding and use of BSL grammar and vocabulary in these units. Some of the learning hours will be used to practice their skills and carry out the assessment for Units BSL202 and BSL203.
For Unit BSL202 learners will be assessed on the content of Theme 1 and the first choice of the optional themes.
For Unit BSL203 learners will be assessed on the content of Theme 1 and the second choice of the optional themes.
Target group
Level 2 Certificate in British Sign Language is suitable for those who:
- wish to achieve language skills at an intermediate level to improve communication with Deaf people
- are Deaf and wish to gain a qualification in their native language
- are family, friends and colleagues of Deaf people
- want to progress from Level 1 study in BSL, and who may want to progress to more advanced levels of study in BSL at a later date
- are studying for personal development.
The qualification is supported by over 300 centres throughout the UK ranging from Further and Higher Education establishments to schools and academies.
Progression routes
On completion of Signature Level 2 Certificate in British Sign Language, a wide range of further qualifications is available, including:
- Signature Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language
- Signature Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language
- Signature Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language and Introduction to Interpreting
Signature Level 6 NVQ Certificate in British Sign Language.
These qualifications would potentially lead an individual to various employment opportunities.
Learning resources
BSL Homework
Our online BSLHomework package is perfect for anyone studying towards a Signature Level 1, 2 or 3 Award in British Sign Language. BSLHomework is a comprehensive online library of video clips and support materials to help you understand the assessments, develop your vocabulary and linguistics skills, and practice your receptive BSL skills from wherever you are.
Packages start from £40.00 ex VAT
Signature Shop
In the Signature online shop you can buy homework DVDs for both BSL level 1 & 2. These DVDs will help you to practice what you have learnt as part of your course, and allow you to prepare for your upcoming assessments.
Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language
Qualification aim
Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language (BSL) caters for the learning needs of those who already have competence in BSL at Level 2. Successful learners must be able to demonstrate competence at Level 3 of the UK Occupational Language Standards (CILT, 2010). This means that the learner will be able to understand and use varied BSL in a range of work and social situations.
Unit structure
The qualification is divided into three units each of which will be assessed separately. Although assessments can be taken straight after each unit has been taught, Signature suggests that all assessments are best taken at the end of the course when all teaching is complete.
| Unit | QAN unit number | Unit title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSL320 | J/505/4113 | Sign Linguistics Knowledge | Written paper | BSL321 | Y/505/4116 | Understand varied British Sign Language in a range of work and social situations | DVD and written paper |
| BSL322 | D/505/4117 | Use varied British Sign Language in a range of work and social situations | Presentation and conversation in BSL |
Suggested duration
The following table details the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification.
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSL320 | 20 | 20 | 40 | 4 |
| BSL321 | 65 | 55 | 120 | 12 |
| BSL322 | 65 | 55 | 120 | 12 |
Guided learning hours include assessment time.
Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.
Signature approved centres will deliver this qualification over agreed timescales.
Essential requirements
In order to be entered for a course and assessment leading to this qualification, learners must be able to demonstrate competence in BSL at level 2. It is the responsibility of the centre to ensure that this requirement has been met before accepting a learner for this qualification. Learners should be assessed at their induction to demonstrate their skills.
This qualification is listed as appropriate for learners pre 16 and older.
Learning resources
BSL Homework
Our online BSLHomework package is perfect for anyone studying towards a Signature Level 1, 2 or 3 Award in British Sign Language. BSLHomework is a comprehensive online library of video clips and support materials to help you understand the assessments, develop your vocabulary and linguistics skills, and practice your receptive BSL skills from wherever you are.
Packages start from £50.00ex VAT
Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language
Qualification aim
Successful completion of this qualification can be used as evidence of the language skills needed, in order to be able to operate independently and at an advanced level in the target language. It is useful for those who work on a regular basis with Deaf people (e.g. social workers, teachers of the Deaf, communicators, voluntary workers, workers within Deaf organisations, schools, etc.), those who aspire to work in these contexts, and those who wish to expand their knowledge and skills in British Sign Language.
Unit structure
This qualification is divided into three units, both of which can be achieved separately.
To achieve the full Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language, candidates are required to achieve all units.
| Unit | QAN unit number | Unit title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSL420 | H/506/3790 | Extended sign language linguistics | Portfolio |
| BSL421 | M/506/3808 | Understand extended British Sign Language in a range of work and social situations | Portfolio |
| BSL422 | L/506/3833 | Use extended British Sign Language in a range of work and social situations | Portfolio |
Suggested duration
The following table details the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification.
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSL420 | 40 | 20 | 60 | 6 |
| BSL421 | 70 | 50 | 120 | 12 |
| BSL422 | 70 | 50 | 120 | 12 |
| Total | 180 | 120 | 300 | 30 |
Guided learning hours include assessment time.
Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.
Signature approved centres will deliver this qualification over agreed timescales.
Essential requirements
Candidates must be able to demonstrate competence in BSL at level 3.
It is the responsibility of the centre to ensure that this requirement has been met before accepting a candidate for this qualification.
Signature Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language and Introduction to Interpreting
Qualification aim
Successful completion of this qualification can be used as evidence of the language skills needed in order to be able to operate independently and at an advanced level in the target language. It is useful for those who work on a regular basis with Deaf people (e.g. social workers, teachers of the Deaf, communicators, voluntary workers, workers within Deaf organisations, schools, etc.), those who aspire to work in these contexts, and those who wish to expand their knowledge and skills in British Sign Language.
The completion of unit BSL423 can be used as evidence of the interpreting skills needed in order to apply for registration as a trainee interpreter. It is important to note however that this alone does not allow a successful candidate to achieve Trainee Interpreter status. There are a number of other criteria that must also be achieved before applying for registration as a Trainee Interpreter, please refer to the NRCPD website for information on this: www.nrcpd.org.uk.
Unit structure
This qualification is divided into three units, both of which can be achieved separately.
To achieve the full Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language, candidates are required to achieve all units.
| Unit | QAN unit number | Unit title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSL420 | H/506/3790 | Extended sign language linguistics | |
| BSL421 | M/506/3808 | Understand extended British Sign Language in a range of work and social situations | |
| BSL422 | L/506/3833 | Use extended British Sign Language in a range of work and social situations | |
| BSL423 | Introduction to Interpreting | T/506/3924 |
Suggested duration
The following table details the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification.
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSL420 | 40 | 20 | 60 | 6 |
| BSL421 | 70 | 50 | 120 | 12 |
| BSL422 | 70 | 50 | 120 | 12 |
| BSL423 | 40 | 20 | 60 | 6 |
| Total | 220 | 140 | 360 | 36 |
Guided learning hours include assessment time.
Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.
Signature approved centres will deliver this qualification over agreed timescales.
Essential requirements
Candidates must be able to demonstrate competence in BSL at level 3.
It is the responsibility of the centre to ensure that this requirement has been met before accepting a candidate for this qualification.
Level 6 NVQ Certificate in British Sign Language
Qualification aim
Successful completion of this qualification can be used as evidence of the language skills needed in order to be able to operate at a professionally proficient level in the target language. It is useful for those who work professionally with Deaf people (for example teachers and lecturers in BSL, social workers, teachers of the Deaf, trainee interpreters, voluntary workers, workers within Deaf organisations, schools, etc) or those who aspire to work in these contexts.
Unit structure
This qualification is divided into two units, both of which can be achieved separately.
To achieve the full Level 6 NVQ Certificate in British Sign Language, candidates are required to achieve both units.
| Unit | QAN unit number | Unit title | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSL601 | J/601/9016 | Understand complex British Sign Language in a wide range of work situations | Portfolio |
| BSL602 | R/601/9018 | Use complex British Sign Language in a wide range of work situations | Portfolio |
The unit titles refer to 'work situations' but the content and assessment criteria allow for evidence from a wide range of contexts.
Suggested duration
The following table details the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification.
| Unit | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSL601 | 90 | 90 | 180 | 18 |
| BSL602 | 90 | 90 | 180 | 18 |
| Total | 180 | 180 | 360 | 36 |
Guided learning hours include assessment time.
Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.
Signature approved centres will deliver this qualification over agreed timescales.
Essential requirements
Candidates must be able to demonstrate competence in BSL at level 3.
It is the responsibility of the centre to ensure that this requirement has been met before accepting a candidate for this qualification.
Level 6 Certificate in British Sign Language
Qualification aim
The Level 6 Certificate in British Sign Language (BSL62) qualification will develop the learner’s language skills from Level 4 (B2) towards Level 6 of the National Occupational Standards for Languages (CILT 2010), or C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Upon successful completion of this qualification, the learner will be able to use and understand complex BSL in all types of social and professional interaction.
The assessment criteria for this qualification are based on the UK National Occupational Standards for Languages at Level 6 (‘complex’ language use). Upon successful completion of this qualification, learners will be able to demonstrate language skills equivalent to an undergraduate degree in Modern Languages.
Qualification structure
Candidates must demonstrate both receptive and productive BSL skills at level 6, and in all of the eight topics that make up this qualification. Internal and external assessments may cover any of the topics listed in this qualification.
The natural context of using BSL is in two-way interactions (discussions, conversations, debates etc.), as well as one-way interactions (monologues, presentations etc.). The candidate is therefore expected to demonstrate receptive and productive skills in both two-way and one-way interactions. Signature recommends the best approach to teaching and assessing this qualification is by covering both receptive and productive skills together.
Suggested duration
The following table details the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification.
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Additional study hours | Total learning hours | Credit value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | 180 | 360 | 36 |
Guided learning hours include assessment time.
Additional study hours include independent study, homework, practice, etc.
Signature approved centres will deliver this qualification over agreed timescales.
Essential requirements
Candidates must be able to demonstrate competence in BSL at level 4, or equivalent.
It is the responsibility of the centre to ensure that this requirement has been met before accepting a candidate for this qualification.