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How It Works

We’re proud to be the UK’s leading awarding body for deaf communication and language qualifications.

Since becoming an independent organisation in 1982, Signature has supported over 600,000 learners in their BSL journeys. All of our qualifications are accredited by Ofqual, providing full peace of mind and a clear pathway towards your goals.

Here’s everything you need to know about your time with Signature, from choosing your course to receiving your qualification certificate.

Browse our qualifications.

A woman signals sign language to two students

What we do at Signature

We deliver sign language courses and deaf-blind sign language courses for every type of learner. Whether you want to learn British Sign Language for personal development, Irish Sign Language to support a loved one, or to explore rewarding careers in deaf communications, you’re bound to find a course suited to your needs.

How to start learning sign language with Signature 

We believe that learning sign language should be straightforward and stress-free. Our four-step onboarding process has been created with this ethos in mind.

It’s likely that you already have a specific sign language course in mind. However, if you’re curious and researching qualifications for the first time, we recommend considering your goals and where you want your learning to take you.

  • Are you a complete beginner?
  • Do you require a sign language qualification for work?
  • Would you like to enrol on a sign language course to aid your future work prospects?

Explore the sign language qualifications we offer further down this page for more information. Entry requirements are listed on each individual page if you’d like a better idea of where you are in your learning journey.

Still not sure which course is right for you? Don’t hesitate to contact our team, who will be happy to discuss your experience and point you in the right direction.

When you become a student with Signature, you’ll study through one of our Signature-approved centres. We have over 300 centres across the UK, ranging from colleges and universities to schools, societies and community groups.

No matter where you are in the UK, we have fully qualified teachers ready to support your learning. Find your nearest Signature-approved centre, and contact them directly to get started.

To find a list of Signature centres near you, simply enter your details into our centre finder:

  • The course you’d like to enrol on.
  • Whether you’re based in the UK or Ireland.
  • Postcode or town.

You can also filter your search by start date, preferred mode of study (face-to-face or online), preferred study days and preferred study times (morning, afternoon or evening).

Once you have selected a course and contacted your chosen centre, one of our friendly team members from your chosen centre will guide you through the next steps of the enrolment process. This will be an informal chat to discuss your goals, the course you’d like to enrol on, and any important steps including:

  • Course entry requirements
  • Course structure
  • Assessment format
  • Start dates
  • Fees and costs

They will also explain any required documentation before the course begins.

Our sign language course costs vary depending on the qualification level and your chosen Signature-approved centre. To help you budget for your course, take a look at our 2025/26 fees booklet.

If you are concerned about paying upfront, we have student funding options available for those eligible. 

Please contact your chosen centre to discuss available funding. We also recommend contacting your local authority to learn more about financial support schemes in your area.

Our sign language qualifications 

We provide a variety of high-quality courses, allowing our learners to make a real difference in the world of accessible communication. 

Our BSL qualifications range from Level 1 to Level 6, offering students a structured route from beginner to advanced.

  • BSL Sign Language Level 1: An introductory BSL qualification for beginners, with no previous experience required. Learn basic communication skills and everyday vocabulary. 

  • British Sign Language Level 2 course: A qualification that builds on Level 1’s curriculum. Learners can expect to develop greater fluency and become more confident in their communication skills.

  • BSL Level 3 courses: A course for learners who want to use BSL confidently and intuitively in work or community settings.

  • Level 4 BSL courses: A qualification focusing on advanced language use and a deeper understanding of linguistics and deaf culture.

  • British Sign Language Level 6: An advanced language qualification for those working with BSL in professional settings or progressing towards a career in interpreting and translation.

For a more detailed overview of our British Sign Language courses, see our BSL qualification specifications

Our Irish Sign Language courses follow a similar level structure to our BSL courses, taking learners from beginner to advanced ISL usage. This includes:

  • ISL Level 1 
  • ISL Level 2
  • ISL Level 3
  • ISL Level 4
  • ISL Level 4 in Irish Sign Language and Introduction to Interpreting 

Our BSL Level 6 Interpreting courses are professional qualifications for those who wish to become registered sign language interpreters or translators. To enrol on this Level 6 Diploma, learners will need advanced BSL skills (typically Level 6 or equivalent). 

This course aims to prepare students for professional interpreting roles, common in healthcare, educational, and legal settings. 

We also offer a structured pathway for deafblind communication learning, ranging from Level 1 through to Level 6. 

  • Level 1: Our Deaf and Deafblind Awareness Training qualification provides a solid foundation in understanding the communication barriers deaf and deafblind people face in everyday life. Ideal for those in customer-facing roles who want to build awareness without fully committing to a full qualification.

  • Levels 2 to 6: Our Level 2 to Level 6 deaf-blind sign language courses allow learners to develop specialist skills for communicating, guiding, and supporting deafblind people. Course content revolves around tactile communication methods, guiding techniques, and respectful professional practice, ideal for those working in care services, specialist education, or roles that require direct communication with deafblind individuals.

 

Why learn sign language with Signature?

At Signature, we’re proud to have helped over 600,000 people learn essential deaf communication skills thanks to our nationally recognised and widely respected qualifications. 

If you want to know how to learn BSL or enrol on a deaf-blind sign language course, it goes without saying that choosing the right awarding body is incredibly important.

We know that our qualifications are an investment in your future, your goals, and your relationships. With this in mind, we promise to provide you with:

  • A structured and progressive qualification pathway
  • Approved Signature centres with experienced teachers and mentors
  • Clear assessment standards
  • Access to student support resources
  • Recognised qualifications that are highly valued and respected across the UK

Start your learning journey with Signature today 

If you’re wondering how to learn sign language or where to begin with deaf-blind communication qualifications, make sure your first step is with Signature.

Whether you want awareness training for personal development, or an advanced Level 6 NVQ certificate in British Sign Language to support your career, our courses are designed to help you communicate confidently and inclusively. 

Browse our sign language qualifications today, and don’t hesitate to contact the Signature team for more information.

Enquiries

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