Are you looking to learn British Sign Language (BSL) or enhance your communication skills? At Signature, we are proud to be the UK’s leading awarding body for Deaf communication and language qualifications. With over 40 years of experience, our award-winning BSL courses empower learners to build confidence, gain recognised qualifications, and support the Deaf community.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or working towards professional British Sign Language interpreting qualifications, we have BSL courses and classes for you. Find your local Signature Approved Centre, and start learning British Sign Language in a nurturing, rewarding, and empowering environment.
We’re a trusted name in BSL education thanks to our commitment to providing high-quality courses. Our BSL qualifications are widely recognised, allowing learners to make a real difference in communication accessibility.
By choosing Signature, you can benefit from:
Read on for a concise overview of our different BSL courses, and learn more about each BSL qualification’s specifications.
Our classes and courses are equally informative and rewarding — perfect for anyone looking to learn British Sign Language. Start with foundational skills and progress to more advanced levels in a supportive environment.
The Level 1 Award is an entry-level qualification for anyone looking to start their BSL journey. It focuses on everyday communication and basic signing skills.
Who is it for?
Beginners or anyone interested in learning the basics of BSL.
How is it taught?
What’s covered?
The BSL Level 1 Award is split into three units: Introduction to BSL, Conversational BSL, and Communication in BSL about Everyday Life. For more details, see the full qualification specification.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
This intermediate qualification builds on Level 1, focusing on longer and more advanced conversational skills in everyday and work-related settings.
Who is it for?
Those who have completed Level 1 or can demonstrate competence in BSL at Level 1.
How is it taught?
What’s covered?
The full Level 2 Certificate in British Sign Language consists of three units: BSL Receptive Skills, BSL Productive Skills, and BSL Conversational Skills. Three themes must also be completed. For more details, see the full qualification specification.
The BSL Level 2 Certificate includes:
Aimed at more advanced BSL learners or learners who demonstrate competence in BSL at Level 2, this British Sign Language course will help you develop fluency and introduce more formal communication skills. This qualification is equivalent to Modern Foreign Languages at AS and A2 Level.
Who is it for?
Intermediate learners or BSL professionals looking to expand their knowledge in BSL.
How is it taught?
What’s covered?
Here’s a general overview of what learners of the Level 3 Certificate will focus on:
Learn more about the BSL Level 3 Certificate and see the full qualification specification.
Designed for advanced users, this qualification focuses on complex signing and understanding in informal and formal settings.
Who is it for?
This course is ideal for learners aged 19 and over who work with or want to work with Deaf people. This could include social workers, teachers of the Deaf, voluntary workers, workers within Deaf organisations and schools, and anyone who demonstrates competence in BSL at Level 3.
How is it taught?
What’s covered?
The BSL Level 4 Certificate includes six topics and three assessments: Extended Sign Language Linguistics, Understanding extended BSL in Work and Social Situations, Using BSL in Work and Social Situations, and Introduction to Interpretation. For more details, see the full qualification specification.
The Level 4 Certificate includes:
This high-level BSL qualification is equivalent to an undergraduate degree in BSL fluency.
Who is it for?
Aspiring advanced BSL interpreters or fluent users seeking professional certification.
How is it taught?
What’s covered?
The Level 6 BSL Certificate consists of eight topics. For more details, see the full qualification specification.
After completing the Level 6 Certificate, learners will be able to master:
We’re also proud to offer a range of specialised courses beyond British Sign Language, designed to broaden your skills and deepen your understanding of communication within Deaf communities.
Our British Sign Language courses are available through Signature Approved Centres. Use our centre finder to locate your nearest BSL course provider and start studying with Signature.
If you have any questions or queries about our British Sign Language courses and qualifications, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team.