British Sign Language Level 2 Certificate

Have you completed your BSL Level 1 and would like to build on your knowledge? The British Sign Language Level 2 qualification is the ideal next step. 

This BSL course is here to help you develop your sign language communication skills so you can participate in longer, more varied conversations. With a Signature BSL Level 2 course, you can expect dedicated support from trained teachers who can guide you throughout all three modules. 

Across 150 hours of guided and independent learning, you’ll develop your sign language skills to help you communicate effectively in a variety of contexts. 

Find out more about what a BSL Level 2 course covers and find your nearest Signature-approved centre to enrol.

Who is a British Sign Language Level 2 course suitable for?

The British Sign Language Level 2 course is perfect for those who have completed their Level 1 qualification and are eager to take their skills to the next level. You might:

  • Wish to achieve language skills at an intermediate level to improve communication with Deaf people.

  • Be Deaf and wish to gain a qualification in your native language.

  • Have Deaf family members, friends, or colleagues.

  • Want to progress from Level 1 study in BSL.

  • Hope to progress to more advanced levels of study in BSL at a later date.

  • Be studying for personal development.

Whether you’re advancing your career, supporting a Deaf loved one, or pursuing personal growth, Level 2 provides the tools and confidence to build on your foundational knowledge and communicate effectively.

Essential requirements

To enrol on a BSL Level 2 course, you will need to have completed your British Sign Language Level 1 qualification. 

BSL competence standards also state that you must have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, and facial and body movement to produce and receive BSL. This is because British Sign Language is a unique visual language that involves facial expressions, hand movements, and gestures. 

It is the responsibility of the centre to explain these requirements before accepting a candidate for this qualification.

British Sign Language Level 2 course aims

Using your BSL Level 1 knowledge as a foundation, this course will help you discuss broader topics and hold longer and more complex conversations.

During a British Sign Language Level 2 course, you’ll develop communication in BSL about real life, routines, and daily experiences. 

By the end of the qualification, you’ll be able to deal with most routine communication and have enough understanding of grammar to cope with some non-routine communication. 

Your BSL teacher will also show you a number of regional variations in sign language.

The course aims have been designed to be consistent with the National Language Standards at Level 2 — you can read the full BSL Level 2 qualification specifications for more details.

BSL Level 2 qualification structure

This British Sign Language qualification is divided into three units. You can achieve each one separately, but it’s best to cover the content in Unit BSL201 first so you can move on to Unit BSL202 or BSL203.

To gain your full Level 2 Certificate in British Sign Language, you’ll need to achieve all units (including the relevant assessments).

UnitQAN unit numberUnit titleAssessment
BSL201J/600/0210BSL Receptive SkillsPractical assessment of skills
BSL202D/600/0214BSL Productive SkillsPresentation in BSL
BSL203A/600/0219BSL Conversational SkillsConversation in BSL

What themes will your BSL Level 2 qualification cover?

The British Sign Language Level 2 course covers a range of themes, so you can develop communication skills that allow you to have varied conversations. 

Theme 1: Everyday Conversation (50 hours)

Theme 1 is mandatory, so all learners must cover it. During this part of the BSL course, you’ll expand on your conversational and descriptive skills, covering subjects including:

  • Descriptions of people, animals, and objects
  • Personalities and emotions
  • Daily routines
  • Events and activities
  • Preferences and opinions
  • Health and wellbeing

There will then be two optional themes — your teacher will choose these after consulting with you. They will be chosen from the following options:

Theme 2: Eating and Drinking (50 hours)

If you cover this theme, you’ll look at subjects such as:

  • Meals and food types
  • Meal preparation
  • Dining experience
  • Opinions on eating habits
  • Comparing foods
  • Opinions on a dining experience, such as an interaction with restaurant staff

Theme 3: Spending and Shopping (50 hours)

For this optional theme, topics might include:

  • Shop types
  • Payment options (such as cash or card)
  • Evaluating prices
  • Online shopping experiences
  • Comparing purchases
  • Expressing your opinion on shopping experiences

Theme 4: Travel and Holidays (50 hours)

In this optional theme, you’ll look at travel and holiday experiences. You may explore:

  • Buying travel tickets
  • Reviewing accommodation options
  • Holiday activities
  • Travel disruptions
  • Your opinion on holiday experiences.
  • Comparing holidays or journeys

Themes 2, 3 and 4 include the vocabulary from Theme 1. You’ll be expected to increase your understanding and use of BSL grammar and vocabulary in these units, and some of the learning hours will be used to practice your skills and carry out the assessment for Units BSL202 and BSL203.

Theme 1

Everyday Conversation50 hoursMandatory (this theme must be done)
Theme 2Eating and Drinking50 hoursOptional themes: Pick two of these themes. The themes chosen for unit BSL202 and BSL203 must be different.
Theme 3Spending and Shopping50 hours
Theme 4Travel and Holidays50 hours

How long does it take to gain a BSL Level 2 qualification?

When you enrol on a British Sign Language Level 2 course, you’ll complete 150 hours of learning, which includes 100 hours of guided learning hours are the time you’ll have timetabled for face-to-face contact with your teacher.

Additional study hours include private study, homework and independent practice. Here’s a breakdown of the hours you’ll spend on each unit:

UnitGuided Learning Hours (GLH)Additional study hoursTotal learning hoursCredit value
BSL2013020505
BSL2023515505
BSL2033515505
Total1005015015

BSL Level 2 assessments

Progression routes after completing a Level 2 BSL course

At the end of each unit, you’ll have an assessment to evaluate your understanding and communication in BSL.

  • Unit BSL201: You’ll be assessed on the content of Theme 1 only. The hours within the unit include time for practice and assessment.
  • Unit BSL202: This will assess you on the content of Theme 1 and the first choice of the optional themes through a presentation. You’ll use and build upon the vocabulary and grammatical features of Theme 1.
  • Unit BSL203: For this unit, you will be assessed on the content of Theme 1 and the second choice of the optional themes through a conversation. As with BSL202, you’ll also use and build upon the vocabulary and grammatical features of Theme 1.

You can find more details on BSL Level 2 assessments in the Qualification Specification.

Gaining a BSL Level 2 qualification with Signature puts you in great stead to study further. You may wish to enrol on another course, such as:

  • 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 can potentially lead to various employment opportunities.

Why learn BSL with Signature?

We’re the leading awarding organisation for Deaf communication and language qualifications and have supported more than 600,000 people in learning BSL. We know how important it is to learn British sign language in a supporting and encouraging environment, and our teachers are on hand to help you build your confidence and skills in BSL.

Learn more about our story, and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.

Boost your learning with BSL homework and resources

The best way to learn any language is to practice — and our resources can help you practice BSL at home.

BSLHomework is your go-to online library packed with video clips and supporting materials. It’s designed to help you prepare for assessments, expand your vocabulary, refine your linguistic skills, and improve your receptive BSL understanding. It’s ideal for anyone studying for their BSL Level 2 qualification.

Packages start from just £36.00. 

You’ll also find homework DVDs on the Signature online shop. These can help you practice the elements you’ve learned in your BSL Level 2 lessons and prepare for your assessments.

Level 2 Certificate in British Sign Language

Find your local Signature approved centre and book your BSL Level 2 course

We offer accredited BSL courses across the UK. Our finder tool will lead you to your nearest centre offering Signature sign language courses. Start your BSL Level 2 journey today or find out more about our other British Sign Language qualifications

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