Level 1 award in British Sign Language
Overview
- Accrediting body: Signature
- Duration: 23 sessions
- Dates of Wednesday course: Wed 11 October 2023 – Wed 1 May 2024
- Dates of Thursday course: Thu 12 October 2023 – Thu 2 May 2024
- Time: 5.30 – 8pm
- Mode of delivery: Face-to-face
- Entry requirements: No previous BSL experience required
- Rooms: To be confirmed
Course availability
Two separate Level 1 courses will run simultaneously on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Courses are open to students, staff and members of the public. Please note the following before applying:
- Students and staff can only apply for the Wednesday course
- Members of the public can only apply for the Thursday course
Qualification aim
Level 1 award in British Sign Language 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.
Target group
The 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
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
Qualification structure
The qualification is divided into three units. To achieve the full Level 1 Award in British Sign Language, candidates must pass all units.
| Signature unit code | Unit title | Note on assessment |
| BSL101 | Introduction to BSL | Assessed internally by teacher |
| BSL102 | Conversational BSL | Externally assessed by Signature assessor |
| BSL103 | Communicate in BSL about Everyday Life | Externally assessed by Signature assessor |
A Unit Specification for each Unit will be provided to you at the start of the course.
Schedule of sessions
Two separate courses will run simultaneously on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Please note there are no sessions during holidays or during the Edge Hill exam period.
| Session | Dates of Wednesday Course | Dates of Thursday Course |
| 1 | Wednesday 11 October 2023 | Thursday 12 October 2023 |
| 2 | Wednesday 18 October 2023 | Thursday 19 October 2023 |
| 3 | Wednesday 25 October 2023 | Thursday 26 October 2023 |
| 4 | Wednesday 1 November 2023 | Thursday 2 November 2023 |
| 5 | Wednesday 8 November 2023 | Thursday 9 November 2023 |
| 6 | Wednesday 15 November 2023 | Thursday 16 November 2023 |
| 7 | Wednesday 22 November 2023 | Thursday 23 November 2023 |
| 8 | Wednesday 29 November 2023 | Thursday 30 November 2023 |
| 9 | Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Thursday 7 December 2023 |
| 10 | Wednesday 13 December 2023 | Thursday 14 December 2023 |
| Christmas holidays and EHU exam period | ||
| 11 | Wednesday 24 January 2024 | Thursday 25 January 2024 |
| 12 | Wednesday 31 January 2024 | Thursday 1 February 2024 |
| 13 | Wednesday 7 February 2024 | Thursday 8 February 2024 |
| 14 | Wednesday 14 February 2024 | Thursday 15 February 2024 |
| 15 | Wednesday 21 February 2024 | Thursday 22 February 2024 |
| 16 | Wednesday 28 February 2024 | Thursday 29 February 2024 |
| 17 | Wednesday 6 March 2024 | Thursday 7 March 2024 |
| 18 | Wednesday 13 March 2024 | Thursday 14 March 2024 |
| 19 | Wednesday 20 March 2024 | Thursday 21 March 2024 |
| Easter holidays | ||
| 20 | Wednesday 10 April 2024 | Thursday 11 April 2024 |
| 21 | Wednesday 17 April 2024 | Thursday 18 April 2024 |
| 22 | Wednesday 24 April 2024 | Thursday 25 April 2024 |
| 23 | Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Thursday 2 May 2024 |
Assessment
| Unit | Unit Summary | Assessment | Format |
| BSL101 Introduction to BSL | To achieve this unit, learners must show that they can understand and use basic language in everyday situations. Learners must show that they can meet and greet, understand basic conversation and numbers, and give and follow simple directions and information. | Basic conversation between teacher and candidate. | Assessed internally by teacher |
| BSL102 Conversational BSL | This unit allows the learner to show both productive and receptive skills and understand a range of topics. It allows the learner to demonstrate that they can use a limited range of signs and handle simple exchanges. | The teacher will have a 4–5-minute conversation with the candidate, on a title supplied by Signature. | Externally assessed by Signature assessor |
| BSL103 Communicate in BSL about Everyday Life | This unit covers the learner’s receptive and productive skills. To achieve this unit, learners must show they can understand and use a limited range of vocabulary and can follow simple sentences and structures in BSL about everyday life. They can be understood and can understand signing, with facial expressions, signing space and placement. | The teacher will have a 4-5 minute conversation with the candidate, on a title supplied by Signature. | Externally assessed by Signature assessor |
Prices
The price for a 23-week course in 2023/24 is listed below:
- EHU Student: Free (application process applies)
- EHU Member of Staff: Free (application process applies)
- Member of the public: £390
The Language Centre cannot offer any concessions on these prices.
Please note that this course is only open to participants aged 18 or over.
This course will only run subject to viable numbers. If you sign up and the course is subsequently cancelled, you will receive notification by email and a full refund.
Essential requirements
BSL competence standards include requirements for candidates to have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, facial and body movement to produce and receive BSL.
This course requires a high level of engagement. On signing up, you must agree to commit for the full duration of the course and to attend the weekly sessions.
Apply
To apply for a place on this course, please complete the relevant application form below.
As part of the application process, you must agree to the terms and conditions of the course. Please ensure you have read and fully understand these before submitting your application.
Applications for October 2023 closed
Frequently asked questions
When can I apply for this course?
Sign up will open in September 2023.
Do I need any prior experience of BSL to complete this course?
No, this course is aimed at beginners or those with very little experience of BSL.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, on successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate from Signature.
Is this course accredited?
Yes, this course is accredited by Signature.
Testimonial
BSL -The British Sign Language course being offered this year through the Language Centre is an amazing opportunity for students at Edge Hill University to formally learn BSL in a structured environment from native users whilst simultaneously gaining a recognised qualification. Alongside learning a language, we are also gaining an insight into Deaf culture, and fostering a greater appreciation and understanding. My career aspirations are to teach and work in universities, and further develop my disability advocacy work. I believe this course will enhance my existing disability support skillset, enabling me to connect with more clients and break down communication barriers. I hope I have the opportunity to continue onto the next level, once this course finishes (Kir Turner, PhD Health).