If you’re looking to start your BSL journey, our British Sign Language Level 1 Award is the perfect course. This BSL beginners course offers an introduction to how British Sign Language is structured and supports you in learning to communicate with the Deaf community in BSL.
After completing your British Sign Language Level 1 Award, you’ll be able to use BSL to communicate with Deaf individuals. You’ll be able to cover a range of themes that involve simple, everyday language use.
At the end of this BSL beginners course, you 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
Please note that BSL Unit assessments are recorded on video and timed.
The course is for 19 plus learners. If you are under 19, please contact the college for advice.
Please note: If you are unemployed/in receipt of eligible benefits or in receipt of a low wage (less than £26,800 annual gross salary) you should be eligible to take this course for free. Please contact us for more information. The fee for this course is £384.00.
The Level 1 BSL programme stipulates essential entry criteria for all candidates. The following should be considered before course commencement:
“BSL Competence Standards include requirements for candidates to have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, facial and bodily movement to produce and receive BSL.” (Signature, BSL Qualification Specification 2025-2026)
*Production = “use of” and reception = “recognition of” as defined within the BSL assessment specifications. This does not affect the College’s reasonable adjustment policy. If you would like to discuss any individual circumstances prior to joining the group, please contact the Community Learning Team (contact details below).
Site
Eastbourne
Level
Level 1
Course Type
Adult
This Level 1 course is perfect if you're new to British Sign Language and will cover the understanding and use of a range of simple words and sentences about familiar day-to-day topics and activities. You will take part in simple, everyday conversations and give and follow simple directions or instructions in BSL.
You’ll gain basic skills and confidence to both produce and receive BSL communication — from discussing common topics and asking and answering questions to using appropriate facial expressions and gestures to enhance your communication.
This is an exam-based course and consists of three units. All three BSL units will be assessed by a 4 to 5-minute conversation that will be filmed for assessment and quality assurance purposes. It is a requirement for the students enrolled on the course to take the exams.
Once you have completed this course, you will achieve a Level 1 Award in British Sign Language.
Once you have completed the qualification, you will be able to progress to a Level 2 Certificate in British Sign Language.
Please note: If you are unemployed/in receipt of eligible benefits or in receipt of a low wage (less than £26,800 annual gross salary) you should be eligible to take this course for free. Please contact us for more information. There might be some extra costs for books and resources, but your tutor will recommend these during your first lesson.
To join this course, you will need to meet 'British Sign Language Competence Standards' that states you must have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, facial and body movements to produce and receive BSL. This does not exclude any reasonable adjustments to learning to ensure participation in learning. If you have any questions or queries, please contact community.info@escg.ac.uk or call 030 300 38212. Please note enrolment on the course is only by application and attendance at the information session in July/August (date to be advised). Places on the course are allocated on a first come, first served basis.