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Free Level 1 British Sign Language Course in Ashton-under-Lyne

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start3 Nov 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodySIGNAT
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 British Sign Language Course in Ashton-under-Lyne. Classes run at Tameside College, part-time during the day. No previous experience is needed to join. You'll start with an interview so the college can learn a little about you. The course runs over one year and teaches you to communicate with Deaf people using BSL across a range of everyday topics. You'll develop both your production and reception of sign language through group work, practical activities, and interactive sessions.

Who this course is for

This is a part time study programme. This course is designed to enable you to communicate with Deaf people in British Sign Language on a range of themes that involve simple, everyday language. Gaining basic skills and confidence in production and reception of BSL.

You will learn through a variety of teaching methods which will aim to meet the needs of each individual and accommodate different learning styles for example, assessments, group work, practical work, and interactive activities.

Throughout the course you will study 3 units in total.

These include:

  • Introduction to BSL
  • Conversational BSL
  • Communication in BSL about everyday life.

Entry requirements

No previous experience is required for the Level 1 Award.

You will be interviewed for this course.

What you will learn

  • You'll sign everyday language on a range of familiar topics and themes.
  • You'll develop your ability to produce BSL signs clearly and accurately.
  • You'll build your reception skills so you can understand signed communication.
  • You'll practise communicating with others in a group setting.
  • You'll gain confidence in face-to-face BSL conversation.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of group work, practical signing activities, and interactive classroom sessions. Teaching is designed to suit different learning styles. Assessment takes place throughout the course and includes practical tasks that test both your production and reception of BSL. Classes are face-to-face at Tameside College.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Tameside College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Communication support worker: assist Deaf people in everyday and professional settings.
  • Teaching assistant: support Deaf or hearing-impaired pupils in school.
  • Care assistant: work with Deaf clients in health or social care.
  • Customer service advisor: serve Deaf customers in public-facing roles.
  • Community interpreter (trainee): a starting point toward BSL interpreting work.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Award in British Sign Language: the natural next step after Level 1, developing your BSL skills further and covering a wider range of topics and contexts.
  • Level 3 Award in British Sign Language: a more advanced qualification suited to those working regularly with Deaf people or considering a route toward BSL interpreting.
  • NVQ or Diploma in Health and Social Care: useful if you want to combine BSL skills with a career in care.
Apply on tameside.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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