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Free Level 1 British Sign Language Course in Gloucester

CostFREE
Duration7 months
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Oct 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceEvening
Awarding bodySIGNAT
Apply now →

About this course

Level 1 British Sign Language Course in Gloucester. Evening classes run at Gloucestershire College, part-time over seven months. The course is free if you are 16 to 18 years old. If you are 19 or over, fees may apply.

You'll build practical signing skills for everyday conversations with Deaf people. The course covers familiar topics and everyday activities, growing your vocabulary and fluency week by week. You'll also complete around 30 hours of independent study alongside classroom sessions. To enrol, you need to have completed an Introduction to BSL course or passed a relevant assessment.

You'll finish with a Level 1 Award in British Sign Language.

Who this course is for

This accredited Level 1 Award in British Sign Language course is delivered weekly over the academic year, with learners expected to complete an additional 30 hours of independent study. It aims to enable learners to develop a basic ability to communicate with deaf people on familiar topics and everyday activities using sign language. To enrol, learners must have either successfully completed the Introduction to BSL course or passed a relevant assessment prior to enrolling.�Please contact Student Services for further information. At the end of the course learners should be able to:Identify instructions and guidance from simple commonly used expressionsTake appropriate action on the basis of instructions and guidance receivedExpress themselves in British Sign Language (BSL)All learners are required to take the three level 1 exams (101, 102 and 103). The tutor will provide assessment information. Please refer to www.signature.org.uk for more detailed information.Learners are encouraged to attend local deaf associations to develop their skills. In order to be successful, learners should practise regularly outside the classroom. Please bring an A4 binder for handouts.�If numbers are low for both Cheltenham and Gloucester the groups will be merged into one. Classes will then take place on the campus closest to the majority of students.�

Entry requirements

Learners should have successfully completed the Introduction to British Sign Language course. This is a rigorous course and time spent with the deaf community outside the classroom is highly recommended in order to achieve.

What you will learn

  • You'll understand instructions and guidance given in BSL using common, everyday expressions.
  • You'll respond appropriately to information and instructions received in sign language.
  • You'll express yourself clearly in BSL in everyday situations and conversations.
  • You'll build vocabulary on familiar topics and everyday activities.
  • You'll develop fluency and recall through independent study alongside classroom learning.
  • You'll prepare for and complete three formal Level 1 assessments (101, 102, and 103).

How you will learn

You'll learn through weekly classroom sessions at Gloucestershire College. Lessons are practical and focus on building signing skills through guided interaction. You'll also complete around 30 hours of independent study outside class to support your progress. Assessment is through three formal components: units 101, 102, and 103. Your tutor will guide you through the assessment requirements throughout the course. Spending time with the Deaf community outside the classroom is strongly recommended to help you achieve.

What you will need to bring

Gloucestershire College will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • BSL support worker, assists Deaf people in community or care settings.
  • Communication support worker, helps Deaf students in education settings, though higher-level BSL is usually required.
  • Customer-facing roles, using BSL to support Deaf customers in everyday situations.
  • Teaching assistant, Level 2 or Level 3 BSL and further training are typically needed for specialist roles.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Award in British Sign Language, the natural next step to deepen your signing skills and communicate more fluently.
  • Level 3 Award in British Sign Language, opens routes toward professional BSL use in community and workplace settings.
  • BSL Interpreter training, requires Level 6 qualification and significant further study beyond Level 3.
Apply on gloscol.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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