British Sign Language Elementary Step 1

This course is the first step of six progressive steps to complete our elementary level in BSL.  

In this course, which is taught in BSL, you will learn to introduce and talk about yourself and other people in your life, sign about your home area and sign about different events.

You will develop receptive and productive signing skills through a variety of learning activities in class and at home. Class based activities include small-group role-plays, responding to short BSL video clips, watching signed dialogues, and engaging in interactive signing exercises. Language learning requires regular practice, and you will consolidate your skills at home, with signing exercises.

This course is taught without a coursebook. You will be provided with all necessary course materials in class and on the learning platform  

You will also need access to a computer or another device with an internet connection to be able to use our learning platform.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Introduce and talk about yourself and other people in your life
• Sign about your home area and neighbours
• Sign about different events / occasions
• Have a conversation about travelling / transport

The above list is indicative and may be subject to change.

You will need to buy the following resources:

• Level 1 & Fingerspelling - Beginner Level

This course is the first step on our elementary level and is open to anyone who completed BSL Beginners Step 3 or equivalent. If you have previously learned BSL and are unsure of your level, you can self-assess here.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.  

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy. Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support.

You need to have completed BSL Beginners Step 3 or equivalent. If you are unsure of your level, please assess your level. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website to access the course learning platform.