British Sign Language Intermediate Step 1

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

In this course, which is taught in BSL, you will learn about deaf history and community, other people and their cultures in other countries and languages, as well as extended BSL linguistics.

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.

Please note, you will need to buy a textbook to support your learning on this course. You will find details of this textbook in the ‘What you’ll learn’ section of the course overview. Please do not purchase any materials until your course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a device with an internet connection. 

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:

• Actively use an extensive vocabulary related to deaf history and community
• Talk about different countries, their cultures and people
• Apply extended BSL grammar features, including multichannel signs, timelines and parameters  

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

You will need to buy the following resources:  

• Level 3 & advanced fingerspelling

This course is the first step on our intermediate level and is open to anyone who completed BSL Elementary Step 6 or equivalent. If you have previously learned BSL and are unsure of your level, please self-assess.

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. 

If you are unsure of your level, please self-assess.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials. 

Booking is available until 23:59 the day before the course is due to start, unless the course is full or cancelled.