This course is for anyone who is interested in learning the basics of BSL and finding out more about Deaf culture and history. It is open to York St John staff and students, and members of the public. You do not need any specific qualifications to join the course.
DurationAn Introduction to British Sign Language
Learn the basics of British Sign Language (BSL) on this 9 week course.
Course information
Places are now filled. Applications for the September intake will soon be available. Please email [email protected] if you would like to be emailed once applications open.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone who is interested in learning the basics of BSL and finding out more about Deaf culture and history. It is open to York St John staff and students, and members of the public. You do not need any specific qualifications to join the course.
How will I learn?
The course runs for 9 weeks and each week you will attend a 2 hour session from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on a Tuesday.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through:
A poster presentation on Deaf Awareness
Continuous assessment in BSL skills
Upon successfully completing the course you will receive a certificate (Pass or Pass with Distinction).
What will I learn?
You will study a different topic each week:
Week 1: An introduction to the course and a chance to meet and get to know each other.
Week 2: This week we focus on Deaf awareness, consider interesting statistics and learn about lip reading.
Week 3: Learn the key features of BSL, including: handshapes, hand orientation, movement, non manual features, and role shift. You will also explore the grammar and structures of BSL.
Week 4: Find out about life as a Deaf person. You will cover topics such as technological and audiological aids and access to work, including interpreters and organisations.
Week 5: As you continue to develop your awareness of BSL, this week will focus on deaf culture. You will consider accessibility (events, theatre, deaf Olympics and football) and deaf programmes (BSL Zone, See Hear).
Week 6: This week we will review the BSL learned so far. We will also introduce you to classifiers.
Week 7: This week we will explore Deaf history, focusing on education and significant deaf people in history.
Week 8: This week you will find out about BSL e-learning and test your learning with a quiz.
Week 9: This is assessment week. You will share your poster presentation, focusing on Deaf awareness.
This course gives you an introduction to British Sign Language (BSL), including finger spelling, lip reading, and the semiotic structure of the language. Alongside the practical aspects of BSL, you will learn about Deaf awareness and explore Deaf history and culture.
There are over 150,000 individuals in the United Kingdom who use BSL, and they can face communication barriers in many aspects of their lives. This course will both teach you the foundations of the language, and help you to understand and support BSL users.
About
Founded in 1841, we transform lives through the power of education across the generations.
At York St John University we pride ourselves on our community and heritage.
We have been teaching people from across the world for 180 years. We are passionate about giving our students a teaching and learning environment that is safe, exciting, inclusive and inspirational.
With official 'Sanctuary' status, we also see our role as something bigger than an education provider. Our role in the city of York is one we take seriously. Many of our students and staff are activists, engaging directly with our wider community.
Our Strategy 2026 Refresh
In the year 2026 York St John will celebrate its 185th anniversary and 20 years of full University status. Our refreshed strategy sets out what we aim to achieve by then and how our mission, vision, values and priorities are helping us respond to a changing world.
We offer a number of different British Sign Language classes, beginning with our Taster Sessions and Introduction to BSL courses which run throughout the year and progressing to our Signature accredited courses in BSL Level 1 to Level 3. We also offer courses for businesses and organisations and pr...
The British Sign Language (BSL) - Introduction course is designed for those interested in learning British Sign Language or improving on existing skills to work towards SQA accreditation.
This course is designed to enable you to develop an ability to communicate with Deaf people using BSL in a range of familiar contexts, participating in longer and more open conversation than at a beginner’s course.
British Sign Language (BSL) is an incredibly useful language to learn. Whether you hope to use it at work or at home, these evening classes will help you become a better, and more inclusive, communicator.
British Sign Language classes are offered by The University of Sheffield.
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