Basics of BSL

Overview Many people want to communicate with Deaf individuals but do not know where to start. Learning sign language can …

4.8 4.8 Rating ( 14 Reviews )

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i Last Updated: 18th August 2026

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Overview

Many people want to communicate with Deaf individuals but do not know where to start. Learning sign language can feel overwhelming at first, especially when faced with unfamiliar gestures, fingerspelling, and communication techniques.

This Basics of BSL course provides a clear introduction to British Sign Language for beginners. You will learn the alphabet, fingerspelling, everyday vocabulary, and simple conversations that help build confidence in communicating through sign language. The lessons are structured to make learning accessible and enjoyable.

Whether you want to improve communication skills, support Deaf friends and colleagues, or explore a new language, Basics of BSL offers a strong starting point. By completing Basics of BSL, you will gain essential signing skills and develop confidence in everyday interactions.

Key Benefits Included

► Accredited by CPD
► Endorsed by QLS (Quality Licence Scheme)
► Instant Access
► 24/7 Learning Assistance
► Self-paced learning and laptop, tablet, smartphone-friendly
► Fully online, interactive course with audio voiceover
► Developed by qualified professionals in the field

Sneak Peek

Learning Outcomes

► Recognise and use the BSL alphabet accurately.
► Demonstrate fingerspelling for common words and names.
► Communicate using basic BSL greetings and conversations.
► Apply essential vocabulary in everyday situations.
► Express questions and emotions using appropriate signs.

Who is This Course For?

► Beginners interested in learning British Sign Language.
► Parents, carers, and family members of Deaf individuals.
► Teachers and education support staff.
► Healthcare and customer service professionals.
► Community volunteers and support workers.
► Anyone wanting to improve inclusive communication skills.

Certification

CPD Certification

After successfully completing the assessment of this Basics of BSL course, you can apply for the CPD accredited certificates.
PDF certificate: £9.99
Hardcopy certificate: £15.99

Endorsed Certificate of Achievement from the Quality Licence Scheme

Upon successful completion of the Basics of BSL course, you can order an original hardcopy certificate of achievement endorsed by the Quality Licence Scheme. The certificate will be home-delivered, with a pricing scheme of —
► 119 GBP within UK
► 129 GBP for International Delivery — Postal Fees Included

Please Note: Thames College is a One Education approved resale partner for Quality Licence Scheme Endorsed courses

Career Opportunities

► Communication Support Worker – £22,000 to £35,000 per year
► Teaching Assistant – £21,000 to £32,000 per year
► Community Support Worker – £23,000 to £34,000 per year
► Customer Service Advisor – £22,000 to £33,000 per year
► Care Support Worker – £23,000 to £36,000 per year

Course Curriculum

The course covers a wide range of essential topics, including:

Module 1: The Alphabet & Fingerspelling

► The Alphabet
► The Alphabet
► Numbers
► Fingerspelling Quiz

Module 2: Your First Conversations

► Introducing Yourself
► Introducing Yourself
► Conversation Practice

Module 3: Core Vocabulary

► Colours
► Colours
► Animals
► Animals
► Around The House
► Around The House
► Verbs
► Verbs
► Conversation Practice

Module 4: Expanding Your Vocabulary

► Family Vocabulary
► Family Vocabulary
► Telling The Time
► Telling The Time
► Basic Time Related Vocabulary
► Days Of The Week
► Days Of The Week
► Months Of The Year
► Months Of The Year
► Money & Prices
► Money & Prices
► Conversation Practice

Module 5: Questions, Emotions & Putting It All Together

► Questions & Basic Emotions
► Questions & Basic Emotions
► Conversation Practice

Module 6: Final Words

► Final Words From Emma

Excellent

4.8 Average - 14 Reviews

★ Reviews

This course made learning British Sign Language enjoyable and easy to follow. The fingerspelling lessons and conversation practice helped me gain confidence quickly. I now feel much more comfortable communicating using basic signs.

A fantastic introduction to BSL for beginners. The lessons were well organised, and the vocabulary sections were especially helpful. I appreciated how the course gradually built skills without feeling overwhelming.

Course Curriculum

Module 1 - The Alphabet & Fingerspelling
	The Alphabet	00:03:00
	The Alphabet	00:10:00
	Numbers	00:04:00
	Fingerspelling Quiz	00:04:00
Module 2 - Your First Conversations
	Introducing Yourself	00:03:00
	Introducing Yourself	00:10:00
	Conversation Practice	00:03:00
Module 3 - Core Vocabulary
	Colours	00:02:00
	Colours	00:10:00
	Animals	00:01:00
	Animals	00:10:00
	Around The House	00:03:00
	Around The House	00:10:00
	Verbs	00:04:00
	Verbs	00:10:00
	Conversation Practice	00:03:00
Module 4 - Expanding Your Vocabulary
	Family Vocabulary	00:03:00
	Family Vocabulary	00:02:00
	Telling The Time	00:02:00
	Telling The Time	00:02:00
	Basic Time Related Vocabulary	00:02:00
	Days Of The Week	00:01:00
	Days Of The Week	00:02:00
	Months Of The Year	00:02:00
	Months Of The Year	00:10:00
	Money & Prices	00:01:00
	Money & Prices	00:02:00
	Conversation Practice	00:03:00
Questions, Emotions & Putting It All Together
	Questions & Basic Emotions	00:04:00
	Questions & Basic Emotions	00:10:00
	Conversation Practice	00:03:00
Final Words
	Final Words From Emma	00:01:00

Certificate of Achievement

Upon completion, you will receive a CPD-accredited certificate recognised globally. Choose from:

Pdf Certificate & Transcript £7.99
Hardcopy Certificate & Transcript £17.99

This certification validates your knowledge and skills, boosting your employability in healthcare.

1. What is BSL and why is it important? +

BSL stands for British Sign Language, a visual language used by many Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the UK. It has its own grammar and structure, making it different from spoken English. Learning BSL can help improve communication and support greater inclusion in everyday life.

2. Is this BSL course suitable for complete beginners? +

Yes, this course is designed specifically for beginners with no previous knowledge of British Sign Language. It starts with the alphabet and fingerspelling before moving on to conversations and vocabulary. The step-by-step approach makes learning easy to follow.

3. Will I be able to hold basic conversations after completing the course? +

The course teaches common greetings, questions, emotions, and everyday vocabulary that can help you take part in simple conversations. While fluency requires continued practice, you will gain confidence in basic communication. You will also understand how to build on your skills further.

4. How long does it take to learn basic BSL? +

Learning basic BSL varies from person to person depending on study time and practice. Many learners can grasp introductory signs and fingerspelling within a short period. Regular practice helps improve confidence, accuracy, and signing speed over time.

5. Can learning BSL help with career opportunities? +

Yes, BSL skills can be valuable in education, healthcare, customer service, social care, and community support roles. Employers often appreciate communication skills that promote accessibility and inclusion. Even basic BSL knowledge can be beneficial in many workplaces.