British Sign Language
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Introduction to British Sign Language
If you don’t have time to commit to a full Level 1 course or just want to learn the basics, this introductory course is ideal.
This course is 20 hours (e.g. 10 sessions of 2 hours or 20 sessions of 1 hour via Zoom). At the end of the course you will have the option to take the Signature BSL101 assessment to gain a recognised qualification.
The course is suitable for individuals, workplaces and community organisations .
Learn the Basics
If you want to start learning British Sign Language without committing to a full Level 1 course, this introductory course is ideal.
The course includes:
- Fingerspelling
- Meeting and greeting
- Travel and directions
- Numbers, money, days, month and weather
- Basic grammar (e.g. topic-comment sentence structure, timelines and placement)
You will learn basic linguistics, including how to use a ‘topic-comment’ sentence structure and how to apply timelines and placement.
Flexible Learning Options
This course is delivered over 20 hours total (10 sessions of 2 hours in person, or 20 sessions of 1 hour via Zoom).
For Teams, Workplaces, or Community Groups
We can tailor this course to include signs relevant to your environment – such as medical terms, retail, customers service or education settings.
Group costs vary depending on location and size – contact us for more information and a quote.
Guildford Intro 101 Course
Start Date: 5th October 2026Time: 6pm – 8pmVenue: University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH
Duration: 10 weeks
Course Dates: Dot Academic Year 2026 -2027
101 Assessment Date: Saturday, 19th December 2026
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Woking Intro 101 Course
Start Date: Saturdays, 10th October 2026 – 19th December 2026Time: 10am-12pmVenue: Trinity Church, Woking GU21 7SN
Duration: 10 weeks
Course Dates: Dot Academic Year 2026 -2027
101 Assessment Date: 19th December 2026
or
Zoom version: Dates/times TBC –
Fees:
£175 (includes £23 Signature assessment fee)
If you choose to continue with the full BSL Level 1 Award after completing this course, you will only need to pay for the remaining two units – making this a flexible and cost-effective way to start your BSL journey.
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5% Early Bird Discount Now Available!
British Sign Language Level 1 Course
This course is designed to give students a basic ability to communicate with Deaf people using BSL in familiar day-to-day environments such as work, school or college, and social occasions.
Learn the BSL Basics
You’ll learn how to:
Fingerspell
Meet and greet
Give and understand simple instructions
Discuss everyday topics (e.g. weather, transport, hobbies, family, food and drink)
Use numbers and give directions
Understand spatial placement and basic BSL grammar
This course will give you the confidence to communicate in BSL in everyday situations.
Course Schedule
Weekly teaching sessions
Occasional 1:1 feedback tutorials via Zoom
Homework and practice between sessions to help you get the most from the course, plus access to LOOP’s weekly sign clubs and community resources for extra support.
Course Units
The Signature Level 1 qualification includes 3 core units, each with its own assessment:
BSL101 – Introduction to BSL
BSL102 – Conversational BSL
BSL103 – Communicate in BSL about Everyday Life
Exclusive LOOP Bonus
Get exclusive access to LOOP, our online platform for the BSL community. Connect with other signers, join weekly virtual Sign Clubs, access a growing library resources, and receive ongoing support throughout your course. Find out more at www.jointheloop.uk.
Course Locations & Dates
Guildford
Start Date: Monday, 5th October 2026
Time: 6pm-8pm
Venue: University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH
Duration: 5th Oct 2026 – 12th July 2027
- No Classes during the Half Terms, Christmas and Easter holidays: Dot Academic Year 2026 -2027
Teachers: Paul Dench & Lisa Duncan
Woking
Start Date: Saturday, 10th October 2026
Time: 10am-12pm
Duration: 10th October 2026 – 17th July 2027
- No Classes during the Half Terms, Easter and Christmas Holidays: Dot Academic Year 2026 -2027
Venue: Trinity Church, Woking GU21 7SN
Teachers: Paul Dench
Online BSL Level 1 – Register Interest
Time: Fridays, 1pm-2pm (lunchtime class)
Venue: Zoom Online
Duration: October 2026-July 2027
Teacher: Paul Dench
This course is ideal for companies and professionals who want to build on their Level 2 skills and improve communication with Deaf Colleagues, clients or service users.
A great opportunity to support accessibility and inclusion in your workplace.
What our Level 1 students say
I am learning BSL because my son, who is now 4, was born deaf and I want our whole family to be able to sign with him as well as speak. I am enjoying learning something new as well as meeting people on the course, our group is very friendly! Most challenging is remembering new signs, especially the ones which aren’t visual, but our teacher Paul helps us feel confident. – Claire
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5% Early Bird Discount Now Available!
British Sign Language Level 2 Certificate
Do you want to progress to the next level and improve your BSL fluency? Then Level 2 is for you. You will increase your understanding of BSL, acquire more vocabulary and develop your skills.
Qualification Aim
The Signature Level 2 Certificate in British Sign Language (BSL) is designed to help learners develop the skills to communicate confidently with Deaf people using BSL.
Qualification Structure
This qualification is made up of three units (201, 202 & 203) and includes three assessments.
You’ll develop your skills around four practical themes:
Theme 1: Everyday Conversation
Theme 2: Eating and Drinking
Theme 3: Spending and Shopping
Theme 4: Travel and Holidays
Course Schedule
Weekly teaching sessions: 2 half hours per week
Assessments: 3 formal assessments
Additional support: Occasional 1-to-1 feedback tutorials via Zoom
- Support: Optional 1 to 1 feedback tutorials on Zoom
Self-study: Homework and regular practice is essential to succeed,
Course Locations & Dates
Guildford
Start Date: Tuesday, 6th October 2026
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Venue: University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH
Duration: October 2026 – July 2027
- Course Dates: Dot Academic Year 2026 -2027
Teacher: Paul Dench
Woking
Start Date: Saturday, 10th October 2026
Time: 10am – 12.30pm
Venue: Trinity Church, Woking GU21 7SN
Duration: October 2026 – July 202
- Course Dates: Dot Academic Year 2026 -2027
Teacher: Paul Dench
Online BSL Level 2 – Register Interest
Time: Wednesdays, 1pm-2pm (lunchtime class)
Venue: Zoom Online
Duration: October 2026-July 2027
Teacher: Paul Dench
This course is ideal for companies and professionals who want to build on their Level 2 skills and improve communication with Deaf Colleagues, clients or service users.
A great opportunity to support accessibility and inclusion in your workplace.
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Pre-Level 3 British Sign Language Course
This informal course is great for students wanting to improve their BSL vocabulary, grammar, conversation and receptive skills.
Extending Your Learning
Each session includes:
- Group work and conversation practice
- Feedback from your tutor
- Opportunities to ask questions and develop your BSL fluency
- Optional video-based activities to do between classes
Pre-Level 3 BSL Course
Course Dates:
- Thursdays, 8th October 2026 – 17th December 2026
- No Class on 29th October 2026
- Time: 6pm – 8pm
- Venue: Online
Teachers: Kathleen Grehan/Freelance Teachers
Resources
Stay up to date with BSL and the Deaf community via:
Recommended Textbook: The Linguistics of British Sign language: An Introduction, by Rachel Sutton Spence.
ISBN-13: 978-0521637183 / ISBN-10: 05216371
Keep Going Until You are ready
If you are not sure whether you are ready for Level 3, this is the perfect place to start – with no pressure to take assessments
Students are welcome to book more than one block of this course.
You can continue to enrol on future 10-week courses until you feel confident and ready to move on to the full BSL Level 3 Certificate.
Kathleen Grehan - Tutor -
5% Early Bird Discount Now Available!
British Sign Language Level 3 Certificate
You will learn how to use and understand a variety of BSL in a range of work and social situations. You will develop an advanced knowledge of the structure and function of BSL and a greater understanding of the Deaf Community and Deaf Culture.
Level 3 is ideal for those who want to progress and study at an advanced level to become CSW’s, Teachers of the Deaf and Language Service Professionals.
This qualification is also suitable for Deaf BSL users who would like to achieve a qualification in their first language.
Why learn BSL Level 3 with Dot?
Through fun, interactive classes you will develop confidence in both receptive and productive BSL skills at level 3.
Unit assessments may cover topics such as:
- Home Life
- Social/Recreational Activities
- Education, Training and
Employment - Consumer Issues and Daily Living
- Deaf History and Culture
Assessments include a formal presentation, informal conversation and receptive skill task.
The course will include classroom teaching, Zoom online sessions, feedback and 1:1 tuition as needed.
Course Locations & Dates
Guildford
Start Date:
Tuesdays, 6th October 2026 until 13th July 2027 from 6pm-8.30pm
Saturday, 17th October 2026 and runs every alternative Saturday until July 2027 from 10am to 3pm.
Venue: University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH
- Course Dates: Dot Academic Year 2026 -2027
Teacher: Kathleen Grehan
Resources:
We recommend staying updated with Deaf news and culture. Please visit:
- The Limping Chicken
- BSL Zone
- Plus other Deaf organisations and social media
Recommended Reading:
The Linguistics of British Sign language: An Introduction, by Rachel Sutton Spence.
ISBN-13: 978-0521637183 / ISBN-10: 052163718x
Kathleen Grehan - Tutor Course Information & Informal Interview – Contact us to arrange a Zoom meeting.
If you are not a current Dot Sign Language student and are interested in joining our Level 3 course you will need an interview with Kathleen to assess your signing and receptive skills. This is a requirement of all BSL teaching centres by Signature.
The course information and interviews will be by Zoom video conferencing. Kathleen Grehan – Director of Dot Sign Language, will explain the aim, content and assessment methods of this course. It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions.
What our Level 3 students are saying…
“Studying BSL Level 3 (Signature) with Dot Sign Language was a highly enjoyable and enriching experience for me.
Though a challenging step up, it was great to gain more in depth knowledge about the Deaf community, it’s culture and history.
The passion and patience of my teacher Kathleen helped and encouraged me throughout the year immensely. I can wholeheartedly recommend this course.”
Daniela Totten – Dot Sign Language Level 3 and Level 6 graduate.
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5% Early Bird Discount Now Available!
British Sign Language Level 4 Certificate
The Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language (BSL) is for students who have already gained competence in British Sign Language at Level 3.
This course is for you if you are interested in developing your skills and knowledge so you can work with Deaf people (e.g. teachers of the Deaf, voluntary workers, workers within Deaf organisations, schools) You will expand your knowledge and skills in British Sign Language and of Deaf culture.
What You will learn?
You will develop both your receptive and productive BSL skills. The course covers six keys topics:
- Employment and Business
- Education
- Health and Wellbeing
- Society and Politics
- Science and Technology
- Media and Culture
Who Is It For?
This course is ideal for Learners who have completed BSL Level 3 and want to deepen their skills for work with Deaf colleagues, clients or within Deaf organisations. clients/customers.
We recommend you stay up to date with Deaf news and BSL related topics through:
- The Limping Chicken
- BSL Zone
- Social media, Deaf Charities and organisations
Course Location & Dates
Guildford
Start Date: Monday, 5th October 2026
Time: 6pm – 8.30pm
Venue: University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH
Duration: 5th October 2026– 12th July 2027
- Course Dates: Dot Academic Year 2026 -2027
Teachers: Kathleen Grehan
Recommended Learning Text
The Linguistics of British Sign language: An Introduction, by Rachel Sutton Spence.
ISBN-13: 978-0521637183 / ISBN-10: 052163718X
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5% Early Bird Discount Now Available!
British Sign Language Level 6 Certificate
Focusing on fluent BSL skills and knowledge of Deaf culture, you will be able to use and understand complex BSL in all types of social and professional interactions.
You will also be able to participate in discussions, conversations and debates as well as prepare monologues and presentations, demonstrating language skills (equivalent to an undergraduate degree in Modern Languages).
What Will I Learn?
This course focuses on advanced BSL skills and Deaf culture. You will develop the ability to understand and use complex BSL in a range of social and professional contexts.
You will also learn how to:
- Participate in discussions, debates, and monologues
- Deliver presentations and formal language tasks
- Demonstrate fluency in line with a degree-level standard (equivalent to Modern Languages)
Qualification Structure
You will complete at least 180 hours of learning through a mix of guided study and independent BSL practice.
Topics may include:
- Medicine
- Education
- Employment and Business
- Finance
- Politics and Law
- Society
- Media
- Science and Technology
Course Format
Includes:
- Classroom teaching (alternative Saturdays)
- Zoom or in-person 1:1 feedback sessions
- Additional support and resources throughout
BSL Level 6 Course – University of Surrey, Guildford
Start Date:
Saturday, 17th October 2026, continuing on alternative Saturdays until July 2027
Class Times: 10am -4pm (plus 1:1 feedback via Zoom or face-to-face sessions) –
Teachers: Kathleen Grehan & Freelance Teachers
Venue: University of Surrey, Guilford, Surrey GU2 7XH
Course Dates: Dot Academic Year 2026 -2027
Resources:
We recommend you keep up to date with Deaf News and community insights via:
- The Limping Chicken
- BSL Zone
- Deaf organisations, charities and social media.
Recommended Reading:
The Linguistics of British Sign language: An Introduction, by Rachel Sutton Spence
ISBN-13: 978-0521637183 / ISBN-10: 052163718X
Note:
Dot Sign Language aims to run all courses as advertised. However, courses may be cancelled if minimum enrolment is not reached. To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking early.
Kathleen Grehan - Tutor Course Information & Informal Interview – Contact us to arrange a Zoom meeting.
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BSL 1 to 1 Tutorials
Why choose 1-to-1 BSL tuition?
Our 1-to-1 sessions are relaxed, supportive, and focused entirely on you. We’ll arrange them at a time that works for your schedule.
Why learn with our tutors?
Our experienced, native BSL tutors will:
Work closely with you to design a personalised learning plan
Identify areas for improvement and help you make fast progress
Support you in preparing for assessments or brushing up your skills
Whether you’re aiming to pass a qualification, improve fluency, or gain confidence in communication, our sessions will help you reach your goals quickly and effectively.
