Are you ready to take your British Sign Language (BSL) skills to the next level? The BSL Level 4 course helps if you have already achieved your BSL at Level 3 certificate. The course will expand your knowledge and communication abilities with Deaf people. If you work with the Deaf community or want to work with Deaf people, BSL Level 4 will enhance your fluency in BSL.
What is the Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language?
The Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language is a comprehensive qualification. It aims to meet the learning needs of those already proficient in BSL at Level 3. It is designed for those who work with or aspire to work with Deaf people. It includes social workers, teachers of the Deaf, and volunteers. It also includes staff of Deaf organisations and schools.
Course Structure and Units
The qualification is divided into three units. Each one tests a different BSL skill. To achieve the qualification, you will need to pass all three units. Here is an overview of the units covered in this course:
Unit 1: Extended Sign Language Linguistics
- Gain a deeper understanding of BSL linguistics.
- Explore the structure and function of BSL, including syntax, morphology, and phonology.
Unit 2: Understanding Extended British Sign Language
- Develop receptive skills. Understand and engage with extended BSL in various work and social situations.
- Expand your vocabulary and understanding of BSL. Topics include employment and business, education, health and wellbeing, society and politics, science and technology, media and culture.
Unit 3: Using Extended British Sign Language
- Use BSL in various work and social situations to enhance your productive skills.
- Engage in conversations, discussions, and debates. Show fluency, and grammatical accuracy, in your signing.
You’ll use various formats to practice BSL skills. You need skills in presentations, debates, and discussions to get the most from the course.
All units will also cover elements of Deaf culture.
Course Benefits and Learning Experience
A BSL Level 4 course has many benefits. It will help you understand how to construct BSL better. This will improve how you communicate with Deaf people. Here are some key benefits of taking this course:
- Expanded Knowledge: Expanded Knowledge: You’ll broaden your understanding of BSL within various contexts. The different areas include:
- Employment and business
- Education
- Health
- Society and politics
- Science and technology
- Media and Culture
- Confidence in Communication: You’ll learn to use BSL in long social chats. This will boost your confidence in both receptive and productive skills.
- Path to Further Qualifications: You can progress to BSL Level 6. Then, you can train to become an interpreter, translator, or communication support worker.
Entry Requirements and Assessment
You must have completed BSL Level 3 or shown competence in BSL at an intermediate level. You will need to write self-evaluations and notes. So, good literacy skills are necessary. You must also understand instructions for exercises and assessments.
The course assessments consist of three parts:
A formal presentation.
An informal chat and
a receptive skills test.
These assessments are externally assessed by Signature’s assessors. This is to ensure a fair evaluation of your skills.
What Will You Learn?
The Level 4 Certificate in BSL helps you learn specialised vocabulary. You will gain knowledge and skills in the following areas:
Employment and Business: Explore the vocabulary used in workplace settings. This will allow you to communicate effectively in professional contexts. Some deaf employees use CSWs or interpreters at work. Knowing business jargon can help improve your work prospects.
Education: Develop the ability to discuss educational topics. For example, explain complex issues, such as teaching methods. As a CSW, you work with students and tutors. So, you need to understand education-related topics such as “schemes of work.”
Health and Wellbeing: Learn to discuss health-related matters. Examples include medical conditions, healthcare services, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Society and Politics: Talk about social issues, political events, and societal norms. By the end of the course, you’ll be confident in discussions and debates in these areas.
Science and Technology: This course expands your knowledge of scientific and technological concepts. You’ll learn to explain scientific advancements and technological innovations.
Media and Culture: Explore media, entertainment, and culture. You’ll cover topics such as literature, music, film, and popular culture.
- Sign Linguistics Knowledge: Deepen your understanding of the structure and grammar of BSL.
Course Fees and Enrolment
Fees vary across course providers. Typical costs are around £800 – £1500 plus exam fees.
Most course providers allow you to pay via direct debit, and most will ask you to pay a deposit to confirm your place.
You usually attend an informal interview with a qualified BSL teacher to enrol. During the interview, your signing skills and receptive abilities will be assessed. This is not a test. It’s a standard procedure for all BSL teaching centres. It’s to find your skill level and place you in the right course.
Is there a BSL training centre near me that offers BSL Level 4?
The following centres offer the BSL Level 4 qualification subject to getting sufficient interest in the course:
North England
FAQs
Is there a BSL Level 5?
No. All regulated qualifications in BSL are Level 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. Ofqual lists the qualification levels and explains what they mean. For example, Level 3 is equivalent to an A Level.
Is there a BSL Level 4 free course?
No. Unfortunately, there is no government funding for BSL Level 4 courses. So, you would need to pay your own fees. Course providers tend to be small businesses run by BSL tutors. They need to cover costs such as classroom hire, resource costs, and exam fees. Most BSL tutors could not afford to run a BSL course for free.
However, some grant funders will cover the cost of your course. The best way to find a grant is to ask your local library for a list of organisations in your area that sponsor or give grants to individuals.
BSL Level 4 – the right pathway?
The BSL Level 4 Certificate expands your knowledge and linguistic skills in BSL. It provides a solid foundation for career advancement and professional growth. But most students “leapfrog” this level and go straight to Level 6.
Level 4 is suitable for students who don’t have the time to attend Deaf clubs or have anyone to practice with. The qualification can bridge the gap in your learning journey to becoming a professional. If you learn the linguistics of BSL, you’ll communicate better with Deaf people.
Before you go:
Here are some articles to help you take the next step in your BSL journey.