We have received funding from Manchester Adult Education Service to deliver a programme of free BSL courses.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a place you must be:
Aged 19 or over
A resident of Manchester with one of the following postcodes: M1, M2, M3, M4, M8, M9, M10, M11, M12, M13, M14, M15, M16, M18, M19, M20, M21, M22, M23, M40. Please note, Salford and Trafford postcodes are excluded.
Be unemployed, on benefits, or on a low income
Have little or no previous knowledge of BSL
Be looking to build informal skills (this is a non-accredited, community-learning enrichment-style course)
If you are allocated a course place, we need to meet with you to complete an adult education enrolment form and to check your proof of address and ID before your place on the course is fully confirmed. This can be done online or by dropping in to see us at Manchester Deaf Centre.
10-Hour Beginner BSL
This short and accessible course is ideal for learners with little or no prior experience in British Sign Language (BSL). It’s designed for those who want a “short and sweet” introduction to the language.
We have four classes running for September for 5 weeks, and there are 15 places available for each class. Details as below:
Date:
Wednesday 10th September 2025 (class time 11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm)
Thursday 11th September 2025 (class time 11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm)
There are 15 places available for each class.
14-Hour Intermediate BSL
This course is designed specifically for learners who do not want a short and sweet course — it is for those seeking a longer, more in-depth experience right from the start. Learners should already be familiar with fingerspelling and have a little knowledge of BSL vocabulary.
We have four classes running for November for 7 weeks, and there are 15 places available for each class. Details as below:
Date:
Wednesday 5th November 2025 (class time 11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm)
Thursday 6th November 2025 (class time 11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm)
Applications opening soon!
20-Hour Refresher BSL
This course is ideal for learners who are preparing to progress onto a Level 1 course or want a refresher. Learners should already be familiar with fingerspelling and have a little knowledge of BSL vocabulary.
We have four classes running for January for 10 weeks, and there are 15 places available for each class. Details as below:
Date:
Wednesday 21st January 2026 (class time 11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm)
Thursday 22nd January 2026 (class time 11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm)
Applications opening soon!
Further Information: If you would like further information about free BSL courses before applying please email: admin@manchesterdeafcentre.com
