Over 500,000 people live in Manchester alone, and there are many more people who live in surrounding areas including Salford. Manchester is a hub where people work, socialise, and spend their time. This includes a large deaf community, as well as plenty of people who wish to learn BSL in order to enhance career opportunities or simply become much more inclusive as a society.
People who are looking for sign language classes in Manchester will find that there are options run by charities and similar organisations but there are also universities and colleges in the area giving people the chance to learn sign language, as well as one of the very best organisations for supporting deaf people in the whole country.
We dive into the options to take sign language classes or even learn in a one-to-one setting in Manchester.
Sign Language Lessons in Manchester
Learning British Sign Language (BSL) in Manchester is an enriching experience, with a variety of educational establishments and organisations offering courses whether you’re a beginner looking to learn part-time or you want to become fully proficient. Manchester provides ample opportunities to engage with BSL and many learning opportunities. There are also options in relatively nearby cities, such as BSL lessons in Leeds. Let's explore some of the places where people can learn sign language in Manchester as well as support.
Manchester Deaf Centre
Manchester Deaf Centre is often the first port of call for anybody who is looking to learn BSL, or needs support for their sensory needs in the city. In the whole of the UK's sign language learning scene, this is one of the best resources.
Manchester Deaf Centre is a vibrant hub for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Manchester, offering a wide range of services, support, and resources. Located in the University, the centre provides a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals can come together, access support services, and participate in community activities.
Manchester Deaf Centre may offer BSL courses for individuals interested in learning sign language. These courses cater to different levels of proficiency, from beginner to advanced, and may cover topics such as vocabulary, grammar, conversation skills, and deaf culture awareness. BSL courses at Manchester Deaf Centre provide a supportive and interactive learning environment, with experienced instructors guiding students through their sign language journey.
Courses offered at Manchester Deaf Centre include:
- Five-week introduction to BSL
- BSL Level 1
- BSL Level 2
- BSL “Pre” Level 3
- BSL Level 3
They also offer a brilliant scheme whereby some people are eligible for free tuition in British Sign Language. If you wish to take part in this you need to ensure that you:
- Are aged 19 or over
- Are a resident of Manchester (Home postcode: M1, M2, M3 (excluding Salford postcodes), M4, M8, M9, M10, M11, M12, M13, M14, M15, M16 (excluding Trafford postcodes), M18, M19, M20, M21, M22, M23, M40)
The centre provides advice and information on a range of topics relevant to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This may include guidance on communication options, access to services and support, employment opportunities, and rights and entitlements. Manchester Deaf Centre's knowledgeable staff are available to answer questions and provide assistance to individuals seeking information and support or signposting to other Manchester-based organisations.
The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester School of Arts, Languages and Cultures offers both Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications in sign language.
These courses provide students with the opportunity to learn sign language in a structured academic setting, with a focus on practical application. The university offers courses at different levels, allowing students to progress from beginner to better proficiency. However, it only goes to level 2 in terms of qualifications.
Additionally, the University of Manchester may provide resources and support for research and study in the field of deaf studies, enriching the learning experience for BSL students.
Deaf Solutions 3
With courses in Trafford and around Manchester and the North West, Deaf Solutions 3 is another option for those who want to learn sign language.
Deaf Solutions 3 is a reputable provider of BSL courses and training programs, serving individuals, organisations, and businesses across the UK. The organisation is committed to promoting accessibility, inclusivity, and communication equality for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Deaf Solutions 3 offers a range of services, including BSL courses, workshops, consultancy, and bespoke training solutions tailored to the needs of clients.
They offer a casual group that meets to provide a chance to learn some basics and meet others in a similar position. They also provide more formal qualifications.
- Level 1 BSL Course:
The Level 1 BSL course is suitable for individuals who want to get started, it builds on basic skills and introduces more advanced vocabulary, grammar, and things like fingerspelling techniques.
- Level 2 BSL Course:
The Level 2 BSL course is designed for learners who have achieved proficiency at Level 1 and want to further develop their BSL skills. It covers more complex topics and conversational scenarios, allowing learners to communicate fluently and confidently in sign language.
- Level 3 BSL Course:
The Level 3 BSL course is aimed at advanced learners who have completed Level 2 or have a decent level of proficiency. It focuses on refining and expanding learners' BSL skills, including advanced vocabulary, grammar structures, and expressive techniques.
Deaf Solutions 3 provides learners with the opportunity to develop their BSL skills and contribute to creating a more inclusive and accessible society, they are also champions of deaf awareness.
Interpreting Solutions 2 UK
Interpreting Solutions 2 UK offers a lot of different options for support in the deaf community including interpreters (of course). But they also offer people the option to enrol in courses to learn BSL.
Their courses are fully accredited by Signature (the awarding body for Deaf Communication) so they provide a formally recognised qualification.
As well as offering BSL courses, they also provide communication support courses for deaf learners, yet another way they show their support to the deaf community in Manchester and beyond. Like Deaf Solutions 3, people can learn all the way up to level 3 in the BSL “scale” with this company. They have worked with a variety of different organisations including schools and colleges in the local area.
Why So Many People in Manchester Are Looking For Sign Language Lessons
There are benefits whether you are learning BSL in London or in Leeds, or anywhere else in the UK! The benefits of being able to sign and communicate with people in this language are wide-reaching and so many people are looking to learn BSL, regardless of whether they are affected by deafness or not.
Benefits of learning BSL include:
- BSL courses provide opportunities for lifelong learning and personal growth, allowing individuals to acquire new skills, expand their knowledge, and pursue further education and training in sign language and related fields.
- Learning BSL can provide excellent opportunities for career development. Employers increasingly recognise the value of employees with BSL skills, as they can provide better service to deaf customers and clients, facilitate communication in diverse workplaces, and contribute to creating inclusive environments.
- Understanding deaf culture and the history of sign language. BSL courses provide insights into deaf culture, history, and identity, helping learners develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the deaf community's language and heritage, especially as you advance through the courses.
- The ability to improve communication skills is by far the number one reason. Learning sign language allows individuals to communicate effectively with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, and makes for more inclusive communication and breaking down barriers to understanding.
Manchester is a great place for those who want to get started learning BSL and who have an appetite to be able to use this language. Amazing organisations in the area include the Manchester Deaf Centre, which offers people the chance to meet like-minded people as well as learn BSL from beginner levels up to a fairly high level of proficiency. There are also a lot of other locations in the UK with hubs of sign language activity, such as BSL lessons in Birmingham.
One of the reasons for learning the language is that there is no excuse not to! With many resources on your doorstep and the fact that BSL is such a useful skill, sign language classes in Manchester tend to be very popular.
Learn Sign Language in Manchester With Superprof
Embrace inclusive communication and cultural enrichment by learning British Sign Language (BSL) in Manchester with Superprof.
Our experienced and dedicated BSL tutors are ready to guide you on your journey to mastering sign language, whether you're a complete beginner or looking to enhance your existing skills. Our tutors can cover many areas including sign language lessons in Glasgow, or anywhere else in the UK.
While some people are keen to attend classes in a group setting, some would rather work one-on-one with a tutor, either alongside or instead of a formal qualification.
By connecting with a tutor through Superprof, you'll receive personalised instruction tailored to your learning style and goals, allowing you to progress at your own pace and overcome any challenges along the way. Take the first step towards becoming part of the vibrant deaf community in Manchester and contributing to a more inclusive society.
Ready to start your BSL journey? Find a tutor and enquire about lessons with ease right here on Superprof.
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