Learning British Sign Language (BSL) is something that feels good, but is also a practical communication skill, a great way to make campus more inclusive, and a strong differentiator on your CV!

Why is BSL worth my time?

Many Deaf and hard-of-hearing people use sign language as their primary language, and learning even the basics shows respect, effort and a willingness to meet people where they are. It’s a simple, concrete way to move from “I care about inclusion” to actually doing something. BSL is also fun to learn as a visual language using hands, facial gesture and body language to communicate, making it more memorable and engaging and a fantastic escape from your studies, lectures and deadlines.

Boost your career and CV!

From a career point of view, BSL sends out some very strong signals to future employers:

• You care about accessibility and inclusion - Employers across many sectors are under pressure (rightly) to be more inclusive. Being able to say you’ve proactively learned BSL shows you understand what inclusion looks like in practice, not just in policy.

• You have communication skills that stand out - Communication is one of the most overused words in job descriptions, but most applicants still only mention written and verbal skills. BSL allows you to talk about visual, non‑verbal and cross‑cultural communication, and evidence how you adapt your style for different people and situations.

• You’re committed to personal and professional development - Completing an optional four‑week course demonstrates commitment, reliability and follow‑through. It’s the kind of example you can easily drop into interviews when asked about a time you learned something new or stuck with a challenge.

Even in sectors that don’t obviously “require” BSL, it still helps you stand out. Recruiters remember candidates who bring something distinctive and values‑driven. Saying “I’ve been learning British Sign Language and can hold basic conversations” is exactly the kind of detail that sticks in people’s minds.

Why our four‑week BSL Club is a great place to start

Our BSL Club has been designed with absolute beginners in mind, so you don’t need any prior knowledge to join in. Across four weekly sessions, you will learn:

• Fingerspelling your name and keywords using the BSL alphabet.

• Everyday greetings and simple introductions.

• Numbers, days, and basic questions and answers.

• Core phrases you can use around campus and in social settings.

• An introduction to Deaf culture.

Each week builds on the last, which is why you must commit to attending all four sessions. Think of it as a mini‑course: you’ll be learning new content each time, practising with the same group, and gradually building confidence to have short conversations in BSL. Turning up every week supports your classmates, because you’ll be working together in pairs and small groups.

Ready to get involved?

If you’re looking for something enjoyable, social, and genuinely useful, our BSL Club is an excellent investment of just four hours of your time. You’ll leave with a new language, a better understanding of Deaf culture, a concrete example of inclusion and lifelong learning for your future career and a Digital Badge.

Spaces are limited, so before you sign up, make sure you can attend all four sessions.