Learn British Sign Language online at your own pace
Work through our online course, or use hundreds of free BSL signs, games, tools and printable resources.
What is BSL?- 10
- Self-study sections
- 20 hours
- Estimated time
- CPD
- Certified course
- 2 years
- Full course access
Free BSL tools and resources
Free games, printable resources and simple tools to help you practise BSL. These are just a few favourites – you’ll find everything on our free resources page.
Daily BSL practiceNew
Spend a few minutes each day learning something new. Practise today’s sign, test yourself with quizzes, and improve your fingerspelling with short daily activities.
Start today's practiceBSL dictionary
Look up hundreds of everyday BSL signs, each with a video.
Fingerspelling Player
Type any word or name to see it fingerspelled using the BSL alphabet.
Free BSL alphabet chart
Download and print the full BSL fingerspelling alphabet, right or left-handed.
Fingerspelling Quiz
Time Attack, Streak and Classic modes. Read the hands, type the word.
BSL Sign Quiz
Multiple-choice game. Match the sign to its meaning.
Free vocab sheets
Topic-based printable sheets - family, food, weather and more.
Hello
Monday, 3 August 2026
Today's sign: Wave hand near side of head. Practise it on the Sign of the Day page.
We post a new sign every day – follow on Facebook.
More ways to learn
Background reading, free tools, and resources for schools and groups.
- Background
What is British Sign Language?
Learn what British Sign Language is, where it came from and how it’s used today.
Read the explainer - Free tool
Fingerspelling alphabet & player
Watch any word, name or phrase fingerspelled. Free chart, looped player and a print-a-name maker. Use it before, during or after the course.
Try the player - For schools
Lesson plans and classroom resources
Two lesson plans for KS2 to KS4 with presentations and printable resources, plus end-of-term fingerspelling games. No previous BSL needed.
See schools resources - Free resources for groups
Lesson plans and printables for tutors, libraries and youth groups
Lesson plans, printable resources and guidance for tutors, libraries, Scouts, Guides and community groups.
See group resources - BSL course for organisations
Enrol your team on the online BSL course
Enrol your staff or learners together, with individual logins, progress tracking, and each learner can earn their own certificate. From £5 per learner.
See team enrolment
Introducing British Sign Language
The course is divided into ten sections. Each one has short explanations and video demonstrations of the signs, followed by a short assessment. Spend around two hours a week and most learners finish in about three months.
- Video demonstrations of the signs and phrases throughout
- Useful everyday vocabulary, including signs for home, education, healthcare, transport and work
- Certificate of completion for the CPD-certified course, with a verification code
- One-time payment. No subscription, nothing renews.
- Two years’ access to all ten sections and assessments, from the day you first log in.
What you’ll learn
- Fingerspelling
- Numbers
- Colours
- Deaf Awareness & Audism
- Introductions
- Family
- Relationships
- Descriptions
- Hobbies
- Time
- Money
- Days, Months & Seasons
- Food & Drink
- Emotions
- Animals
- Clothing
- Short everyday exchanges
No webcam needed. You don’t need to hear audio to complete the course. See full course details.
- 01Fingerspelling & Numbers 1–10
- 02Numbers 11–100, Colours & Help
- 03Greetings & Facial Expressions
- 04Animals, Home & Clothing
- 05Family & Descriptions
- +5See the full curriculum
What our learners say
Every review is from a verified customer.
BSL Introduction course
A very well designed and easy to follow course at your own pace. Easy to understand and learn an array of useful words and phrases. With videos to follow and descriptions for additional support. I highly recommend this course to anyone! Everyone should learn the basics
Very thorough
Good grounding in BSL. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn BSL. Very affordable too
DofE
The course was extremely helpful and easy to use. I learnt lots and was able to use it for my DofE. Also, with the Pay What You Can, it wasn’t expensive, plus I have access to it for 2 years. Overall, great
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The course starts with the BSL fingerspelling alphabet and introduces signs gradually. Each sign and phrase is shown on video, and there’s an assessment at the end of every section. No prior signing experience needed.
Ready to start learning BSL?
Start today with Pay What You Can, from £5.