Introduction to Sign Language

New Zealand Sign Language is an official language of New Zealand and is used by our Deaf community. This interactive language is fun to learn, and knowing the basics will help your conversations with Deaf people.

You'll learn:

• Basic greetings

• The alphabet

Education pathway

Graduates who wish to further specialise can enrol in:

Conversational Sign Language

* Please get in contact with our team to discuss 2026 course options.

This programme runs for 10 weeks.

Per week, your learning will include 2 hours of class time.

Timings are:

Palmerston North

Starting 20 Jul 2026 & 12 Oct 2026: Monday evening, 6 - 8pm

Starting 04 Feb 2026 & 22 Apr 2026: Wednesday evenings 6 - 8pm

Recognition of prior learning

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

Application checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)

• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme

• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).