Sign Language is a system of communication that involves hand gestures and signs to communicate with deaf people. Each country has its own Sign Language system, like American Sign Language or Indian Sign Language.
There are Sign Language courses dedicated to teaching basic to advanced, online and offline.There are certifications, PG diploma, bachelors, masters and doctorate courses in the field of Sign Language.
Sign Language Course Highlights
The highlights of Sign Language courses are as below.
| Type of Courses |
|
| Duration |
|
| Eligibility |
|
| Average Fees |
|
| Online Courses | Available |
| Types of Online Courses | Certificates and diplomas |
| Top Job Prospects | Sign Language Interpreter, Speech Pathologist, Psychologist, Social Worker, Counsellor, Audiologist, Child Care Worker etc. |
| Average Salary |
|
Certificate Sign Language Courses
Certificate Sign Language Courses are the most popular way of learning the language.
- Certifications are delivered online and offline.
- Most online certificate courses can be completed in a few hours to 1 year for offline courses.
- The average starting salary for certificate courses is INR 1,50,000 to 4,00,000
Online Certificates Sign Language Course
In the online mode, the following Sign Language courses are available.
| Certificate Name | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learn and Master Sign Language | Udemy | 49 hours | INR 3,200 |
| Educating Deal Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher | University of Cape Town, Coursera | 16 hours | Free Enrolment |
| Introduction to Catalan Sign Language: Speaking with Your Hands and Hearing with Your Eyes | Universitat Pompeu Fabra, FutureLearn | 6 weeks | Free |
| Professional Certificate in American Sign Language Science | Georgetown University, edX | 4 months | INR 28,799 |
| Indian Sign Language and Sign Quiz | Udemy | 4.4 hours | INR 1,280 |
Offline Certificate Sign Language Course
In the offline mode, the following universities provide Sign Language courses.
| Certificate Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate course in Indian Sign Language | Jawaharlal Nehru University | NA | 1 year |
| Sign Language Interpretation | University of Delhi | INR 2,000 | 1 year |
| Certificate in Sign Language | Bharathidasan University | INR 500 | 30 hours |
How to get admission in Certificate Sign Language Courses?
Admission into Certificate courses are done on a merit basis, for both online and offline courses.
- Certificate courses admit students who have completed their class 10th or 12th standard examinations.
- A minimum aggregate score of 50% and above in the school leaving examinations is sufficient for admission.
- There is no requirement for submission of the entrance examination.
Colleges offering Online Certificate Sign Language Course
The above mentioned online Sign Language certification courses have secured ratings from past students. The ratings are as below.
| Institute Name | Offered by | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Cape Town | Coursera | Free Enrolment |
| Universitat Pompeu Fabra | FutureLearn | Free |
| Georgetown University | edX | INR 28,799 |
| NA | Udemy | INR 1,280 |
Colleges offering Offline Certificate Sign Language Course
NIRF’s university rankings featured ranks for above offline certificate Sign Language courses. The ranks are as below.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute Name | Admission Process | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi | Merit-Based | INR 9,825 |
| 11 | University of Delhi, New Delhi | Merit-Based | INR 2,000 |
| 53 | Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli | Merit-Based | INR 500 |
PG Diploma Sign Language Course
PG diploma courses are generally preferred by applicants who are already working or are looking to start working immediately.
- These courses are fast tracked and are pursued in place of a regular master's degree programme.
- Admissions are done on merit without the need for an entrance examination score.
- The average starting salary of PG diploma Sign Language is INR 3,00,000 to 7,00,000 per annum.
Top PG Diploma Sign Language Courses
The following universities provide PG diploma courses in Sign Language.
| PG Diploma Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advance Diploma In Translation | Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh | INR 29,820 | 1 year |
| PG Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpreting | Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam | NA | 1 year |
How to get admission to PG Diploma Sign Language Courses?
PG diploma course providers conduct their admissions on a merit basis.
- Applicants need to possess a bachelor's degree in a related field before applying.
- A minimum aggregate score of 50% and above is sufficient for admission.
- There is no age limit to apply to a PG diploma course.
Colleges offering PG Diploma Sign Language Courses
NIRF, on behalf of MHRD, has prepared a rankings list for the best universities in India. The ranks are as follows.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute/ University Name | Admission Process | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh | Merit-Based | INR 29,820 |
| 30 | Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam | Merit-Based | NA |
Bachelor Sign Language Course
Bachelor's degree programs dedicated to teaching about Speech Pathology and Hearing Impairment provide basic Sign Language education. One can earn a B ASLP, BEd, or BCA degree.
- The duration of bachelor's level courses is 3 years.
- Candidates need to have completed their school leaving examinations.
- The average starting salary of bachelor's Sign Language holders usually ranges from INR 2,00,000 to 8,00,000 per annum.
Top Bachelor Sign Language Course
At the bachelor's level, the following courses are available.
| Bachelor Course Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| B ASLP | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education And Research | INR 1,50,000 | 3 years |
| BCA Computer Application for Speech and Hearing impairment | Bharathidasan University | INR 7,360 | 3 years |
| B Ed Hearing Impaired | Mumbai University | NA | 1 year |
See more:
How to get admission to Bachelor Sign Language Courses?
Admission to bachelor's Sign Language courses is done on a merit basis and through entrance examinations.
- All applicants need to have finished their class 12th from any stream.
- A minimum aggregate score of 50% is needed at the school leaving exams.
- Popular entrance exam scores asked for admission are IPU CET, BHU UET, BUMAT, UPSEE etc.
Colleges offering Bachelor's Sign Language Courses
NIRF prepares annual ranking lists for MHRD. In its best universities list, the ranks are as below.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute/ University Name | Admission Process | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Mysore University, Mysore | Merit-Based | INR 73,200 |
| 28 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education And Research, Chennai | Merit-Based | INR 1,50,000 |
| 53 | Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli | Merit-Based | INR 7,360 |
| 65 | Mumbai University, Mumbai | Merit-Based | INR 15,420 |
Master Sign Language Courses
At the master's level, courses concentrating on Speech Pathology teach Sign Language elective courses.
- The degrees one can earn at the master's level are MEd Or MSc
- The duration of masters-level courses is 2 years.
- The aggregate starting salary of master's degree holders is INR 5,00,000 to 10,00,000
Top PG Sign Language Courses
Currently in India, the following colleges offer Sign Language related master's courses.
| PG Course Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEd Special Education Hearing Impairment | Mysore University | INR 28,670 | 2 years |
| MSc Speech Language Pathology | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education And Research | INR 1,25,000 | 2 years |
How to get admission to Master's Sign Language Courses?
Masters Sign Language courses admit students through entrance examination scores.
- All applicants must possess a bachelor's degree in a similar field for admission.
- A minimum aggregate score of 55% and above is necessary.
- Personal interviews are also held after the initial qualifying round.
- Some entrance examinations for admission to masters Sign Language course are BVP CET, AIISH EE, BHU PET, DUET etc.
Colleges offering Master’s Sign Language Courses
NIRF’s university rankings featured the above mentioned masters course providers. The ranks are in the table below.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute/ University Name | Admission Process | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Mysore University, Mysore | Entrance/ Merit-Based | INR 28,670 |
| 28 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education And Research, Chennai | Entrance/ Merit-Based | INR 1,25,000 |
Doctorate Sign Language Courses
Similar to master's level courses, at the doctorate level, courses related to Speech Pathology and Hearing Impairment have Sign Language elective courses.
- The duration of doctorate courses is 3 to 5 years.
- The degrees one can earn are a PhD or MPhil degree.
- The average starting salary for doctorate level courses is INR 6,00,000 to 12,00,000
Top PhD Sign Language Courses
At present only one institute provides a doctorate level Sign Language course.
| Doctorate Course Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education And Research, Chennai | INR 47,560 | 3 years |
How to get admission in a Doctorate Sign Language Course?
Admission to doctorate level is done through entrance examinations and personal interviews.
- All applicants need to possess a master's degree in a related field for admission.
- Some universities ask for relevant work experience.
- During the personal interview round, research proposals are to be submitted.
Colleges offering Doctorate Sign Language Courses
As per NIRF’s annual ranking lists, the rank of the above mentioned university is as follows.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute Name | Location | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education And Research | Chennai | NA |
What are the Top Job Options After Sign Language Courses?
Sign Language professionals are to work in various capacities upon graduation. The following are some of the jobs one can look into.
Source: College Websites
Sign Language Interpreter
Sign Language Interpreters are individuals fluent in different sign languages. They interpret spoken speeches into sign language for deaf individuals. They are required to be quick.
Starting Salary: INR 3,23,000
Skills Required
- Strong interpretation skills
- Good soft skills
- Quick thinking
- Concentration
Speech Pathologist
Speech pathologists are experts in treating communication and other speech issues. Some problems Speech Pathologists address are speech sounds, fluency, cognitive and social communication, stuttering issues etc.
Starting Salary: INR 3,05,000
Skills Required
- Communication skills
- Compassion
- Detail-oriented
- Patient
Psychologist
Psychologists are individuals who are working with providing psychotherapy to patients. They analyse the mental state of their patient, identify issues and work with the patient at overcoming the problems.
Starting Salary: INR 2,98,000
Skills Required
- Research skills
- Teamwork skills
- Expert communication abilities
- Patient ear
Social Worker
Social Workers work with families and children to improve their welfare. They help with therapy, child support, and help with a myriad of other issues. This job profile requires good communication skills.
Starting Salary: INR 3,79,000
Skills Required
- Empathy
- Competent and organized work
- Non-judgemental attitude
- Confidentiality
Audiologist
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in treating hearing issues. Their work duties include diagnosis and prescribing treatment of hearing loss and balanced hearing.
Starting Salary: INR 4,00,000
Skills Required
- Problem solving attitude
- Calm disposition
- Critical thinking abilities
- Communication skills
What Skills are Required in a Sign Language Course?
To be successful as an expert in Sign Language one needs to enroll into additional courses. These extra skills are available in online course mode which have been described below.
American Sign Language
American Sign Language is the Sign Language system used in the United States of America. It is also used in some parts of America.
Top American Sign Language Courses
| Course | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Sign Language Level 1 | Udemy | 2.26 hours | INR 3,200 |
| American Deaf Culture | University of Houston, Coursera | 5 hours | Free Enrolment |
| American Sign Language "Basics" | Udemy | 1.51 hours | INR 1,280 |
| American Sign Language, ASL, Level 1 | Udemy | 30 mins | INR 2,560 |
American Sign Language Syllabus
| Alphabets | Numbers |
| Colors | Animals |
| Family | Food and drink |
| Verbs | Emotions |
American Sign Language Job Profiles
- ASL Interpreters
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Employment Counsellor
- Child Care Worker
Nonverbal Communication
Non-Verbal Communication involves sending out messages and signals without using actual words. The six types of nonverbal communication are facial expressions, body movement, gestures, eye contact, touch, space, etc.
Nonverbal Communication Top Courses
Some of the top Nonverbal Communication courses are provided in the table given below:
| Course | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Secrets of Body Language | Udemy | 1.57 hours | INR 1,280 |
| Communication Skills - Perception and Nonverbal Communication | Alison | 1.5 to 3 hours | Free |
| The Complete Nonverbal Communication Course - Body Language | Udemy | 3.55 hours | INR 8,640 |
| Confidence and Self Esteem: Develop Confident Body Language | Udemy | 1.11 hours | INR 8,640 |
Nonverbal Communication Syllabus
| What is Non Verbal Communication? | Nonverbal Communication in the workplace |
| Nonverbal Communication on camera | Body Language for videos |
| Body Language for public speaking | Nonverbal Communication for television appearances |
| Body Language for large audiences | Fear of public speaking |
Nonverbal Communication Job Profiles
- HR Assistant
- Business Development Executive
- Sales Executives
- Professors
Comparison of online Sign Language Course, Fees and Rating
In the online mode, there are various courses dedicated to Sign Language. The top courses are as below.
| Course | Provider | Duration | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learn and Master Sign Language | Udemy | 49 hours | 4.5 |
| Educating Deal Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher | University of Cape Town, Coursera | 16 hours | 4.9 |
| Introduction to Catalan Sign Language: Speaking with Your Hands and Hearing with Your Eyes | Universitat Pompeu Fabra, FutureLearn | 6 weeks | NA |
| Professional Certificate in American Sign Language Science | Georgetown University, edX | 4 months | NA |
| Indian Sign Language and Sign Quiz | Udemy | 4.4 hours | 3.8 |
| American Sign Language Level 1 | Udemy | 2.26 hours | 4.6 |
| The Bilingual Brain | University of Houston, Coursera | 15 hours | 4.6 |
| The Secrets of Body Language | Udemy | 1.57 hours | 4.4 |
Comparison of online platforms offering Sign Language Courses
The top two education platforms for any topic are Udemy and Coursera. Both of the platforms have been compared below.
| Parameters | Udemy | Coursera |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Name | Learn and Master Sign Language | Educating Deal Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher |
| Fees | INR 3,200 | Free Enrolment |
| Student Rating | 4.5 | 4.9 |
| Enrolment | 5,504 | 4,842 |
| Duration | 49 hours | 16 hours |
| Created by | Legacy Learning Systems | University of Cape Town |
Sign Language Course FAQs
Ques. Can I learn Sign Language courses Online?
Ans. Yes. A number of online courses are available that focus on teaching Sign Language systems.
Ques. Which is the best Sign Language Free Online Course in India?
Ans. While a number of websites online provide courses dedicated to teaching Sign Language, only a few are worth mentioning. The top educational platforms are as follows.
- Udemy
- Coursera
- Upgrad
- FutureLearn
- edX
Ques. What is the duration of a Sign Language Course?
Ans. The duration of the Sign Language courses depends on the course chosen. Most certificate courses can be completed in a few hours while diploma and PG diploma courses take 1 to 2 years. Bachelors and masters take 3 years and 2 years respectively to complete.
Ques. How much does it cost to do a Sign Language course?
Ans. The cost of Sign Language courses differs from course to course. Most certificate courses are free while the highest fee is charged at the bachelor's level at INR 1.5 lac.
Ques. Should I go for a Sign Language weekend course or should I look for a job in the same field and learn from the experience?
Ans. Sign Language needs to be learned from professionals and experts. There are different types of sign language systems and a lot of intricate details that can only be learned from a teacher and not from the work environment.
Ques. Is it worth pursuing a Sign Language course?
Ans. Yes. Learning Sign Language is an important skill necessary not only to find suitable jobs but also as an additional skill.
Ques. What is the average salary after completing a Sign Language course?
Ans. The average salary one can earn after a Sign Language course depends on a number of factors like work experience, industry etc. The highest average starting salary is earned by an Audiologist at INR 4,00,000.
Ques. Do I get a scholarship to pursue Sign Language certifications?
Ans. Yes. Different forms of financial aid like scholarships are available on websites like Coursera. Others provide discounts on their course fees.
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