Languages at Leicester
BSL Level 3
This is for you if you have completed and passed either the full Signature BSL Level 2 Award (Units 201, 202 and 203) or the full iBSL Level 2 Award (Units 2A1, 2A2, 2A3 and 2A4).
Key information
Courses starting in January 2027
- Course: Thursdays 6.00pm - 9.00pm (plus 9 intensive Saturdays*)
- Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
- Timeline: Starts 14 Janaury - ends 14 October 2027. The course will take place over 32 weeks (see schedule below).
- Term 1: 10 weeks: from January until March 2027 (+ 3 Saturdays*)
- Term 2: 15 weeks: from April until july 2027 (+ 4 Saturdays*)
- Term 3: 7 weeks: from September until October 2027 (+ 2 Saturdays*)
- Length: 32 weeks: 32 3-hour lessons, plus 9 6-hour intensive lessons on 9 Saturdays (150 guided learning hours)
- Fees: Full course £1,140 (it includes all exams). This is payable in full or in three instalments of £380 as outlined:
- Payment 1 on enrolment
- Payment 2 by 8 April 2027
- Payment 3 by 15 July 2027
- Exam fees: All exam fees are included in the course's fee (Signature Level 3 Unit 301 £48, Unit 302 £48 and Unit 303 £78).
This course will be taught by a deaf Tutors in a small group of up to 12 students. The course requires a minimum of 8 and it can have up to a maximum of 12 students. Course fee includes all tuition, handouts and any tests/exams.
The course is delivered across three terms: January to March, April to July and September to October. The full programme comprises 250 learning hours, of which 150 are guided learning hours provided to the group rather than to individual learners. Guided learning hours include lessons and examination days. Evening classes are three hours in duration and take place once a week. Saturday classes comprise six hours of teaching. By enrolling on the course, you are committing to the full 32-week programme.
Entry level
A pass in BSL Level 2 Award: the full BSL Level 2 (Units 201, 202 and 203) or the full iBSL Level 2 Award (Units 2A1, 2A2, 2A3 and 2A4). Registered students will be required to undertake an evaluation interview with the BSL coordinator.
The interview session is important as it helps students to learn what they can expect from the course and what would be expected from them. Upon registering the BSL coordinator will contact you to arrange a face-to-face (or online if required) interview session. The interviews will include 3 tasks to ensure applicants are of Level 2 standard:
- Receptive - 30 secs (write notes or relay back to teacher)
- Storytelling - personal story or activities done at the weekend - 2 minutes (filmed)
- Q&A with the tutor - 3 questions
Interviews
Registered learners may need to attend a 10-minute online interview with the tutor to assess their BSL proficiency. If required, interviews will be arranged with each registered learner.
Qualification aim
This Level 3 Certificate qualification in British Sign Language meets the learning needs of those who already have competence in BSL at Level 2 and are interested in developing their skills and knowledge. Successful learners must be able to demonstrate competence at Level 3 of the UK Occupational Language Standards. This means that the learner will be able to understand and use varied BSL in a range of work and social situations.
The learner will develop an advanced knowledge of the structure and function of British Sign Language and an understanding of the Deaf Community and Deaf Culture. The specification has been designed to be consistent with the National Language Standards at Level 3.
Course content
This British Sign Language qualification is divided into three units, each of which can be achieved separately.
To achieve the full Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language, candidates are required to achieve all three units.
| Unit | Unit title | Assessment | Exam fee | Exam peridos |
| BSL 301 | BSL Presentation Skills | Formal presentation | £48* | From 6 May to 10 June |
| BSL 302 | BSL Productive Skills | Informal conversation | £48* | From 17 June to 9 September |
| BSL 303 | BSL Receptive Skills | Receptive skills | £78* | From 16 September to 14 October |
*Fees are transferred in its totality to the awarding body (Signature's fees booklet 2026/27).
Requests for Exam Accommodations
Students who require special accommodations for Signature examinations should contact both their tutor and the Languages at Leicester (L@L) team at [email protected] as early as possible.
The request should include details of the accommodations required and any supporting evidence, such as a medical or professional report, explaining the student's needs.
Please note that any exam accommodations must be approved by the awarding body, Signature, before they can be put in place.
Course schedule
The schedule for academic year 2026/27 is displayed below. Please notice that some of these dates could be subject to change.
- Timetable Thursdays: Lessons take place from 6.00pm to 9.00pm (there will be two small breaks through the lesson).
- Timetable Saturdays: Lessons take place from 9.00am to 4.00pm (there will be break throughout the lesson to rest and have lunch).
Schedule (32 weeks)
Please note that the schedule below may be subject to change as the course progresses. Tutors will discuss and agree on any changes with students in advance.
- Week 1: Thursday 14 January 2027
- Week 2: Thursday 21 January 2027
Sat 1: Saturday 30 January 2027 - Week 3: Thursday 28 January 2027
- Week 4: Thursday 4 February 2027
- Week 5: Thursday 11 February 2027
- Week 6: Thursday 18 February 2027
Sat 2: Saturday 20 February 2027
- Week 7: Thursday 25 February 2027
- Week 8: Thursday 4 March 2027
- Week 9: Thursday 11 March 2027
Sat 3: Saturday 13 March 2027
- Week 10: Thursday 18 March 2027
**Easter break** - Week 11: Thursday 8 April 2027
- Week 12: Thursday 15 April 2027
Sat 4: Saturday 17 April 2027
- Week 13: Thursday 22 April 2027
- Week 14: Thursday 29 April 2027
- Week 15: Thursday 6 May 2027
- Week 16: Thursday 13 May 2027
- Week 17: Thursday 20 May 2027
Sat 5: Saturday 22 May 2027
- Week 18: Thursday 27 May 2027
- Week 19: Thursday 3 June 2027
- Week 20: Thursday 10 June 2027
Sat 6: Saturday 12 June 2027
- Week 21: Thursday 17 June 2027
- Week 22: Thursday 24 June 2027
- Week 23: Thursday 1 July 2027
Sat 7: Saturday 3 July 2027
- Week 24: Thursday 8 July 2027
- Week 25: Thursday 15 July 2027
**Summer break** - Week 26: Thursday 2 September 2027
- Week 27: Thursday 9 September 2027
Sat 8: Saturday 11 September 2027
- Week 28: Thursday 16 September 2027
- Week 29: Thursday 23 September 2027
- Week 30: Thursday 30 September 2027
Sat 9: Saturday 2 October 2027
- Week 31: Thursday 7 October 2027
- Week 32: Thursday 14 October 2027