BSL Level 3

This is for you if you have completed and passed either the full iBSL Level 2 Award (Units 2A1, 2A2, 2A3 and 2A4) or the full Signature BSL Level 1 Award (Units 201, 202, 203 and 204). 

Key information

Courses starting October 2023

• Course: Saturdays and Sundays 9.00am - 4.00pm*
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Starts in October 2023 - Ends in July 2024. It is a complete course. It is not divided into different units like the Level 1 Award. The course will take place over 10 weekends (Saturdays and Sundays - 10 weekends - each weekend falls on the 2nd weekend of each month from October 2023 to July 2024 - timetable will be published in August).
  • Term 1: 3 weekends starting October until December 2023
  • Term 2: 3 weekends starting January until March 2024
  • Term 3: 4 weekends starting April until July 2024
  Lengths: 10 weekends / 20 6-hour intensive lessons (120 guided learning hours)
  Fees: TBC 

  Exam fees: Signature's Level 3 Exams fees are included in the course fee (Fees for each unit will be confirmed in August).

This course will be taught in a small group. The on-campus course requires a minimum of 8 and it can have up to a maximum of 12 students. Course fee includes all tuition, access to Blackboard, handouts and any tests/exams, but not a textbook.

Please note that courses taught on-campus could be moved online if the Covid-19 situation prevents face-to-face teaching, and for as long as it is required. This decision will be made by the Government and/or the University of Leicester to guarantee the safety of students and staff.

The course also includes two individual (one-to-one) tutorials of half an hour each per learner with your BSL tutor to evaluate and guide your progress and attainment.

The course runs from October 2023 to July 2024. The full course comprises 250 learning hours (130 guided learning hours plus 120 independent learning hours). Lesson take place over 10 weekend (on Saturdays and Sundays from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm); 1 weekend a month. When enrolling you are committing to the full 10-month course. There is the option to pay for the full course in one payment or three instalments.

When enrolling you are committing to the full 10-monthcourse.

Enrol now

Entry level

A pass in BSL Level 2 Award: the full iBSL Level 2 (Units 2A1, 2A2, 2A3 and 2A4) or the full Signature's BSL Level 2 Award (Units 201, 202 and 203). 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:

1. Receptive - 30 secs (write notes or relay back to teacher)
2. Storytelling - personal story or activities done at the weekend - 2 minutes (filmed)
3. Q&A with the tutor - 3 questions

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 2 Certificate in British Sign Language, candidates are required to achieve all three units.

*Fees are transferred in its totality to the awarding body (Signature's Fees-Booklet-22-23).

Course schedule

The schedule of 2022/23 is displayed as an example. The schedule for 2023/24 will be published in August 2023.

*Please notice that some of these dates could be subject to change:

Timetable: Saturday & Sunday's lessons

Each day comprises 6 learning guided hours divided into three sessions of 2 hours each.

• Session 1: 9.00 to 11.00 am
• Session 2: 11.30 am to 1.30 pm
• Session 3: 2.00 to 4.00 pm

Schedule (10 weekends)

1st weekend: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October 2022 
2nd weekend: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November 2022 
3rd weekend: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December 2022 
 - Christmas break -
4th weekend: Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 January 2023
5th weekend: Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 February 2023
6th weekend: Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 March 2023
 - Easter Break -
7th weekend: Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April 2023
8th weekend: Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May 2023
9th weekend: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June 2023
10th weekend: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 July 2023

Progression route

Upon completion of of the Level 3, you can progress to the BSL Award Level 4.