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 October 2026
- Course: Thursdays 6.00pm - 9.00pm (plus 9 intensive Saturdays*)
- Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
- Timeline: Starts 8 October 2026 - ends 17 June 2027. The course will take place over 32 weeks (see schedule below).
- Term 1: 11 weeks: from October until December 2026 (+ 3 Saturdays*)
- Term 2: 11 weeks: from January until March 2027 (+ 3 Saturdays*)
- Term 3: 10 weeks: from April until June 2027 (+ 3 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 January 2027
- Payment 3 by 9 April 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 two deaf Tutors in two small groups of up to 12 students each. Each group 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 includes three individual (one-to-one) tutorials of up to 25 minutes each with your BSL tutor. These tutorials provide an opportunity to review your progress, receive personalised feedback and discuss your learning needs. Tutorials will be arranged with your tutor and are included within the guided learning hours.
The course is delivered across three terms: October to December, January to March and April to July. 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 3 February to 10 March |
| BSL 302 | BSL Productive Skills | Informal conversation | £48* | From 17 March to 5 May |
| BSL 303 | BSL Receptive Skills | Receptive skills | £787* | From 12 May to 16 June |
*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 lalenquiries@leicester.ac.uk 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 2025/26 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 8 October 2026
- Week 2: Thursday 15 October 2026
Sat 1: Saturday 17 October 2026 - Week 3: Thursday 22 October 2026
- Week 4: Thursday 29 October 2026
- Week 5: Thursday 5 November 2026
- Week 6: Thursday 12 November 2026
Sat 2: Saturday 14 November 2026 - Week 7: Thursday 19 November 2026
- Week 8: Thursday 26 November 2026
- Week 9: Thursday 3 December 2026
- Week 10: Thursday 10 December 2026
Sat 3: Saturday 12 December 2026 - Week 11: Thursday 17 December 2026
**Christmas break** - Week 12: Thursday 14 January 2027
- Week 13: Thursday 21 January 2027
- Week 14: Thursday 28 January 2027
- Week 15: Thursday 4 February 2027
Sat 4: Saturday 6 February 2027 - Week 16: Thursday 11 February 2027
- Week 17: Thursday 18 February 2027
- Week 18: Thursday 25 February 2027
Sat 5: Saturday 27 February 2027 - Week 19: Thursday 4 March 2027
- Week 20: Thursday 11 March 2027
- Week 21: Thursday 18 March 2027
Sat 6: Saturday 20 March 2027 - Week 22: Thursday 25 March 2027
**Easter break** - Week 23: Thursday 15 April 2027
- Week 24: Thursday 22 April 2027
Sat 7: Saturday 24 April 2027 - Week 25: Thursday 29 April 2027
- Week 26: Thursday 6 May 2027
- Week 27: Thursday 13 May 2027
Sat 8: Saturday 15 May 2027 - Week 28: Thursday 20 May 2027
- Week 29: Thursday 27 May 2027
- Week 30: Thursday 3 June 2027
- Week 31: Thursday 10 June 2027
Sat 9: Saturday 12 June 2027 - Week 32: Thursday 17 June 2027