British Sign Language Level 3 Certificate

If you’ve completed your BSL Level 1 and 2 qualifications and are keen to develop your skills further, consider trying a British Sign Language Level 3 course.

This is the ideal qualification for anyone who wants to use BSL more confidently in everyday situations and potentially explore new career opportunities. 

Across 250 hours of guided and additional learning, you’ll build on your knowledge from your previous BSL courses and improve your signing so you can feel more confident communicating in a variety of situations. You’ll also get a deeper understanding of Deaf culture and develop your skills for real-life conversations.

Who can enrol on a British Sign Language Level 3 course?

To enrol on a British Sign Language Level 3 course, you’ll need to have your Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications or equivalent experience so you can expand on your foundation of knowledge. For example, many Deaf learners or children of Deaf parents can start at BSL Level 3. As with other sign language qualifications, BSL standards also require you to have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, and facial and body movement to produce and receive BSL.

(It is the responsibility of the centre to ensure both of these requirements have been met before accepting a learner for this qualification).

British Sign Language Level 3 course aims

A Level 3 qualification in British Sign Language is equivalent to Modern Foreign Language studies at AS and A2 level. It’s an ideal BSL course for learners who have already done their Level 2 and want to enhance their skills and knowledge.

You might choose to enrol on this course if you:

  • Work regularly with Deaf people
  • Aspire to careers involving interaction with the Deaf community
  • Simply want to deepen your BSL knowledge and proficiency

Through achieving this qualification, you’ll be able to understand and use varied BSL in a range of work and social situations. You’ll develop advanced knowledge of the structure and function of British Sign Language and learn more about the Deaf community and Deaf culture.

There are three key learning objectives for this course:

  1. LO1 – Use receptive and productive skills to engage in varied social interaction.

  2. LO2 – Maintain fluency, grammatical accuracy and coherence in sustained contributions containing varied language.

  3. LO3 – Understand sustained signed communication containing varied language

BSL Level 3 qualification structure and topics

During your BSL Level 3 course, you’ll cover three units and six topics to develop your skills in the following areas:

  • A variety of social interactions in BSL, including humour, giving formal advice, and expressing feelings.

  • Fluency, grammar, and coherence.

  • Understanding sustained signed communication.

The topics you’ll learn about and discuss will provide plenty of opportunities to explore turn-taking and cultural conventions, use a broad range of vocabulary, and distinguish opinions and feelings from facts. You’ll also be able to use advanced verb forms, timeframes, and aspects, all while focusing on accurate grammar.

These topics will include:

  • Home life
  • Social and recreational activities
  • Education and training
  • Employment
  • Consumer issues and daily living
  • Deaf history and culture

BSL Level 3 assessments

BSL is naturally used in two-way interactions — such as discussions, conversations, and — as well as one-way interactions (monologues, presentations, for example). With this in mind, you’ll need to showcase both receptive and productive BSL skills through three assessments.

  • 3ASS1 – Formal Presentation
  • 3ASS2 – Informal Conversation
  • 3ASS3 – Receptive Skills

How long does it take to gain a qualification in BSL Level 3

A British Sign Language Level 3 qualification is worth 25 credits, which means you’ll need to do 250 hours of learning. This will be split into 150 guided learning hours (where you’ll be in timetabled learning for face-to-face contact) and 100 hours of additional, independent learning. 

Your guided learning hours (GLH) may include video call lessons as well as in-person teaching. It can also include:

  • Classroom-based teaching
  • Individual or group
  • Feedback or observed practice
  • Assessments
Guided Learning HoursAdditional StudyTotal Learning HoursCredit Value
15010025025

Why learn BSL with Signature?

​​Learning a language is an incredibly rewarding journey, and progressing to Level 3 in British Sign Language is an exciting step forward. While moving to a more advanced level can feel challenging, you’ll be in safe hands when you book a course with Signature. 

We’ve got over 40 years of experience in delivering BSL courses and have supported more than 600,000 learners. Our experienced and highly skilled teachers are dedicated to helping you build confidence and fluency. They’ll guide you through the complexities of BSL grammar, vocabulary, and cultural understanding in a way that’s approachable and engaging.

Plus, our courses are nationally recognised and accredited by Ofqual, so you know your learning will be of the highest standards. 

Learn more about studying BSL with Signature.

Boost your learning with BSLHomework

​​The best way to develop your BSL skills is to keep practising, and our helpful homework packages provide handy resources to support your learning. 

BSLHomework is our comprehensive online library of video clips and support materials. You’ll find resources to help you understand your BSL Level 3 assessments and develop your vocabulary further. You can access these resources from the comfort of your own home or even on the go.  

Packages start from £60.00

Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language

Book your place on a BSL Level 3 course from Signature

Whether you want to use BSL professionally or personally, a Level 3 course will equip you with the tools to communicate effectively with members of the Deaf community and make a lasting impact.

A BSL course led by one of our supportive teachers will help you build confidence, improve fluency, and deepen your understanding of Deaf culture in an encouraging and inclusive environment.

Our finder tool can help you find your nearest course centre — so book your place and get ready to develop your BSL skills on a Level 3 course.

And why not explore our other sign language courses, including BSL Level 4 and BSL Level 6, when you want to progress further? 

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