If you’ve completed your BSL Level 1 course, and also achieved your BSL Level 2 certificate, 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.
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:
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:
During your BSL Level 3 course, you’ll cover three units and six topics to develop your skills in the following areas:
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:
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:
| Guided Learning Hours | Additional Study | Total Learning Hours | Credit Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | 100 | 250 | 25 |
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).
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.
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
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?
