British Sign Language teacher

You can do a foundation degree or a degree in British Sign Language (BSL) and deaf studies.

Some knowledge of BSL will be helpful when you apply, though this is not always essential.

After finishing your course, you could go on to complete a teaching qualification, like a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), which you may need if you want to teach in schools.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You can do a Level 1 and 2 Certificate in British Sign Language (BSL) before moving on to a higher level qualification.

Employers including schools and colleges usually look for a minimum of a Level 3 or 4 Certificate in British Sign Language. Some will ask for a Level 6 Certificate.

To work as a BSL teacher, you'll normally be expected to have a qualification in your own subject area aside from BSL, and a teaching qualification.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You can start as a sign language teaching assistant or communication support worker and do training on the job to get a British Sign Language (BSL) qualification at level 3 or higher.

You can then do further study for a teaching or training qualification to become a BSL teacher.

You can also train in BSL, if you're already working as a teacher in a school or college.

You can complete British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications with a professional body like Signature . Qualifications start from introductory level up to level 6.

It is recommended that you work towards a Level 6 Certificate in British Sign Language, if you want be a BSL teacher.

Career Tips

The length of time it takes to complete a BSL qualification varies, depending on how you choose to study. For example, a Level 6 Certificate takes 360 learning hours . You can discuss study options with your training provider.

Further Information

You can find out more about how to become a British Sign Language teacher from Signature.

Your daily routine will depend on the age group you're working with, but you may:

• plan and prepare lessons
• teach students sign language
• teach curriculum subjects to students, using sign language
• check and record students' progress
• work with staff teams to develop new courses and teaching materials
• talk to parents and carers about students' progress

You could work at a school, at a special needs school, at a language school, at a college or in the community.