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.

Universities will want to know about your reasons for applying and will assess your BSL skills before you start.

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

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

Employers like 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.

You'll also be expected to have a qualification in your own subject area aside from BSL, and usually a teaching award. For example a Level 4 or 5 Diploma in Education and Training to teach in a college.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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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 or the Institute of British Sign Language. These organisations offer qualifications 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.

Further information

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

You'll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of English language
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Your day-to-day duties will depend on the age group you’re working with, but you may:

• plan and prepare lessons
• teach students to learn sign language
• teach curriculum subjects to pupils, using sign language
• set project work and mark essays and exams
• check students' progress
• work with staff teams to develop new courses and teaching materials
• talk to parents and carers about their children's progress
• take part in meetings and events like open days
• attend professional development training courses
• maintain and update student records

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