You can do a British Sign Language and deaf studies degree but it's not essential.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You can do a college qualification like:

• Level 3 Award In Signing and Receiving Skills in British Sign Language
• Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language Studies
• Level 3 Certificate in Communication Support for Deaf Learners

You'll be expected to have a level 2 sign language qualification to get onto one of these courses.

You can do further qualifications at higher levels once you start work.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You may be able to find a job as an assistant communication support worker and complete a qualification while working.

You might find it easier to get a job if you get experience working or volunteering with children who are deaf or have hearing problems.

You can do sign language training with Signature or complete a certificate in Learning Support for Communication Support Workers.

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to enjoy working with other people
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of psychology
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

In this role you could:

• work out what will help students learn
• help students communicate
• support learners by lipspeaking and taking notes
• interpret between spoken English and sign language
• support learners to become more independent
  
• provide training for other staff and students

You could work at a school, at a special needs school, at a college or at a university.