Professional Communication

Support

This advanced Level 3 stream covers the essential knowledge, understanding and skills for a career in Professional Communication Support for those who are deaf or deafblind.
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Accredited Course UK standard qualifications

  • Starts03 April 2026
  • Time10am to 4pm Fridays
  • Duration8 months
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INtroduction

Welcome to the Level 3 Communication Support Worker course!

The aim of this advanced qualification is that learners will acquire the essential knowledge, understanding and skills for a career in Professional Communication Support with Notetaking for those who are deaf or deafblind, whose first language is English.

At the end of the qualification, learners will be able to:

  • Demonstrate good practice in their area of professional activity
  • Demonstrate their ability to carry out professional
    communication assignments to a professional standard
  • Be fully aware of the role of someone working in the field of
    professional communication support
  • Evaluate and reflect on performance
  • Promote personal and professional development

The course has two parts. Part 1 covers general theory for all participants. Part 2 has a number of optional streams that lead to a particular specialisation. Here at Appa we offer the choices of:

Stream 2: Notetaking

  • Understand the different methods and purposes of Electronic and manual note-taking for different clients in different settings.

Stream 6: Communication Support in Education and Training

  • Know and understand the structure of education and training, along with the types of support required within different educational settings. 
  • Participants must have a BSL Level 3 qualification
  • On course completion a participant can register as a TSLI
Sign language teacher in front of a flipchart.

Course Units

Part 1: Preparing

Learn the underpinning knowledge and key facts about of deafness and deafblindness.

LO1: Know key facts about deafness and deafblindness and communication tactics

LO2: Understand the impact of being deaf/deafblind in a hearing world

LO3: Be able to modify language to make it accessible for deaf and deafblind people

LO4: Know how to prepare for professional assignments

Part 2: Undertaking

Learn the practical skills required for practice.

LO1: Be able to apply the principles within one or more areas of practice

LO2: Carry out professional assignments within one or more areas of practice to a professional standard

LO3: Work as part of a team with a co-worker

LO4: Use technology effectively to perform remote assignments within one or more areas of practice

LO5: Evaluate performance and plan/implement continuous professional development

find your answers here

frequently asked questions

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The best place to find more details on the course itself is on the Signature Specifications page. 

This course is face-to-face and available for remote access via Zoom. The course is live and not pre-recorded, so attendance must be on time and for the duration.

Learners must:

  • For Stream 2 Notetaking: English at GCSE level or equivalent. Ideally, at A-Level equivalent.
  • For Stream 3 Communication Support in Education and Training: Level 3 in British Sign Language

Fees can be paid upfront or in instalments. For this course, you can pay in 3, 6 or 9 monthly instalments. We use a payment processor that will automatically take payment from your account on the same day every month.

All payment plans are interest-free, and all prices are inclusive. You only pay what you see. The main rule is that the first payment must be made before classes start. Places can be reserved for a £50 deposit, which is deducted from your first payment.

Payment Plans
Full payment, 3 monthly, 6 monthly, 9 monthly

Signature specifies and accredits BSL qualifications in the UK under OFQUAL. A Signature qualification is recorded under your National Learning Record, is portable across other national accredited bodies and is regulated for quality.

Learn before you start

Study Tips!

BSL uses finger spelling for names or information that may not have a sign. It’s really important to master this skill. Click to download a pdf.

Similarly, BSL uses fingers for numbers; Another really important skill to learn. Click to download a pdf.

Here are some useful resources that will help you with your studies:

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