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French studies 1 (intermediate)

This module takes you to an intermediate level of linguistic competence in French, which is equivalent to B1 level of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You will develop your confidence in listening, reading, writing, speaking and interacting in French, as well as your knowledge and understanding of French-speaking societies and cultures. In addition, the module is designed to expand your academic, digital and employability skills in French contexts. You will have the option to study most activities in a book or as interactive online activities on the module website. Some activities are only available online. The website uses authentic online resources in support of independent and collaborative learning.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

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Module

Module code

L112

Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
30

Study level

Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU module levels correspond to these frameworks.
Level of Study
OU SCQF FHEQ
1 7 4

Study method

Distance Learning

Module cost

See Module registration

Entry requirements

See Entry requirements

Student Reviews

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Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

This module is based around six themes: Geography; Celebrations, Customs and traditions; Education and employment; Leisure and culture; Contemporary society; and History. Through each theme, you will gradually develop your French knowledge and skills by:

  • familiarising yourself with core vocabulary and grammar
  • learning about and reflecting on language, culture and intercultural communication skills
  • studying with audio recordings and videos featuring speakers of French and their lives and environments 
  • engaging in a wide variety of speaking and interactive activities
  • practising direct translation to support your language learning 
  • working independently and in collaboration with others
  • reviewing and monitoring your progress using checklists, and reflective questions.

The study materials are carefully structured and graded, and provide ample opportunities to practise the language in realistic contexts.

Vocational relevance

Alongside language-specific skills and knowledge (e.g. grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, writing, listening, speaking, interacting, cultural knowledge), you will develop intercultural communication skills, and translation skills, as well as academic, digital and employability skills. You will also learn about working practices in French-speaking countries and about using appropriate conventions for writing CVs and letters of application.

You will develop good communication skills and learn how to analyse, evaluate and present ideas and arguments effectively; and will become adept at relating to other people and being open to different points of view, all of which are highly valued skills in many professional settings.

Professional recognition

This module will develop your proficiency in French to a level equivalent to B1 level of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for languages.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module. They’ll help by:

  • marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
  • providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
  • guiding you to additional learning resources
  • facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.

Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

The iCMAs test your reading and listening skills. The TMAs test your writing and speaking skills. The final TMA is an interactive speaking assignment which will be carried out by your tutor online.

Future availability

French studies 1 (intermediate) (L112) starts once a year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2026.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Course work includes:

4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
4 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
No examination


Entry requirements

This is an OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning.

You require a working knowledge of French to study this module, equivalent to A2 level of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for languages. It is ideal if you have successfully completed Introduction to French studies (beginners) (L102) or if you have reached a similar linguistic standard. You do not need a formal qualification in the language, but may have acquired your knowledge in adult education classes, time spent in French-speaking countries, regular contact with French-speaking people or other sources. You should be able to understand basic written and spoken materials and to hold a basic conversation in French in everyday situations such as talking about yourself; your family and where you are from; booking a hotel; or asking for directions.

To help decide if you have sufficient French to take this module with confidence, use our self-assessment quiz. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser

Preparatory work

Before the module begins, we suggest that you continue to use your French in any way you can. You could do this by reading a French newspaper, using online resources, or watching some films in French. Anything you can do to keep practising your French will be helpful. Preparatory materials which help to revise the content of the previous module are available to students once they have registered with the University.

In addition, if you have studied the previous level 1 module, you can also revisit some of the activities and watch and listen to the audio materials from your materials. If you haven't studied this module, you can practise with these free online materials from OpenLearn by selecting French, Level 1.

Register

Start End Fee
- - -

No current presentation - see Future availability
This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2026.

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In the meantime, explore our overview of Fees and funding.

Can you study an Access module for free?

Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.

To qualify, you must:

  1. be resident in England
  2. have a household income of not more than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
  3. have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years

How to apply to study an Access module for free

Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.

If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069, or you can request a call back.

Not eligible to study for free?

Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

  • monthly payments through OUSBA
  • part-time tuition fee loan (you'll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.

What's included

You'll have access to a module website, which includes:

  • a module guide
  • a week-by-week study planner
  • interactive reading, writing, listening and speaking activities, including audio and video content
  • assessment details and submission section
  • access to forums where you can interact with your tutor and fellow students
  • online tutorial access.

You'll also be provided with three printed module books, each covering two blocks of study. The content of these books is available online, and the audio and video files needed can be downloaded from the website.

You will need

We recommend that you purchase a good bilingual dictionary. We will provide you with details of the latest editions of those that we consider will be most suitable, prior to you starting this module.

You’ll be asked to watch one French-language film that you’ll need to source yourself. The titles of the films you can choose from will be provided when you begin the module.

Computing requirements

You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.

Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.

It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying L112 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.