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Course type: Diploma

Diploma

Widely recognised qualification.

Equivalent to the first two thirds of an honours degree.

Enhance your professional and technical skills or extend your knowledge and understanding of a subject.

Study for interest or career development.

Top up to a full honours degree in just two years.
Credits: 240

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.
How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

Diploma of Higher Education in Language Studies

: Course code: W41

This diploma will equip you to communicate in different languages, develop your cultural understanding, and explore the structure and use of language in different contexts. Starting with a broad grounding in the study of language, you’ll study either two modern languages – choosing from French, German and Spanish – or combine one with English. By the end of your studies, you’ll be able to engage successfully in a variety of linguistic environments – opening doors to other cultures and communities and exciting career opportunities.

Key features

Course details

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

How you'll study

Careers

Develops you into an independent user (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level B2) of at least one modern language
Develops knowledge of the cultures that use your chosen languages
Extends your competence in intercultural communication
Allows you to understand how language is structured and used in different contexts

Course type

Diploma

Credits

240

How long it takes

Part-time study – 4 years

Full-time study – 2 years

Time limit – 12 years

Study method

Distance learning

Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

This languages qualification has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

In Stage 1, you’ll study a compulsory 30-credit or 60-credit module, depending on if you choose to combine English language studies with a modern language or choose two modern languages. You’ll choose your remaining 90 or 60 credits from a range of language modules.
In Stage 2, you’ll study a 60-credit module in each of your chosen subjects/languages.

Your chosen route will be a combination of two subjects: either English language studies with a modern language (French, German or Spanish) OR two of these modern languages.

You have two options for completing the different stages of your study:

Study both subjects at the same time, working through Stages 1 and 2 in order.
Study one subject first, completing these subject modules at each Stage, then repeating the route for your second subject.

We strongly advise that you start your study with either Introducing English language studies (L101) or Exploring languages and cultures (L161), depending on your chosen route.

For modern language modules, your choice at Stage 1 will depend on your current level of language proficiency. If you are unsure about your current level, you can use our languages self-assessment quiz or see Entry requirements for more advice.

We also strongly recommend you do not study Beginners' and Intermediate modules together, unless you already have sufficient prior knowledge of the language to study at the Intermediate level.

English language studies and a modern language

**English and French; English and German; or English and Spanish**
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Introducing English language studies (L101)	60
You'll choose 60 credits from the following lists (at least 30 credits must be from list B):
List A
Introduction to French studies (beginners) (L102)	30
Introduction to German studies (beginners) (L103)	30
Introduction to Spanish studies (beginners) (L106)	30
Beginners’ Chinese (L108)	30
Exploring languages and cultures (L161)	30
English for academic purposes online (L185)	30
List B
French studies 1 (intermediate) (L112)	30
German studies 1 (intermediate) (L113)	30
Spanish studies 1 (intermediate) (L116)	30

Two modern languages

**French and German; French and Spanish; or German and Spanish**
Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Exploring languages and cultures (L161)	30
You'll choose 90 credits from the following lists (at least 30 must be from list B):
List A
Introduction to French studies (beginners) (L102)	30
Introduction to German studies (beginners) (L103)	30
Introduction to Spanish studies (beginners) (L106)	30
Beginners’ Chinese (L108)	30
Introducing English language studies (L101)	60
English for academic purposes online (L185)	30
List B
French studies 1 (intermediate) (L112)	30
German studies 1 (intermediate) (L113)	30
Spanish studies 1 (intermediate) (L116)	30

In Stage 2, you’ll continue with your chosen subject combination.

English and French

English and French
Modules	Credits
You'll study both of the following:
English in the world (L201)	60
French studies 2: language and culture of the French-speaking world (L222)	60

English and German

English and German
Modules	Credits
You'll study both of the following:
English in the world (L201)	60
German studies 2: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L223)	60

English and Spanish

English and Spanish
Modules	Credits
You'll study both of the following:
English in the world (L201)	60
Spanish studies 2: language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world (L226)	60

French and German

French and German
Modules	Credits
You'll study both of the following:
French studies 2: language and culture of the French-speaking world (L222)	60
German studies 2: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L223)	60

French and Spanish

French and Spanish
Modules	Credits
You'll study both of the following:
French studies 2: language and culture of the French-speaking world (L222)	60
Spanish studies 2: language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world (L226)	60

German and Spanish

German and Spanish
Modules	Credits
You'll study both of the following:
German studies 2: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L223)	60
Spanish studies 2: language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world (L226)	60

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 19 March 2024.

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our Diploma of Higher Education in Language Studies uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
Online tutorials
Group-work
Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
Finding external/third-party material online
Accessing online catalogues and databases
Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, spoken presentations and interactive speaking assessments
Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
Embedded virtual field trip (Level 2 language modules)

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions.

Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding
Cognitive skills
Practical and professional skills
Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

On completion

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Diploma of Higher Education in Language Studies.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

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

Diploma of Higher Education in Language Studies

Compare this course

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

However, you’ll need to choose whether to start with a beginners or intermediate language module.

Beginners or intermediate language module?

You may wish to start with an intermediate module if you have knowledge of your chosen language(s) equivalent to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level A2. Otherwise, we recommend you start with a beginners module.¹

You shouldn’t study a beginners module and an intermediate module in the same language simultaneously unless you already have significant knowledge of the language.

Our guidance can help you decide between starting with a beginners or intermediate module.

¹If you study Beginners Chinese (L108), you’ll need CEFR level A2 in your chosen language (French, German or Spanish) to continue to intermediate level.

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback on your work.

The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Arts and languages Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the arts, humanities and languages. It's perfect preparation for your study with The Open University as you'll develop both your subject knowledge and your study skills. From the perspective of its central theme, ‘popular protest’, it explores a range of subjects, including art history, English, English language studies, history, and popular music, all through its central theme of ‘popular protest’. The module also offers an opportunity to explore other subjects, such as modern languages, classical studies, religious studies and creative writing.

View full details of Arts and languages Access module

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Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Qualification	Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University**	Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree	£27,750	£21,816	£5,934 (21%)
Diploma of Higher Education	£18,500	£14,544	£3,956 (21%)
Certificate of Higher Education	£9,250	£7,272	£1,978 (21%)

Honours Degree

Total cost at campus university* £27,750

Total cost at The Open University** £21,816

Saving with The Open University £5,934 (21%)

Diploma of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £18,500

Total cost at The Open University** £14,544

Saving with The Open University £3,956 (21%)

Certificate of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £9,250

Total cost at The Open University** £7,272

Saving with The Open University £1,978 (21%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for 24/25 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section C of the University's Fee Rules.

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
details of each assignment and their due dates
a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

Tutor support

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
guide you to learning resources
support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
If a module has an in-person exam (that you must take at one of our exam centres) or is invigilated online, we’ll make this clear in the module description.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.
Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
free Microsoft Office 365 software
IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Skills for career development

By the end of your studies, you’ll be a competent communicator in another language with an awareness of cultural differences and similarities – attributes that are particularly valuable in an environment of increasing international contact. If you learn about English alongside another language, your study of its structure, history, and place in societies and cultures will greatly enrich and develop your understanding of all aspects of communication.

Certain skills flow directly from your studies, like translation, effective communication in more than one language, the ability to compose and analyse a range of texts, and the ability to work well with members of other cultures and communities. You’ll also develop a broad set of employability skills, including the ability to:

plan, organise and prioritise your work and motivate yourself when working both independently and as part of a team
understand contemporary global issues and appreciate cultural diversity
draw together, analyse and critically evaluate information
use your knowledge about how language works in a range of settings
communicate effectively, clearly and accurately with others
put together reasoned arguments and question assumptions
use information and communication technology (ICT) effectively
analyse data and undertake research using a range of methods.

Career relevance

Languages are central to some professions, such as translating, interpreting and teaching. They are also a key asset in the diplomatic service, tourism and international business and administration. This diploma will take your language skills to a high level.

Other careers

Language skills are also highly valued in a range of other sectors. Surveys indicate that employers place a premium on the ability to make contact and communicate with global trade partners and to understand overseas business environments and that they often acknowledge this with higher salaries. The languages most in demand in UK industry are French, German, Spanish and Mandarin.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the website are available to see at any time, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience):

teacher
language teacher in modern languages or English as a foreign language
lecturer
translator
interpreter

diplomatic service officer
journalist
advertising account manager
marketing officer
copywriter

editor
PR consultant
tour manager
event organiser
travel agency manager.

Thinking of studying this course?

This course will next open for registration in March 2025. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.

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