Using Artificial Intelligence on a tablet
Course type
Diploma
Credits
120

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
2 years part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Course cost
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements

Postgraduate Diploma in Linguistics

Course code: E99

The Postgraduate Diploma in Linguistics explores the fundamental roles language plays across diverse personal and professional settings. You’ll start by examining the core components underpinning linguistic study, engaging with various theoretical approaches to language and exploring how its building blocks are employed to construct meaning. You’ll also gain experience in applying different methodologies for language analysis before choosing one of two specialist routes. In the Applied Linguistics route, you’ll explore the English language and linguistics in relation to a variety of professional contexts or focus on the intricate relationship between language usage and rapidly evolving global technologies with the Artificial Intelligence route. On completion, you can use your diploma as a pathway to the MA in Linguistics.

  • Choose between specialising in applied linguistics or the use of artificial intelligence in linguistics.
  • Improve your professional practice by engaging with contemporary issues, concepts and debates that enrich your knowledge.
  • Become an independent and advanced scholar as you learn within and about your own context.
Course type
Diploma
Credits
120

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
2 years part-time study
Read more about how long it takes
Study method
Distance learning
Course cost
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements

How to register

Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.

Modules

To gain this qualification, you require 120 credits from the modules in one of the following specialisms:

Linguistics (Applied)

Stage 1 (60 credits)

Compulsory module Credits Next start
Core concepts in linguistics (L804)

This module introduces you to the foundations of linguistic study with a focus on real-world examples where language plays a critical role.

See full description

Register
60 04 Oct 2025

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module EE817.

Stage 2 (60 credits)

Compulsory module Credits Next start
Applying linguistics in society (L805) PLANNED
60  Oct 2025

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module EE818.

Linguistics (Artificial Intelligence)

Stage 1 (60 credits)

Compulsory module Credits Next start
Core concepts in linguistics (L804)

This module introduces you to the foundations of linguistic study with a focus on real-world examples where language plays a critical role.

See full description

Register 
60 04 Oct 2025

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module EE817.

Stage 2 (60 credits)

Compulsory module Credits Next start
Language, society and artificial intelligence (L806) PLANNED 
60  Oct 2025

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 40 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.


Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes.

Credit transfer

If you’ve successfully completed some relevant postgraduate study elsewhere, you might be able to count it towards this qualification, reducing the number of modules you need to study. You should apply for credit transfer as soon as possible, before you register for your first module. For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.


On completion

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Postgraduate Diploma in Linguistics. You'll be entitled to use the letters PG Dip Ling (Open) after your name.

You can progress from this Postgraduate Diploma in Linguistics to our MA in Linguistics (F97).

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. 


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.

To study for this postgraduate diploma you must hold a bachelors degree from a UK university or another recognised degree-awarding body, or a qualification at an equivalent level.

As our modules are taught in English, your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study in the UK. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 7 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see their website for details.

If you are not sure whether your qualifications and experience are suitable, please contact us for advice.

How long it takes

Most students study the Postgraduate Diploma in Linguistics part-time, completing 60 credits a year over two years. Typically, this means 19 study hours each week.

Career relevance

Throughout the world there is an increasing demand for professionals with a grasp of how language works. You’ll sharpen your IT, writing, and independent thinking skills, develop your ability to respond to feedback as well as demonstrating your time management. These are key skills in complex organisations, greatly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering, or changing career.

This qualification is designed to enrich your knowledge and improve your professional practice. On completing your studies, you should be able to:

  • demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems at a professional or equivalent level
  • reflect critically and constructively, in the light of ideas and frameworks presented in the modules, on how these apply to your practice and organisational context.
You will also acquire qualities and transferable skills that are highly prized by employers within education and related fields, such as:
  • exercising initiative and personal responsibility
  • the ability to make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations
  • the ability to draw on appropriate research and ethical understanding
  • the production of reports/outputs for academic and professional purposes.

You will be guided through the materials and learn how you can recognise and acknowledge these additional skills.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.

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Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.

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