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Diploma of Higher Education in English Language

This diploma explores human communication by focusing on the English language, its history, diversity and flexibility. You’ll learn what distinguishes machine language from human language and how people adapt and change their ways of communicating in multilingual and multicultural contexts. You’ll investigate how language works from the smallest units of sounds, through words, conversations and written texts. You’ll also explore English as a creative medium to express humour, thoughts and emotions. It’s not, however, designed to teach English to speakers of other languages.

Key features of the course

  • Explores the history of English, its contemporary diversity, its role as a global language and use in various parts of the world.
  • Engages in debates surrounding the historical and contemporary position of English in relation to other languages.
  • Teaches strategies that promote critical analysis and evaluation of texts, and an ability to reflect on your own language use.
  • Develops you as a competent communicator, enhancing your employability.
  • Reveals how the English language works, and how the choice of words and grammar affect the message.

A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, this diploma of higher education is also equivalent to the first two-thirds of the BA (Honours) English Language (R54).

Course Summary

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.

This type of course may be of particular interest if you’re living or working in Scotland.

Course code
W85
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.
240
How long it takes
Part time – 4 years
Full time – 2 years
Time limit – 12 years
Study method
Distance learning
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Course details Entry requirements Fees and funding Careers

Course details

This diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits:

  • You’ll start Stage 1 with a 60-credit English language module, followed by two 30-credit modules from English language and modern languages.
  • Finally, in Stage 2, you'll study another 60-credit English module and choose one 60-credit module from modern languages, English literature and creative writing.

Optional Access module – visit Entry requirements to find out about starting this course with a preparatory Access module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

This first stage will introduce you to the study of language and communication in English. You’ll also choose two further complementary modules from a selection of English language and modern language modules.
ModulesCredits
You'll study the following:
Introducing English language studies (L101)60
You'll choose two from:
Exploring languages and cultures (L161)30
English for academic purposes online (L185)30
Communication skills for business and management (LB170)30
Bon départ: beginners' French (L192)30
Rundblick: beginners' German (L193)30
Portales: beginners' Spanish (L194)30
Andante: beginners' Italian (L195)30
Beginners' Chinese (L197)30
French studies 1 (intermediate) (L112)30
German studies 1 (intermediate) (L113)30
Spanish studies 1 (intermediate) (L116)30
Vivace: intermediate Italian (L150)30

Stage 2 (120 credits)

In this second stage, you’ll examine the history of the English language and its position in the world today. You’ll also choose one further complementary module from English literature, creative writing and modern languages.
ModulesCredits
You'll study the following:
Worlds of English (U214)60
You'll choose one from:
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
Spanish studies 2: language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world (L226)60
Creative writing (A215)60
Reading and studying literature (A230)60
Telling stories – the novel and beyond (A233)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 31 July 2019.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The BA (Honours) English Language uses a variety of study materials and may have the following elements:

  • Studying a mixture of printed and online material.
  • Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes.
  • Working in a group with other students.
  • Undertaking language analysis.
  • Finding external/third party material online.

For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit our disability page to find more about what we offer. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss your individual requirements, so we can put arrangements in place before you start.

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; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you’ve already completed some study at another university, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – reducing the number of modules you need to study.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. Just tell us what you studied, where and when, and we’ll compare this against the learning outcomes for your chosen course.

For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

On completion

On completion of this undergraduate course, we'll award you the Diploma of Higher Education in English Language.

Recognition in your country

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. Read recognition in my country.

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. 

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

You don’t need any prior knowledge about the English language to start this qualification. However, it’s not designed to teach the English language to speakers of other languages, so you’ll need adequate reading and writing skills.

There’s a choice of starting points in the modern language(s) – your choice will depend on your current level of confidence and proficiency. See our guidance on choosing the right modern language level, which includes a self-assessment quiz to help you decide between beginners’ or intermediate French, German, Italian and Spanish.

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.

Your next step

Call us on +44 300 303 0266 or book a call back. Our friendly team of advisers will discuss your study options with you, and help you decide on the best starting point for you.

In this section:
How much will it cost?
Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

How much will it cost in England?

We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread, or even reduce, the cost.

  • Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.
  • A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.
  • If, like most OU students, you study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year, you'll take six years to complete an honours degree.
  • Our current fee for 60 credits is £3,012*.
  • Our current fee for 120 credits – which is equivalent to a year's full-time study – is £6,024*.
  • At current prices, the total cost of your qualification would be £12,048*.

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2020. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees.

Residential schools

This qualification includes optional language modules that include a residential school. For each residential school you must pay an additional charge of £293 (2019/20) to cover the cost of accommodation and meals. You’ll pay this charge when you book the residential school, after you’ve enrolled on the module. You must also pay for your travel to and from the venue. If you can’t attend the school for reasons beyond your control, there will be an online alternative (to which the additional charge doesn’t apply).

If this qualification also includes science modules, they could include or be associated with an optional residential/laboratory school. For each school you choose to attend, you must pay an additional charge to cover costs such as tuition, accommodation and meals (see individual module descriptions for more information). You must also pay for your travel to and from the venue.


Skills for career development

Employers greatly value the critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills acquired by studying an English language degree. You’ll sharpen your IT, writing, and independent thinking skills; and develop the ability to assimilate and evaluate relevant information in constructing an argument. These are key skills in complex organisations, greatly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering, or changing career.

Career relevance

Study of the English language requires an understanding of the diverse national and cultural environments in which it is used and the historical and political circumstances around its development and spread around the world. The breadth of study and understanding of social, cultural and political influences on communicative contexts creates critical global citizens able to evaluate information relevant to a variety of national and international interactions. This make this qualification relevant to a wide variety of careers, including:

  • Public administration, local government, the civil service, and social services.
  • Advertising, journalism, publishing, creative industries and public relations.
  • Education.
  • Legal work.
  • Business, banking and retail.
  • Human resources.
  • Charities and campaigning.

Other careers

Many jobs are open to students who have studied any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.

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 and vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

Register for this course

Start dates
Credit transfer: apply by 15/08/2019

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