Course details
This diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits:
- In Stage 1, you’ll study a 60-credit introductory law module and two 30-credit language modules.
- Next, in Stage 2, you’ll study your second 60-credit law module and a 60-credit Spanish module.
Optional Access module – visit Entry requirements to find out about starting this course with a preparatory Access module.
In the first stage, you'll divide your study equally between law and language.
Which language modules you choose at Stage 1 will depend on your current Spanish language proficiency. You can either start at beginners’ level and then go on to intermediate level, or (if you have sufficient prior knowledge of Spanish) start at intermediate level and study an extra module –
Exploring languages and culture (L161). See our
guidance on choosing the right Spanish language level.
In the second stage, you’ll divide your study equally between law and Spanish.
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 9 August 2019.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Diploma of Higher Education in Law and Languages 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.
- Using and producing diagrams or screenshots.
- Undertaking practical work.
- Finding external/third party material online.
- Using specialist software.
- Continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, short answer questions, and in some cases an examination.
- Using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance.
- Some modules may require you to attend a residential school.
For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support 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 successfully completing this course, the name of your undergraduate diploma will reflect your chosen language:
- Diploma of Higher Education in Law and French.
- Diploma of Higher Education in Law and German.
- Diploma of Higher Education in Law and Spanish.
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.
However, there’s a choice of starting points in the modern-language element – 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 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.
Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner
Preparing for study with an Access module
If your study skills are a bit rusty or you want to try out Open University study before committing yourself, don’t worry! The OU offers Access modules designed to introduce the subject area, build your confidence and prepare you for further study, and you may be eligible to study an Access module for free! You’ll get:
- a personal tutor providing regular feedback with one to one telephone tutorials
- support from a dedicated team throughout your study
- detailed written feedback.
For this qualification we recommend:
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, and would like to develop both your subject knowledge and your study skills. It explores a range of subjects, including art history, English, English language studies, history, modern languages, and also touches on the areas of creative writing and religious studies.
View full details of Arts and languages Access module
Y031
People, work and society Access module
Skills for career development
You’ll develop a broad set of employability skills, including the ability to:
- Understand the foundation subjects of law and the legal system of England and Wales.
- Apply legal principles to resolve issues.
- Present and make a reasoned choice between different opinions and solutions.
- Read and discuss complex and technical legal materials.
- Communicate effectively, clearly and accurately with others.
- Use information and communication technology (ICT) effectively.
- Manage time and work independently and as part of a team.
- Take responsibility for your own personal development, set realistic objectives and meet your own goals.
- Manage and motivate yourself.
- Plan, organise and prioritise your work, evaluate and reflect on it.
Career relevance
Studying law alongside a modern language opens up many career options in law-related fields, business and finance or international organisations. Your understanding of another language and the cultures that use it is an asset that will be highly valued by employers, and that will widen your opportunities in the international market. A qualification in law and a language can lead to opportunities in a wide range of areas such as:
- Business and finance.
- Civil service.
- Human resources.
- Paralegal professions.
- Journalism.
- Research.
- Translation and interpreting.
- Editing and publishing.
Other careers
Employers are keen to utilise the legal awareness that law and languages graduates offer. They value applicants who can communicate well, analyse, evaluate and present ideas and arguments effectively. Developed legal thinking can be a firm basis to move into areas such as the civil service, tax advice or journalism. If you want to work as a translator in your chosen language, this diploma will allow you to develop a law specialism.
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of 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 diploma.
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.
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 beyond your degree):
- Barrister.
- Barrister’s clerk.
- Legal executive.
- Paralegal.
- Judge.
- Usher.
- Researcher.
- Legal cashier.
- Legal secretary.
- Civil servant.
- Company secretary.
- Patent attorney.
- Tax adviser.
- Editor.
- Publisher.
- Translator.
- Interpreter.
- Teacher.