The module has three blocks. Each block consists of a book and some related online activities.
In Block 1, Language and Culture, you’ll learn basic concepts about the nature of language and culture, and their relationship. First, you’ll explore the human need for myths and stories. Then, you’ll examine how the components of language work together. Finally, the perspective broadens to show the complex relationships between language, culture, and the concept of nation.
In Block 2, Identity and Ideology, you’ll examine languages and cultures in contact across different nations and communities. The units in this block explore the complex web of values and beliefs that shape individual and collective identity, holding nations and communities together. They also take a critical lens to analyse the intricate interactions between identity and ideology.
In Block 3, Communication in the Workplace, you’ll develop your intercultural competence with a special focus on teamwork and leadership. Working with the materials in this block, you’ll explore different professional contexts and will enhance both your intercultural communication and employability skills.
Throughout the module, you’ll encounter a variety of examples and be encouraged to compare them to your own experiences.
This module equips you with a solid understanding of language, helping you recognise how it works and how it’s used across different contexts and purposes. It also provides a strong foundation in key cultural concepts, developing your intercultural awareness and communication skills. This module provides a critical understanding of intercultural issues that will support you throughout your further studies in languages or any subject you choose.
You’ll develop core competences and skills, including intercultural communicative competence, knowledge of the world, digital and information literacies, employability and professional skills, knowledge of genre and register, academic reading and listening skills, and academic writing and speaking.
Employability skills developed through this module include selecting and presenting information, mediating between cultures and intercultural communication.
The Chartered Institute of Marketing now recognises this module under its Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You'll be provided with a printed module book covering each block of study.
You'll also have access to a module website, which includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
L161 is an option module in our:
Exploring languages and cultures (L161) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2033.
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.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.
You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:
Joint loan applications
If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.
As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
