The Faculty of Education and Language Studies presents a wide range of modules and qualifications which allow students to progress from undergraduate through to advanced level study and professional development. These fall into three main programme areas:
Professional development for education practitioners and allied professions
This range of modules meets professional needs in all sectors of education and offers innovative learning opportunities that develop knowledge and skills closely linked to professional practice. Individual modules and study pathways cover a wide range of priority areas and contribute to a variety of qualifications, including initial teacher education, the Masters Degree in Education and the Doctorate in Education.
Additionally we offer modules leading to a Foundation Degree in Sports, Fitness and Health.
Childhood and Youth Studies
Childhood and Youth is an increasingly high profile area of social policy. At the OU we offer modules in four designated areas of study: Early Years, Primary Years, Childhood and Youth Studies and Working with Young People. The modules in these areas are for students with a wide range of interests and backgrounds. Some assume no prior knowledge of the subject area. Students engage with the latest thinking, ideas, and research and there are modules that combine this theory with work-based learning. Individual modules can meet a specific professional need or study pathways can be built up into certificates, diplomas and degrees, some of which are nationally recognised vocational qualifications.
Modern Languages and English Language
Students studying modern language modules can build study pathways from beginners' language modules in French, German and Spanish into certificates and diplomas. We also offer beginners’ language modules in Welsh, Italian and Chinese. Some students continue study towards the Modern Language Studies degree. Our English Language and Linguistics modules also count towards a range of qualifications, including the English Language Diploma and the Modern Language Studies degree, and as options in Humanities degrees. Most language modules combine face to face and online tuition.
Professional Graduate Certificate in Education
Our PGCE offers an individual path to becoming a secondary teacher, incoporating qualified teacher status (QTS) and a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education. It is intended for students who wish to teach the 11 - 16 age group, with an optional post - 16 enhancement.