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An image to illustrate the Diploma of Higher Education in English Language
Explore human communication by focusing on the history, diversity and flexibility of the English language. You’ll learn what distinguishes machine language from human language and how people adapt communication in multilingual and multicultural contexts. You’ll investigate how language works, from written texts and conversations down to the smallest units of sound, and explore English as a creative medium for expressing humour, thoughts and emotions. While not designed to teach English to speakers of other languages, this diploma gives you the tools to think critically about language and prepares you for further study or a career where strong communication skills matter.
A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, this Diploma of Higher Education is equivalent to the first two-thirds of the BA (Honours) English Language (R54). Similarly, our Certificate of Higher Education in English Language (T44) corresponds to the first third of the degree.
This English language diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
This 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.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Introducing English language studies (L101)60Oct
You’ll choose two from:
Exploring languages and cultures (L161)30Oct
Communication skills for business and management (LB170)30Oct
Beginners’ Chinese (L108)30Oct
Introduction to French studies (beginners) (L102)30Oct
Introduction to German studies (beginners) (L103)30Oct
Introduction to Spanish studies (beginners) (L106)30Oct
Intermediate Chinese (L118)30Oct
French studies 1 (intermediate) (L112)30Oct
German studies 1 (intermediate) (L113)30Oct
Spanish studies 1 (intermediate) (L116)30Oct
Please note: If you plan to study a modern language, you should choose modules that match your prior level of study.

In this second stage, you’ll examine the history of the English language and its position in today's world. You’ll also choose one further complementary module from English literature, creative writing or modern languages.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
English in the world (L201)60Oct
You’ll choose one from:
French studies 2: language and culture of the French-speaking world (L222)60Oct
German studies 2: language and culture of the German-speaking world (L223)60Oct
Spanish studies 2: language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world (L226)60Oct
Creative writing (A215)60Oct
Literature matters (A240)60Oct
Telling stories: the novel and beyond (A233)60Oct | Feb

By studying this diploma, you’ll:
You’ll be supported by personal tutors, high-quality materials and online tutorials, with opportunities to apply linguistic analysis to everyday language use.
You’ll be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in English Language upon successful completion.
You’ll have the opportunity to attend an award ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
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 to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You can achieve this diploma in as little as two years and have a maximum of 12 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
You can complete this diploma in two years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
You can complete this diploma in four years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
You don’t need any prior knowledge of the English language to start this qualification. However, it’s not designed to teach English to speakers of other languages, so you’ll need adequate reading and writing skills.
If you're interested in taking a language module, there’s a choice of starting points – 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.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

4 years
£4,088*
A diploma is worth 240 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 4 years.
£16,352*
Our qualifications cost less than equivalent-level qualifications offered at campus-based universities.
Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£29,370
£29,370
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£24,528
£24,528
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£19,580
£19,580
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£16,352
£16,352
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£9,790
£9,790
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£8,176
£8,176
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£1,614
£1,614
Qualification
Qualification
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
£29,370
£29,370
£24,528
£24,528
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
£19,580
£19,580
£16,352
£16,352
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
£9,790
£9,790
£8,176
£8,176
£1,614
£1,614
*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 26/27 academic year.
**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to a fee limit, as set out in the University's Fee Rules.

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.
You may be eligible for:
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 careers.
The 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 makes this qualification relevant to a wide variety of careers, including:
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.
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, a 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.
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.
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Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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