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An image to illustrate the Certificate of Higher Education in Children and Families
Learning a language connects you with people, cultures and ideas. This certificate offers a flexible introduction to language study, helping you build confidence and develop key study skills while exploring how languages work and what they reveal about culture and communication. You can choose French, German or Spanish at beginner and intermediate levels, or explore the intersection of language, linguistics and culture. By the end of the course, you’ll have progressed well beyond the basics in at least one of your chosen languages, gained the confidence to use it in real-world contexts, and be ready for further study.
A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, this Certificate of Higher Education is equivalent to the first third of the BA (Honours) Language Studies (Q30). Similarly, our Diploma of Higher Education in Language Studies (W41) is equivalent to the first two-thirds of the degree.
This languages certificate has one stage, comprising 120 credits.
In Stage 1, you’ll study a compulsory 30-credit or 60-credit module. If you intend to progress onto the BA (Honours) or Diploma of Higher Education, your choice of module depends on whether you intend to combine English language studies with a modern language or study two modern languages. You’ll choose your remaining 90 or 60 credits from a range of language modules.
For modern language modules, your choice will depend on your current level of language proficiency. If you are unsure about your current level, you can use our language self-assessment quiz or see Entry Requirements for more advice.

ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Introducing English language studies (L101)60Oct
You'll choose 60 credits from the following lists (at least 30 credits must be from list B):
List A
Introduction to French studies (beginners) (L102)30Oct
Introduction to German studies (beginners) (L103)30Oct
Introduction to Spanish studies (beginners) (L106)30Oct
Beginners’ Chinese (L108)30Oct
Intermediate Chinese (L118)30Oct
Exploring languages and cultures (L161)30Oct
List B
French studies 1 (intermediate) (L112)30Oct
German studies 1 (intermediate) (L113)30Oct
Spanish studies 1 (intermediate) (L116)30Oct

French and German; French and Spanish; or German and Spanish
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Exploring languages and cultures (L161)30Oct
You'll choose 90 credits from the following lists (at least 30 must be from list B):
List A
Introduction to French studies (beginners) (L102)30Oct
Introduction to German studies (beginners) (L103)30Oct
Introduction to Spanish studies (beginners) (L106)30Oct
Beginners’ Chinese (L108)30Oct
Intermediate Chinese (L118)30Oct
Introducing English language studies (L101)60Oct
List B
French studies 1 (intermediate) (L112)30Oct
German studies 1 (intermediate) (L113)30Oct
Spanish studies 1 (intermediate) (L116)30Oct

By studying this certificate, you’ll:
You’ll be supported by personal tutors, quality materials, online tutorials and regular feedback.
You’ll be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Language Studies upon successful completion.
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 certificate in as little as one year and have a maximum of seven 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.
If you already have a good level of competence in your chosen language, you can complete the certificate in one year by studying the beginners and intermediate language modules at the same time.
If you’re starting at beginners level, you’ll need to take the language modules consecutively, as you won’t be able to study both the beginners’ and intermediate modules at the same time. You can complete the certificate in two years by combining modules in the first year and leaving one module for the second year.
If you’d prefer a steadier pace, you can spread your studies over three years by taking one module each year. The exact sequence depends on your module choices, but typically involves one 60-credit year and two 30-credit years.
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.
However, you’ll need to choose whether to start with a beginners or intermediate language module. Our self-assessment quiz can help you decide whether to start with beginners’ or intermediate French, German, and Spanish and provide guidance on choosing the right modern language level for you.
You may wish to start with an intermediate module if you have knowledge of your chosen language(s) equivalent to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level A2. Otherwise, we recommend you start with a beginners module.
You shouldn’t study a beginners module and an intermediate module in the same language simultaneously unless you already have significant knowledge of the language.
You’ll only be able to study Beginners Chinese (L108) or Intermediate Chinese (L118) if you’ve already reached CEFR level A2 in your core language (French, German or 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.

2 years
£4,088*
A certificate is worth 120 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 2 years.
£8,176*
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:
This certificate raises your awareness of cultural differences and similarities – a key employability skill when people with different language and cultural backgrounds are increasingly meeting and working together. You’ll develop language skills in at least one modern foreign language and there is also a strong emphasis on communication in our digital age.
Languages and intercultural skills are key assets in tourism, international business and administration, and the diplomatic service. They are also highly valued by employers in a wide range of other sectors, who place a premium on the ability to make contact and communicate with global trade partners and to understand overseas business environments – and who often acknowledge this with higher salaries. According to the National Centre for Languages, knowing foreign languages opens the doors to a wide range of economic, social and personal benefits. Being able to communicate effectively with our customers, colleagues and business partners is critical to competitiveness and social cohesion. The languages most in demand in UK industry are French, German, Spanish and Mandarin, though knowledge of any other language will also give you the edge.
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, 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):
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.
Request a prospectus
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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