The module will introduce you to English language studies by highlighting how important the use and manipulation of language is in all aspects of life. It will show you how understanding the ways in which language works as a mode of communication can have profound benefits for people’s professional and personal lives. One of the major aims of the module is to take real-world issues where language is a key element, and show you how ideas from linguistics (the academic study of language) are able to throw light on these issues and help us to resolve them where necessary. In this way, the module serves as a useful starting point for academic study while offering a practical focus on language with real-life relevance, an approach often known as applied linguistics. You'll investigate how people use language to communicate with others and get things done at home and work, in their leisure time, and in their communities and societies. The module also encourages a broad view of what counts as 'language', taking account of communication using other modes such as images, gestures and emojis. Although the module draws mainly on examples and cases from the English language, it also takes a culturally diverse approach, which recognises that, for many, English exists alongside other languages and is a 'global' language.
The module consists of four blocks with the following themes:
Block 1: What is language?
Topics include Can robots talk?; Why study language?; Communicating in different contexts
Block 2: What is English?
Topics include English or Englishes?; Speaking English, being British; Intercultural communication
Block 3: Language and creativity
Topics include Language and humour; English and Shakespeare; Creative writing
Block 4: Language and society
Topics include English, sexism and gender, Media representations and campaigns; Fake news
Each week, you’ll spend part of your study time working through interactive activities online. You’ll watch and listen to specifically recorded material that will introduce key topics in each block. Interviews with language experts and professionals will illustrate the connection between language issues and the real world. You’ll be able to interact with study materials, and discuss your work with your tutor and other students in order to exchange ideas and experience. Each week you’ll also be guided through short readings in print that introduce contemporary topics and relate them to ideas about language. The online and print components work together and both are essential for successful study of the module.
This module will develop your understanding of:
This module might be of particular interest if you plan to go on to qualify as a teacher, or to work in marketing, advertising or journalism.
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 have access to a module website, which includes:
You'll also be provided with four printed module books, one for each block of study.
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
L101 is a compulsory module in our:
L101 is an option module in our:
Introducing English language studies (L101) 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 2032.
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.
There are no formal entry requirements to study this module.
If you’re not sure you’re ready, talk to an adviser.
In the weeks or months before you start Introducing English language studies (L101), look out for stories and news items that relate to the English language. A good place to start is television or radio news, newspapers or news websites. Collect interesting items either in hard copy in a scrapbook or folder, or in the form of links pasted into a document, or collected in a ‘favourites’ folder. Also, look out for adverts, graffiti, and shop signs on public display that you can photograph and collect. These often provide good sources of interesting language use. If you jot down a few words explaining what each item you collect is about and where you found it, this will help you make use of these examples when you come to study L101.
Find out more about this preparatory task and related activities.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying L101 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support 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.
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Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
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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.
