Entry requirements
This is an OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning.
You require a working knowledge of French to study this module, equivalent to A2 level of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for languages. It is ideal if you have successfully completed Introduction to French studies (beginners) (L102) or if you have reached a similar linguistic standard. You do not need a formal qualification in the language, but may have acquired your knowledge in adult education classes, time spent in French-speaking countries, regular contact with French-speaking people or other sources. You should be able to understand basic written and spoken materials and to hold a basic conversation in French in everyday situations such as talking about yourself; your family and where you are from; booking a hotel; or asking for directions.
To help decide if you have sufficient French to take this module with confidence, use our self-assessment quiz. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser
Preparatory work
Before the module begins, we suggest that you continue to use your French in any way you can. You could do this by reading a French newspaper, using online resources, or watching some films in French. Anything you can do to keep practising your French will be helpful. Preparatory materials which help to revise the content of the previous module are available to students once they have registered with the University.
In addition, if you have studied the previous level 1 module, you can also revisit some of the activities and watch and listen to the audio materials from your materials. If you haven't studied this module, you can practise with these free online materials from OpenLearn by selecting French, Level 1.
Can you study an Access module for free?
Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.
To qualify, you must:
- be resident in England
- have a household income of not more than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
- have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years
How to apply to study an Access module for free
Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.
If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069, or you can request a call back.
Not eligible to study for free?
Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:
- monthly payments through OUSBA
- part-time tuition fee loan (you'll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)
To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.
What's included
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
- a module guide
- a week-by-week study planner
- interactive reading, writing, listening and speaking activities, including audio and video content
- assessment details and submission section
- access to forums where you can interact with your tutor and fellow students
- online tutorial access.
You'll also be provided with three printed module books, each covering two blocks of study. The content of these books is available online, and the audio and video files needed can be downloaded from the website.
You will need
We recommend that you purchase a good bilingual dictionary. We will provide you with details of the latest editions of those that we consider will be most suitable, prior to you starting this module.
You’ll be asked to watch one French-language film that you’ll need to source yourself. The titles of the films you can choose from will be provided when you begin the module.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they may not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 10 or 11 or macOS Ventura (or higher).
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying L112 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 pages.