Certificate of Higher Education in Language Studies

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our Certificate of Higher Education in Language Studies uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

• Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
• Online tutorials
• Group-work
• Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
• Finding external/third-party material online
• Accessing online catalogues and databases
• Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, spoken presentations and interactive speaking assessments
• Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
• Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
• Embedded virtual field trip (OU level 2 languages)

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.

Beginners or intermediate language module?

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.¹

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.

Our guidance can help you decide between starting with a beginners or intermediate module.

¹If you study Beginners Chinese (L108), you’ll need CEFR level A2 in your chosen language (French, German or Spanish) to continue to intermediate level.

How much time do I need?

• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

• feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
• support from a dedicated team throughout your study
• detailed written feedback on your work.

Skills for career development

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.

Career relevance

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.

Exploring your options

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):