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Language, society and artificial intelligence

How do machines understand and use language, and what does this mean for society? In this postgraduate module, you will explore the challenges of developing and using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies that interact with people through language. These technologies raise fascinating questions about human-machine communication and their broader impact on society. You will gain the knowledge and skills to critically examine how AI is applied in education, law, healthcare, journalism, the arts, business, politics, and the media. Throughout the module, you will reflect on professional and personal experiences, drawing from a rich variety of readings and hands-on activities.

Vocational relevance

This module explicitly teaches vocationally relevant knowledge and skills, including blocks on AI project evaluation and design. Specialist linguistic expertise is taught throughout the MA in Linguistics. In this module, it is fine-tuned for NLP technology. This will enable you to conduct evaluations and design-themed audits of various AI technologies.

Qualifications

L806 is a compulsory module in our:

L806 is an optional module in our:

Excluded combinations

Sometimes you will not be able to count a module towards a qualification if you have already taken another module with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this module, visit our excluded combination finder or check with an adviser before registering.

Module

Module code
L806
Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
60
Study level
Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU postgraduate modules correspond to these frameworks.
OU Postgraduate
SCQF 11
FHEQ 7
Study method
Distance learning
Module cost
See Module registration
Entry requirements

Find out more about entry requirements.

Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

The module is structured into four blocks, each focusing on different aspects of the relationship between language, society, and AI technology. You'll engage with the subject matter through a variety of academic readings, case studies, and audiovisual materials. Alongside this, you'll take part in a series of labs that provide hands-on training in using Python for linguistic analysis.

In Block 1, you’ll be introduced to the challenges involved in human-computer communication (HCC). You’ll explore fundamental ideas about the possibility of developing AI technology capable of communicating with humans and the core issues and concerns associated with this. The Python labs begin in this block.

In Block 2, you’ll investigate what makes HCC so challenging, examining technical issues from the perspectives of both linguistics and Natural Language Processing (NLP). You’ll study key concepts such as intersubjectivity, progressivity, and agency, as well as ethics and responsible design. The Python labs conclude in this block.

Block 3 explores why and how issues of culture and politics are so important for the development and use of artificial intelligence. You’ll consider how it’s integrated into social practices and its implications for people’s lives.

The final block, Block 4, prepares you for your end-of-module assessment. You’ll learn how to design and structure a research project, critically reflect on research methodologies, and develop skills that will support further study at Stage 3 of the linguistics qualification.

Throughout the module, you'll acquire the conceptual knowledge and analytical skills needed to evaluate the latest developments in AI, language, and society, particularly where these fields overlap. The module materials are designed to equip you with practical, transferable skills, encourage you to apply your learning to real-world contexts, and maximise the real-world impact of your studies.

You will learn

You’ll explore key concepts and themes in linguistics and AI, examining their connections to broader political, economic, and social developments. A wealth of materials will support your learning, helping you bridge the gap between theory and practice in both fields. These materials are designed to help you investigate an area of your own interest. Throughout the module, you will develop essential skills in producing and presenting written work, as well as independently evaluating relevant literature. You’ll also gain experience in planning your own research projects in preparation for Stage 3 of this masters degree.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

Throughout your studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:

  • marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
  • guiding you to additional learning resources.
  • providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.
  • facilitating online discussions between your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Course work includes

3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment

Future availability

Language, society and artificial intelligence starts once a year – in October. This page describes the module that will start in October 2025. We expect it to start for the last time in October 2035.

Regulations

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.

Entry requirements

To study for this masters degree course you must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a UK university or another recognised degree-awarding body, or a qualification at an equivalent level.

If you are studying towards the MA in Linguistics (F97), you must have successfully completed L804 or have equivalent prior experience.

As our modules are taught in English, your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study in the UK. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 7 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see their website for details.

If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.

Register

Start End England fee Register
04 Oct 2025 Jun 2026 £2910.00

Registration closes 11/09/25 (places subject to availability)

Register
This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2035.

Future availability

Language, society and artificial intelligence starts once a year – in October. This page describes the module that will start in October 2025. We expect it to start for the last time in October 2035.

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

Ways to pay for this module

We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how much it’s going to cost and how you can pay.

That’s why we keep our fees as low as possible and offer a range of flexible payment and funding options, including a postgraduate loan, if you study this module as part of an eligible qualification. To find out more, see Fees and funding.

Study materials

What's included

You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
  • a week-by-week study planner
  • module materials and study resources
  • audio and video recordings
  • accessibility guide
  • assessment area which will include the assessment guide; assessment questions and guidance; plagiarism guidance; assessment handbook
  • tutorials area which will include links to the Adobe Connect rooms.

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 will 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 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
  • 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

Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader (and where applicable, musical notation and mathematical, scientific, and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way). Other alternative formats of the module materials may be available in the future.

This module uses Jupyter Notebook, an open-source web application. The module team has chosen software that is as accessible as possible, but it may not be fully accessible, particularly if you use assistive technology. The Student Support Team will provide further information to help you decide whether you can study the module before registering.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact an adviser or visit our disability support pages.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.

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