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’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.
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 investigations of various AI technologies.
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 can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
L806 is an option module in our:
Language, society and artificial intelligence 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 2035.
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.
To study for this postgraduate module, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a UK university or another recognised degree-awarding body, or a qualification at an equivalent level.
You must also have successfully completed the postgraduate module Core concepts in linguistics (L804) or possess 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.
While you do not need any background in programming or Python for the Python labs in Blocks 1 and 2, if you wish to prepare, you might find the free OpenLearn course Simple Coding useful. Another helpful resource, especially if this is your first time learning at a distance, is the free course Succeeding in Postgraduate Study. Both are optional, but can help you prepare before the module begins. You can also explore the School of Languages and Applied Linguistics website to learn more about what we offer.
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, which you will be able to access using the Open University website (you will not have to install this software on your own machines). 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.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
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| 03 Oct 2026 | 30 Jun 2027 | 10 Sep 2026 | Not yet available* |
| *This start date is open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed. We’ll publish updated 2026/27 fees and funding information on the 25th of March. |
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 you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate tuition fee loans in Northern Ireland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Scotland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Wales.
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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 wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
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.
