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An image to illustrate the Postgraduate Certificate in Linguistics
If you’re interested in the roles that language plays in society across various personal and professional contexts, this postgraduate certificate in linguistics is for you. You'll start by exploring the foundational aspects of linguistic study, diving into different approaches to language and discovering how its essential elements combine to create meaning. You'll focus on the real-world application of linguistic knowledge, consider contemporary debates about language and experiment with various methods of language analysis. On completion, you can use your certificate as a pathway to the Postgraduate Diploma in Linguistics and the MA in Linguistics.
You can progress from this Postgraduate Certificate in Linguistics to our Postgraduate Diploma in Linguistics (E99) or our MA in Linguistics (F97).
To gain this qualification, you'll study one 60-credit module.

ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll study the following:
Core concepts in linguistics (L804)
This module introduces you to the foundations of linguistic study with a focus on real-world examples where language plays a critical role.
Next start date: 03 Oct 2026
See full description
6003 Oct 2026

By studying the Postgraduate Certificate in Linguistics, you’ll:
You’ll learn through online materials, interactive activities and tutor-supported study.
You’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Linguistics upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters PG Cert Ling (Open) after your name.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You’ll study the Postgraduate Certificate in Linguistics part-time, completing 60 credits over eight months. Typically, this translates to 19 study hours each week.

The recommended hours include time to work through that week’s online study planner, complete recommended reading, and attend tutorials.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
To study for this postgraduate certificate, you must hold a bachelors degree from a UK university or another recognised degree-awarding body, or a qualification at an equivalent level.
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 are not sure whether your qualifications and experience are suitable, please contact us for advice.
You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. The fee for each module is listed in its description.

£3,100*
Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.
There are some additional costs that aren’t included.
Further information is available in the module descriptions.
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
Learn more about spreading the costs with monthly instalments and our other funding options below.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.
You may be eligible for:
Throughout the world, there is an increasing demand for professionals who understand how language works. You’ll sharpen your IT, writing, and independent thinking skills, develop your ability to respond to feedback, and demonstrate your time management. These are key skills in complex organisations, greatly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering, or changing career.
This qualification is designed to enrich your knowledge and improve your professional practice.
On completing your studies, you should be able to:
You will also acquire qualities and transferable skills that are highly prized by employers within education and related fields, such as:
You will be guided through the materials and learn how you can recognise and acknowledge these additional skills.
Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.
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, a website, interview simulation and 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.
Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.
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Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.
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Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.
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