English Language

Key features of the course

• Explores the history of English, its contemporary diversity, its role as a global language and use in various parts of the world.
• Engages in debates surrounding the historical and contemporary position of English in relation to other languages.
• Teaches strategies that promote critical analysis and evaluation of texts, and an ability to reflect on your own language use.
• Develops you as a competent communicator enhancing your employability.
• Reveals how the English language works, and how the choice of words and grammar affect the message.

A nationally recognised qualification in its own right, this diploma of higher education is also equivalent to the first two-thirds of the BA (Honours) English Language (R54).

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

You don’t need any prior knowledge about the English language to start this qualification. However, it’s not designed to teach the English language to speakers of other languages, so you’ll need adequate reading and writing skills.

There’s a choice of starting points in the modern language(s) – your choice will depend on your current level of confidence and proficiency. See our guidance on choosing the right modern language level, which includes a self-assessment quiz to help you decide between beginners’ or intermediate French, German, and Spanish.

Skills for career development

Employers greatly value the critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills acquired by studying an English language degree. You’ll sharpen your IT, writing, and independent thinking skills; and develop the ability to assimilate and evaluate relevant information in constructing an argument. These are key skills in complex organisations, greatly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering, or changing career.

Career relevance

Study of the English language requires an understanding of the diverse national and cultural environments in which it is used and the historical and political circumstances around its development and spread around the world. The breadth of study and understanding of social, cultural and political influences on communicative contexts creates critical global citizens able to evaluate information relevant to a variety of national and international interactions. This make this qualification relevant to a wide variety of careers, including:

• Public administration, local government, the civil service, and social services.
• Advertising, journalism, publishing, creative industries and public relations.
• Education.
• Legal work.
• Business, banking and retail.
• Human resources.
• Charities and campaigning.

Other careers

Many jobs are open to students who have studied any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

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 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.

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