English Language
This diploma explores human communication by focusing on the English language, its history, diversity and flexibility. You’ll learn what distinguishes machine language from human language and how people adapt and change their ways of communicating in multilingual and multicultural contexts.
| Award Name | Diploma of Higher Education at UK Level 5 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Higher Education at UK Level 5 | Open University |
Duration
How long it takes
Part time – 4 years
Full time – 2 years
Time limit – 12 years
Study method: Distance learning.
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.
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.
Careers / Further progression
Career relevance
The 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 makes this qualification relevant to a wide variety of careers, including:
• Public administration, local government, 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: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.
Further information
Register for this course.
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
• Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024
Diploma of Higher Education in English Language
This diploma explores human communication by focusing on the English language, its history, diversity and flexibility. You’ll learn what distinguishes machine language from human language and how people adapt and change their ways of communicating in multilingual and multicultural contexts. You’ll investigate how language works from written texts and conversations down to the smallest units of sounds. You’ll also explore English as a creative medium to express humour, thoughts and emotions. This qualification is not, however, designed to teach English to speakers of other languages.
Key features of the course
• Explores the history of English, its contemporary diversity, its role as a global language and its 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).
This diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits:
• You’ll start Stage 1 with a 60-credit English language module, followed by two 30-credit modules from English language and modern languages.
• Finally, in Stage 2, you'll study another 60-credit English module and choose one 60-credit module from modern languages, English literature and creative writing.
See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Tel: +353 1 678 5399
Our advisers are available to take your call Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding public holidays.