English Language
This certificate 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 | Certificate of Higher Education at UK Level 4 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Higher Education at UK Level 4 | Open University |
Duration
How long it takes
Part time – 2 years
Full time – 1 years
Time limit – 7 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 of 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 complexities of communication whether spoken or written. It develops your understanding of communication in an increasingly multilingual world.
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 of 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 certificate.
Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.
Further information
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
• Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024
Certificate of Higher Education in English Language
This certificate 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 with other modes of communication and learn basic language description and analysis. You’ll also explore English as a creative medium to express humour, thoughts and emotions. It’s not, however, designed to teach English to speakers of other languages.
Key features of the course
• Explores the contemporary diversity of English in the UK and beyond.
• Introduces debates surrounding the historical and contemporary position of English in relation to other languages.
• Teaches strategies that promote critical evaluation of texts.
• Develops you as a competent communicator.
• 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 certificate of higher education is also equivalent to the first third of the BA (Honours) English Language (R54).
This certificate has one stage, 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.
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.