Linguistics

The Postgraduate Diploma in Linguistics explores the fundamental roles language plays across diverse personal and professional settings. You’ll start by examining the core components underpinning linguistic study, engaging with various theoretical approaches to language and exploring how its building blocks are employed to construct meaning. You’ll also gain experience in applying different methodologies for language analysis before choosing one of two specialist routes. In the Applied Linguistics route, you’ll explore the English language and linguistics in relation to a variety of professional contexts or focus on the intricate relationship between language usage and rapidly evolving global technologies with the Artificial Intelligence route. On completion, you can use your diploma as a pathway to the MA in Linguistics.

Modules

To gain this qualification, you require 120 credits from the modules in one of the following specialisms:



Linguistics (Applied)



Stage 1 (60 credits)

Compulsory module Credits

Core concepts in linguistics (L804) 60

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module EE817.



Stage 2 (60 credits)

Compulsory module Credits

Applying linguistics in society (L805) 60

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module EE818.



Linguistics (Artificial Intelligence)



Stage 1 (60 credits)

Compulsory module Credits

Core concepts in linguistics (L804)60

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module EE817.



Stage 2 (60 credits)

Compulsory module Credits

Language, society and artificial intelligence (L806) 60



You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 40 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

To study for this postgraduate diploma 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.

2 years part-time study



How long it takes

Most students study the Postgraduate Diploma in Linguistics part-time, completing 60 credits a year over two years. Typically, this means 19 study hours each week.

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

Throughout the world there is an increasing demand for professionals with a grasp of how language works. You’ll sharpen your IT, writing, and independent thinking skills, develop your ability to respond to feedback as well as demonstrating 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:



demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems at a professional or equivalent level

reflect critically and constructively, in the light of ideas and frameworks presented in the modules, on how these apply to your practice and organisational context.



You will also acquire qualities and transferable skills that are highly prized by employers within education and related fields, such as:



exercising initiative and personal responsibility



the ability to make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations



the ability to draw on appropriate research and ethical understanding



the production of reports/outputs for academic and professional purposes.



You will be guided through the materials and learn how you can recognise and acknowledge these additional skills.