Diploma of Higher Education in Language Studies: French and Spanish pathway

Stage 1

Stage 1 comprises a broad range of options in languages and in English. Language modules are carefully designed and paced so that you can develop and build skills in all aspects of speaking and understanding the language, while exploring the life and culture in the countries where those languages are spoken. 

Your module choices in this stage will depend largely on your previous level of language study.

For example, if you have little prior experience of studying French you should start your studies with Bon départ: beginners' French (L192)Bon départ: beginners' French::This key introductory Level 1 course – Bon départ: beginners' French – is designed to develop the skills you need to speak and understand simple French in everyday contexts. It explores life in France and introduces you to a wide range of practical situations such as travelling, shopping, working and eating out. Study resources include printed books, a dedicated website with online activities and resources and audio recordings – which support independent learning. Together, they’ll give you not just language skills but a real feel for French-speaking cultures too.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W41-5,module,L192,,1 (30 credits), followed by Ouverture: intermediate French (L120)Ouverture: intermediate French::Ouverture: intermediate French follows on from Bon départ: beginners’ French (L192). It revises and consolidates the knowledge of French you already have and teaches more advanced language in the context of French-speaking societies and French culture. Study resources – including printed course books and online interactive activities – are carefully designed to develop the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. They provide clear learning objectives, guidance and model answers. This key introductory Level 1 course also teaches good study skills and language-learning strategies.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W41-5,module,L120,,1 (30 credits).

If you have little prior experience of studying Spanish you should start your studies with Portales: beginners' Spanish (L194)Portales: beginners' Spanish::This key introductory Level 1 course – Portales: beginners’ Spanish – is designed to develop the skills you need to speak and understand simple Spanish in everyday contexts. It takes you through a wide range of practical situations such as travelling, shopping, working and eating out in Spanish-speaking countries. Study resources include printed books, a dedicated website with online activities and resources and audio recordings – which support independent learning. Together, they’ll give you not just language skills but a real feel for Hispanic cultures as well.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W41-5,module,L194,,1 (30 credits), followed by En rumbo: intermediate Spanish (L140)En rumbo: intermediate Spanish::En rumbo: intermediate Spanish follows on from Portales: beginners’ Spanish (L194). It builds on your existing Spanish knowledge and teaches more advanced language in the context of Spanish and Latin American society and culture. Study resources – including printed course books and online interactive activities – are carefully designed to develop the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. They provide clear learning objectives, guidance and model answers. This key introductory Level 1 course also teaches good study skills and language-learning strategies.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W41-5,module,L140,,1 (30 credits).

We strongly recommend all students study the intermediate French and Spanish modules, as these will provide you with the ideal preparation for further French and Spanish study at Stage 2.

As an alternative to beginners’ French and Spanish you may choose to study other languages at beginners’ level (Chinese and Welsh) or to study German or Italian up to intermediate level. These options will enhance your ability to study languages at a distance which will provide invaluable preparation for Level 2 study.

Stage 2

Stage 2 comprises one French and one Spanish 60-credit module.

Envol: upper intermediate French (L211)Envol: upper intermediate French::This course builds on Ouverture: intermediate French (L120), or equivalent knowledge. It will extend your language skills, enhance your cultural knowledge, and develop the skills needed to study at a higher level. You’ll learn to communicate in a wide range of situations; express your opinions; report what other people have said; explain processes and trends; communicate by letter and telephone; make structured notes; and write different types of text. You’ll also improve your command of grammar and vocabulary. A compulsory residential school takes place in France (or you can study an online alternative).undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W41-5,module,L211,,1 will expand your ability to use the language, deepen your cultural knowledge and develop your study skills. It uses an exciting blend of interactive online, audio-visual and print resources to give you a structured overview of key aspects of life in the French-speaking world today. You‘ll study a number of topics including lifestyle, habitat, culture, the environment, politics, science and technology. You’ll also attend a residential school in France (or study an online alternative). 

In Viento en popa: upper intermediate Spanish (L204)Viento en popa: upper intermediate Spanish::This course builds on En rumbo: intermediate Spanish (L140), or equivalent knowledge. It will continue to develop your practical language skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. By studying a variety of authentic audio, video and printed materials from Spain and Latin America, you will learn how to communicate in situations ranging from everyday conversation to putting forward your point of view in a debate. You will also have the opportunity to work on grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary acquisition. A compulsory residential school takes place in Spain (or you can study an online alternative).undergraduate.qualification.pathways.W41-5,module,L204,,1, you’ll develop your practical language skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Drawing on a variety of authentic audio, video and printed materials from Spain and Latin America, you’ll learn how to communicate in situations ranging from everyday conversation to putting forward your point of view in a debate. You’ll also have the opportunity to work on grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary acquisition. Topics include urban life, education, culture, the workplace, history, traditions and beliefs. You’ll also attend a residential school in Spain (or study an online alternative).

On completing the modules, your language proficiency will be at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference.

If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards an Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for your chosen qualification. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.

Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.