Many people assume studying English language can only further your career if you work in teaching, translation, or the publishing industry. Watch this video to hear how people in many different professions have benefitted from studying the English language.
Take your interest further
Like to explore more of the world of English? Go further with the Open University.
We offer a variety of free learning opportunities to try out a subject, brush up on your skills or find out if studying is for you – or you can start studying English at degree-level with modules and qualifications.
Explore learning with free courses
Try out a free course on the history of the English language, modern global English or English language teaching – or, if it's been a while since you studied, find out more about how you can succeed with learning.
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English: skills for learning
English: skills for learning, is a free course for anybody who is thinking of studying for a university degree and would like to develop the English reading and writing skills needed to succeed. You will learn through a range of engaging activities aimed at extending your existing language skills.
Learn moreEnglish: skills for learningLevel: 1 Introductory
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English in the world today
How did English become the global force it is today? This free course, English in the world today, explores the status of the language and its worldwide diversity. It looks at how social and political factors influence people's attitudes towards it, and at the relationship between one's linguistic heritage and sense of identity.
Learn moreEnglish in the world todayLevel: 1 Introductory
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Exploring the English language
How has the English language changed over the course of the last 500 years? What are the social and political contexts that have affected how these changes have come about? This free course, Exploring the English language, will consider the development of the English language from the 15th to the 19th century.
Learn moreExploring the English languageLevel: 2 Intermediate
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Language as a medium for teaching and learning
Are you interested in English language education? This free course, Language as a medium for teaching and learning, examines the use of language as a cultural tool which allows humans to become involved in a two-way process of constant change. The course will help those within the teaching environment to relate theoretical discussion to professional practice.
Learn moreLanguage as a medium for teaching and learningLevel: 3 Advanced
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Skills for study
Thinking about studying for the first time or after a long time away? Refresh your skills and prepare for success with these free courses.
Read nowSkills for studyLevel: 1 Introductory
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Succeed with learning
Succeed with learning is a free, introductory course for people who want to feel more confident about their learning skills. Informal in approach, the course builds on each person's own qualities, knowledge and skills to develop a deeper understanding of the nature of learning and of their own potential. It introduces some core ideas about learning and academic study, and some planning tools to enable participants to take their next step with confidence.
Learn moreSucceed with learningLevel: 1 Introductory
Study with the Open University
Don't know where to start? Find out about getting started with one of our foundation-level Access courses, discover what it's like to be an Open University student, or brush up on your study skills with tips and advice.
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BA (Honours) English Language and Literature
If you love the written and spoken word, this course is for you. A comprehensive and stimulating introduction to English language and literature, it investigates how the English language is used in a variety of global contexts, and explores literature from different historical periods and in diverse cultural settings. You'll explore writing and speech in a wide range of forms, and develop your skills in the interpretation of literary and non-literary texts.
Learn moreBA (Honours) English Language and Literature -
BA (Honours) Language Studies
This flexible degree allows you to study two modern languages ? from French, German and Spanish ? or to combine one of them with English. Learning a language and about how languages work (including English) opens doors to other cultures and communities, and gives you experience of the world that goes deeper than the average tourist trip. It can also provide a key to the global workplace. By the end of your studies, you'll understand how language is structured and used in different contexts and be an effective and culturally aware communicator ? attributes that are increasingly valuable in today's global environment.
Learn moreBA (Honours) Language Studies
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