Upon completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

• Communicate effectively in at least two languages in a broad variety of complex oral and written contexts, demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the societies and cultures associated with each language, and show advanced intercultural communicative competence.
• Recognise how language develops, works and changes and how it is used in a variety of contexts and for a variety of purposes.
• Have an in-depth understanding of the discipline of international relations and a critical understanding of the evolution of the international system, and opportunities to explore complex contemporary issues in international politics.
• Use their knowledge and skills to apply key concepts and theories from the fields of language studies and international relations to discuss and explain key global issues and debates related to language, intercultural communication and international engagement.

We also offer a Diploma of Languages and International Engagement , which has the same structure as the first two-thirds of this degree. Similarly, our Certificate of Languages and International Engagement corresponds to the first third.

Our self-assessment quiz can help you decide whether to start with beginners’ or intermediate French, German, and Spanish and provide guidance on choosing the right modern language level for you.

You may wish to start with an intermediate level language module if you have knowledge of your chosen language(s) equivalent to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level A2. Otherwise, we recommend you start with a beginners module.

Applicants must be current or former MoD staff (including civilians with MoD languages training) and hold SLP2 or SLP3 awarded within the past 5 years.

Annual enrolment in October. Start date from 3rd October 2026.

Further details regarding the requirements for credit recognition can be found in the ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ section below. To register, please use the R91 V01 T62 Credit Transfer Application Form.

To find out more about how distance learning works, please view the distance-learning information pages.

The Open University will award credit for recognised prior learning at SLP2 and SLP3 level.

• SLP2: 60 credits at Level 1 - applied to Open University module CCLM100
• SLP3: 120 credits total (60 at Level 1 and 60 at Level 2) - applied to Open University modules CCLM100 and CCLM200

Requirements for credit recognition:

• Exam certificate issued within 5 years.
• SLP2: total score (adding up the scores for each of the 4 skills) equal to at least 7, no individual skill score lower than 1.
• SLP3: total score (adding up the scores for each of the 4 skills) equal to at least 10, no individual skill score lower than <2.
• Maximum credit awarded is 120 credits recognised at Levels 1 and 2.

You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 14 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.

3-year degree (with French, Spanish, German, English Language Studies)

If you already have a good level of competence in your chosen language, you can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.

• You'll study 60 credits in your first year where you’ll need 16–18 hours per week
• You'll study up to 120 credits in your second year (max 60 credits if you have SLP3). You'll need 32–36 hours per week (16-18 for 60 credits)
• You'll study 120 credits in your final year. You'll need 32–36 hours per week (16-18 for 60 credits)

4-year degree (with French, Spanish, German)

If you’re starting your French, Spanish, or German studies at beginners’ level, the earliest you’ll be able to complete your degree is four years as it is not possible to study both beginners’ and intermediate language modules at the same time. The way your study is structured will depend on your language combination.

• You'll study 30 credits in your first year, including your beginners language module. You'll need 8–9 hours per week.
• You'll study 30 credits in your second year, when you'll take your intermediate language module. You'll need 8–9 hours per week.
• You'll then study 120 credits a year for the remainder of the degree, requiring 32–36 hours per week.

Part-time study (5/6-year degree)

If you want to study part time, taking one module at a time, you can spread your learning out over 5-6 years. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university. There are multiple options available, depending on whether you have SLP2 or SLP3, whether you start French, Spanish, or German at intermediate or beginners level, or whether you choose the English Language Studies pathway.

To register, please use the R91 V01 T62 Credit Transfer Application Form.

Contact us for more information