Languages

The following set of links introduces our offer in this curriculum area, and is not exhaustive. They are organised into two sections: courses, modules and qualifications, and materials on our free online learning site, OpenLearn.

Courses, modules and qualifications

There are a range of different language modules, courses and qualifications that you can study with the OU. Information can be found on the School of Language and Applied Linguistics webpage. We also offer professional learning programmes for teachers:

TEachers Learning to Teach languages (TELT)

Our award winning and General Teaching Council for Scotland recognised programme TEachers Learning to Teach languages (TELT), aims to increase and improve language provision in primary schools. Teachers simultaneously learn a new language and the skills to teach that language in the classroom.

Scots language teacher professional learning programme

Our Scots language teacher professional learning programme is designed for teachers teaching any subject at any level in a Scottish school context. It upskills teachers in incorporating teaching Scots language and culture in their classroom practice. The course is also recognised by the General Teaching Council for Scotland, and teachers who successfully complete the required activities will gain the GTCS professional recognition award.

The Scottish Government are funding places for participating teachers working across Scotland. Since the programme was launched, over 280 teachers have signed up to this continuing professional development.

The next programme cohort will start their studies in early September 2025. Register your interest in signing up - by the 31 August 2025 deadline - via the online form link on the programme homepage. You will be contacted by 3 September 2025 to finalise the registration process.

If you would like to study but cannot commit to the September 2025 start, it is also possible to request a preference for a place on either the February or the September 2026 cohort by emailing Scotland-Languages@open.ac.uk.