Outcome of the Languages and Linguistics Periodic Quality Review

Every six years, each OU subject area participates in a Periodic Quality Review (PQR) – a process that ensures our teaching and learning provision meets the highest standards. It is an opportunity to identify ways to make the student experience even better as well as celebrate what we do well.

In June 2025, the Languages and Linguistics (LAL) programme of the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies participated in its Periodic Quality Review (PQR) and we are delighted to share the positive outcomes.

An independent panel comprising of two OU academics, a subject expert from another university and an OU student met with staff, Associate Lecturers and students to gain a well-rounded view of the curriculum and its impact. Drawing on a wealth of evidence and feedback from students, associate lecturers, external advisers and other colleagues, the panel confirmed confidence in the quality and standards of the School of Language and Linguistics' provision. They highlighted seven commendations for areas of excellence and made eight recommendations to support further enhancement.

The panel commended the strong and diverse range of student support available, including peer mentoring through buddies, induction programmes, community events, and workshops. They also commended the well-being and mental health resources provided for students and praised the online residential schools, which were described as sector‑leading, inclusive, and innovative.

Recommendations

• Acknowledge and address the concerns expressed by some students about lack of residential schools, through improved communication around the online schools, virtual fieldtrips and alternative residential opportunities.
• Improve communication with students to help them understand how the Languages and Linguistics is responding to generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).
• Consider the consistency of student experience across language modules and Applied Linguistics and English Language modules, particularly in relation to discussion forums, tutorial provision (including recording), TMA support, and peer/community support.

We would like to thank again the group of students who met with the review panel to express their views and share their experiences of studying the Languages and Linguistics modules and qualifications.

The Languages and Linguistics team are now in the process of preparing an action plan to respond to these recommendations.

If you would like to know more about the findings of the review, please contact the Academic Quality Standards Team on aqs-mailbox@kaqs-mailbox@open.ac.uk.