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A-Level

English Language

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Language shapes every aspect of our lives. From social media and politics to identity, gender, technology and culture, A-Level English Language explores how people use language to communicate, influence and represent themselves and others. This engaging and contemporary course develops your analytical, creative and research skills, making it an excellent choice for students interested in communication, journalism, law, marketing, teaching and many other careers.

Exam Board

AQA

Entry Requirements

GCSE grade 6 in English Language.

Assessment

  • 80% Exams
  • 20% Coursework
About this course FAQs Pathways Information

What is English Language?

English Language is the scientific study of how language works. You will explore how language varies between different people and groups, how it changes over time, how children acquire language, and how language is used to shape meaning in society. The course combines linguistic analysis with opportunities for independent investigation and original writing.

 

What will I study?

You will study a range of fascinating topics, including:

  • Language and identity
  • Language diversity and change
  • Children’s language development
  • Language and society
  • Language representation in texts
  • Language discourses and debates
  • Methods of linguistic analysis

You will also complete an independent language investigation into an area that interests you and produce a piece of original writing with a commentary, allowing you to apply your understanding of language in a creative way.

 

Assessments

You will complete two final examinations and one coursework component:

40% Paper 1: Language, the Individual and Society (2 hours 30 minutes)
40% Paper 2: Language Diversity and Change (2 hours 30 minutes)
20% Non-Exam Assessment: Language in Action (coursework)

Throughout the course, we provide regular opportunities to develop your analytical, research and writing skills, supported by detailed feedback and guidance from experienced teachers.

 

Trips, Visits and Enrichment

  • Guest speakers from language-related professions
  • Opportunities to attend university masterclasses and conferences
  • Opportunities to engage with contemporary language research and debate
  • Participation in college enrichment and academic societies

 

What can it lead to?

English Language develops highly transferable skills that are valued by universities and employers alike. Students learn to analyse complex information, conduct independent research, evaluate evidence, communicate effectively and construct clear arguments.

English Language students could branch into fields such as:

  • English Language and Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Media and Communications
  • Marketing
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Education and Teaching
  • Business and Management

The course is also excellent preparation for careers in publishing, advertising, public relations, speech and language therapy, broadcasting, civil service and many other professions where effective communication is essential.

 

Why choose English Language?

If you are curious about how language influences the world around us, enjoy analysing texts and data, and want to develop strong communication and research skills, A-Level English Language is a stimulating and rewarding choice. Through studying real-world language in action, you will gain a deeper understanding of both society and yourself.

FAQs

What's the difference between A Level English Language and A Level English Literature?
English Language focuses on how language works in the real world. You will analyse spoken, written and digital texts, investigate how language shapes identity and society, and explore topics such as language change, children's language development and language diversity. English Literature, by contrast, focuses on the study of novels, plays and poetry, exploring themes, contexts and literary techniques. While there is some overlap in analytical skills, English Language is centred on linguistics and communication rather than the study of literary texts.
What's the difference between A Level English Language and A Level English Language & Literature?
English Language A Level focuses primarily on the study of language itself—how it is produced, interpreted and shaped by social, cultural and historical contexts. English Language & Literature combines the study of language with the analysis of literary texts, allowing students to explore how writers use language creatively in novels, poetry and drama. If you are fascinated by linguistics, communication and contemporary language issues, English Language may be the better fit. If you enjoy both language analysis and literary study, English Language & Literature offers a balance of the two disciplines.
How does the subject differ from GCSE English Language?
A-Level English Language builds on many of the skills developed at GCSE, such as analysing texts and writing effectively, but it takes them much further. You will learn linguistic terminology and theories, analyse language in greater depth, conduct your own independent research and explore a wider range of real-world texts and data. The course is more academic and investigative in nature, encouraging you to examine how language operates in society and to develop your own informed viewpoints about language-related issues.

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