Entry requirements

A minimum score of 5 from 7 GCSEs to include English, Maths, and science along with four other GCSE grades or equivalent (not including short courses or Citizenship). See Subject Requirements Guide for details.

GCSE at grade 5 or above will be required in English Literature or English Language.

How much does it cost?

Free to those aged 16-18

There is a range of financial support that you may be entitled to, including: Learner Support funds, grants and bursaries and employer support.

You will be expected to pay for stationery and textbooks

Why study?

This qualification builds upon what students have learnt already from GCSE looking specifically at genre, context, audience and purpose. 

There are opportunities for students to demonstrate their engagement with language use in the real world, both written and spoken, including attitudes to current language debates regarding gender, power and technology.

This course will give students practical “tools” for the workplace, or higher education, and to become independent, critical readers and analysers of language use in the 21^st century.

English Language is suitable academic preparation for a wide variety of careers and degree courses, particularly those in which effective written communication is important. Students wishing to study English at university may find it valuable to take both English Language and English Literature although English Language may be more appropriate preparation for linguistic or media-based courses including journalism.

Where will this course take me?

An A Level in English Language is valued by both higher education and employers as it shows both a high level of communication skills and the ability to think analytically. It is a useful qualification for a wide range of university courses, especially subjects such as Media, Journalism and Linguistics.

According to UCAS the top five graduate destinations:

1. Education
2. Wholesale and retail
3. Information and communication
4. Professional and scientific
5. Accommodation and food services

Key areas of employment

• teaching
• journalism and publishing
• marketing communications
• public relations
• advertising
• digital media
• arts administration
• business management
• film and television

Core modules

AS

Exploring Language (exam) 60 marks 1 ½ hours 50% of total AS

• Understanding language features in context
• Comparing and contrasting texts
• Exploring Contexts (exam) 60 marks 1 ½ hours 50% of total AS
• Writing about a topical language issue
• Exploring language in context

A Level

Exploring Language (exam)80 marks 2 ½ hours 40% of total A level

• Language under the microscope
• Writing about a topical issue
• Comparing and contrasting texts

Dimensions of linguistic variation (exam)80 marks 2 ½ hours 40% of total A level

• Child language acquisition
• Language in the media
• Language change

Independent Language Research - non-exam assessment (coursework) 40 marks, internally assessed 20% of total A level

• Language investigation
• Academic poster

How will I be assessed?

Written exams and NEA

Will I have to provide anything?

A4 pad, lever arch file with dividers, memory stick and other relevant stationery.