English Language – A Level

A LEVEL · ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Question language. Understand influence.

Explore how spoken and written language creates meaning, represents identity, changes over time and shapes opinions and decisions.

QUALIFICATION
A Level

EXAM BOARD
AQA

DURATION
Two years

ASSESSMENT
80% exams, 20% NEA

Why choose English Language?

English Language combines close textual analysis with real-world data and independent research. You will investigate accents, social variation, language change and how children learn to speak, read and write.

What you will study

Language and society
Textual variation, representation, identity and children’s language development.

Diversity and change
Accents, social and global varieties, language change and public debates about language.

Language in action
An independent investigation and original writing for the non-exam assessment.

Entry requirements

Standard PH6 entry requirements: at least five GCSEs at grades 9–5.

English Language and English Literature
Grade 5 or above in both subjects.

This course suits you if…

You are interested in written and spoken communication.
You have an analytical and inquisitive mind.
You enjoy applying ideas to real-life texts and data.
You want to express arguments in a coherent academic style.

How you will be assessed

Component

Content

Weighting

Paper 1

Language, the Individual and Society; 2 hours 30 minutes

40%

Paper 2

Language Diversity and Change; 2 hours 30 minutes

40%

Non-exam assessment

Language investigation and original writing; 3,500 words

20%

Where English Language can take you

A critical understanding of language and strong communication skills support almost any degree or career.

Media Advertising Journalism Editing Teaching Speech therapy