Gain an understanding of how language is woven into our everyday lives, to understand the language that influences our thoughts, actions and even what we believe to be real.

You’ll also develop an understanding of the subtleties of language use across societies, business and politics and an awareness of how language can influence behaviour.

Link to specification

Studying AS English Language offers opportunities for students to develop their subject expertise by exploring key language concepts and engaging with a range of texts and discourses. The specification explores the study of English Language both as a medium of communication and as a topic in its own right, with an emphasis on the ability of students to pursue lines of enquiry, analyse texts produced by others and debate different views. Students will study areas such stereotypes associated with different accents and dialects, and why people of differing ages, genders and sexualities create their own languages. This is the same at A2 Level, but students also get the opportunity to study how children learn to speak and write and explore how the English Language has changed over time. Additionally, students will be able to investigate an area of language independently and produce creative writing, including journalistic articles and narrative pieces, as part of their coursework.

AS Exam:

Paper 1 – Language and the Individual (1 hour 30 minutes) 50% of A Level

Paper 2 – Language Varieties (1 hour 30 minutes) 50% of A Level

A2 Exam:

Paper 1 – Language, the Individual and Society (2 hours 30 minutes) 40% of A Level

Paper 2 – Language, Diversity and Change (2 hours 30 minute) 40% of A Level

Non-Exam Assessment (Coursework) – Language in Action (20 % of A Level)

An A Level in English Language is an excellent choice for those looking to study English, or a language course, at university and/or hoping to pursue a career which involves Linguistics.

Careers include: English as a foreign language teacher, Magazine journalist, Media researcher, Social media manager, Newspaper journalist, Publishing copy-editor/proof-reader, Primary school teacher, Secondary school teacher, Web content manager, Writer, English as a foreign language teacher, Magazine journalist, Media researcher, Social media manager, Newspaper journalist, Publishing copy-editor/proof-reader, Primary school teacher, Secondary school teacher, Web content manager, Writer