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English Language (A-level)Apply Now »
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Years: 2
Adult Loan Amount: 1987.00****
Interview: Y
Course Summary
English Language A-level is very different from what you may be used to in your GCSE studies. It involves the linguistic analysis of a range of different types of spoken and written texts. This A-level complements many other subjects and can help in a range of careers such as teaching and journalism.
Entry requirements
You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English Language at grade 6 (C/B) and Maths at grade 4 (C).
A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.
It is assumed that students enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.
Course Content
First year:
- Close linguistic analysis of a wide range of authentic texts
- Social varieties of English
Second year:
- Original writing for a 'real world' purpose (coursework)
- Research into a language area of individual interest (coursework)
- Analysis of how children acquire language
- How English changes over time
How will I be assessed?
The course will be assessed via two 2.5 hour written examinations at the end of the second year. Each paper is worth 40% of the mark (i.e. 80% in total).
A coursework project in the second year - worth 20% of the mark - will be on independent research into a chosen area of language and will include a piece of original writing.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
No
What can I do after this course?
This qualification is a useful foundation for a course in higher education or for employment. Career prospects include roles in teaching, advertising, media, recruitment consultancy, publishing, human resources, journalism and secretarial work.
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
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Emily Gray
Peak Award Winner Emily now studying for master’s in Australia
Former Peak Award winner Emily Gray was motivated to achieve “more than she ever thought she was capable of” while studying for A levels at Derby College.
And, since leaving Joseph Wright Centre 10 years ago, she has quite literally gone a long way – to university in Melbourne, Australia, to take a Master of Education degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis.
Now 27, Emily received a Peak Award for Academic Studies after performing well in her sociology, history and psychology A levels and EPQ, the Extended Project Qualification.
While on her psychology degree course at the University of Leeds, Emily embarked on a study year at Monash University in Melbourne.
And, since graduating, she has taught English in Peru, volunteered and worked in Sri Lanka and travelled in Australia before settling in Melbourne with her partner.
Currently studying for her master’s at Monash University, Emily also works as a site manager at a centre-based intervention service based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for pre-school aged children on the autism spectrum. She ultimately wants to become a clinical psychologist or clinical director of an agency providing ABA.
Commenting on her Peak Award in 2009, Emily added that it was “really unexpected and a huge honour.” She included the award in her CV and found it was “something she was able to talk about in interviews.”
My lecturers were fantastic! They were really passionate about their subject, particularly psychology lecturer Glyn Pickering, who motivated me and pushed me to achieve more than I thought I was capable of.
I also got great support at Derby College in applying for university and higher education. I was able to go on a residential trip to experience Oxford University, and received specialist and individual help with my application, personal statement and interview preparation.
