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 a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/equivalent or above, including English Language at grade 6 and Maths at grade 4.

You will have an interview and initial assessment. Parents and carers are welcome to attend the interview but not the initial assessment. If you are successful, you will be allocated a place to study.

To progress to the second year you will need to demonstrate a Pass grade or above in your first year.

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