English Language AS/A Level
Course Information
- Course Type School Leaver
- Subject Area English Language and English Literature
- Qualification A Level 🧩
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Course Level Level 3
- Location Hele Road Centre
- Course Length 2 years
This course can be combined with most other courses and goes particularly well with Modern Foreign Languages, Humanities, Social Science and creative subjects.
Overview
This course focuses on sociolinguistics, which means that we study and analyse the ways in which society and language influence one another. This involves exploring issues such as personal and social identity, as well as looking at how children learn to talk, read and write.
Who is this course for?
Choose this course if… you are interested in popular culture, the world around you, and the development of the English language in society. It is also appropriate if you are interested in discussion, debate and creative writing.
- What you will study
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On this course you will
- Gain an in-depth understanding of how language is constructed to achieve meaning
- Develop creative skills and expertise as a writer, experimenting with different styles
- Explore how language varies and changes over time
- Develop transferable skills relating to the interpretation and analysis of different types
of communication
You’ll explore how we use language in a range of contexts, as well as how it reflects and constructs our identity, based on factors including age, gender, class, etc. You will also study how language is acquired as children, and how this makes humans unique in our communication. There is also a focus on how English has evolved, the chance to carry out a personal investigation, and plenty of creative writing.
- Assessment
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External examination and a small component of non exam assessment in the second year coursework – worth 20%.
- Entry Requirements
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You will need eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English Language and Maths). It will be possible to discuss the differences in the content of this course compared with GCSE at interview.
Progression and Careers
English Language will develop your analytical writing skills to progress on to a broad range of university courses, as well as most forms of professional employment. Essentially, any work that involves written and spoken communication will be enhanced by studying the subject further.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it similar to GCSE English?
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Whilst the A Level certainly builds on the knowledge and skills acquired from your GCSE studies, it is more topic-based, exploring new areas that you won’t have covered before. These tend to be the things that A Level students most enjoy about the course.
- What’s the difference between English Language and English Literature?
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English Literature is based more on reading whole books (novels, collections or poetry, and plays), whereas English Language explores how we communicate in every possible context. Due to this, every lesson is different, and you will develop knowledge and skills that you can apply to any situation in which the English language is being used!
- What careers and university courses does English Language support?
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English Language is excellent preparation for degrees and professions such as Law, Marketing, Politics, History, International Relations, Journalism, as well as English Language/Linguistics itself. It also develops the critical thinking and communication skills needed in many professional careers.
- What skills will I develop?
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Because most of the assessments are essay-based, you will develop academic writing skills, and how to construct a strong, evidence-based argument, integrating knowledge and theoretical understanding to analyse and evaluate a range of sources. You will develop excellent communication skills, reflecting on how to present yourself or your ideas effectively in any context, including through your creativity.
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Have a question?
Need help your application?
Speak to us today on: 01392 400500
Message us via our contact form
Ready to find out more?Why not come along to one of our open events, a chance to explore our facilities, ask questions about our courses and find out more about being a student at Exeter College.
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How to apply
Ready to start your journey?
Applying is straightforward:
1) Complete our online application form
2) Submit your GCSE results or predicted grades
3) Attend an interview
4) Receive your offer and enrol
What our students think?
“In English Literature, we discuss a wide range of subjects – feminism, romanticism, the gothic, science – everything gets covered so that’s why it’s so interesting. I really recommend Exeter College for both the study side, which is outstanding, and the social side is amazing too – you will develop a whole new group of... Read more >
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