English Language, Linguistics and Creative Writing
LEVEL 3: A LEVEL
EXAMINING Board: AQA
English Language encourages you to be curious about how language works in real life and develop your own ideas.
You will explore spoken and written language in everyday contexts, from conversations and online communication to media and public discourse.
You will investigate how language develops, how children acquire language, how words and meanings change over time, and how language is used to express identity, power and attitudes.
Alongside analytical study, including grammar, you will write your own opinion articles and non‑fiction texts, and complete an independent language investigation where you research and analyse language data of your own choosing.
Paper 1: Language, the Individual and Society
- Section A – Textual Variations and Representations
- Section B – Child Language Acquisition and Development
Paper 2: Language Diversity and Change
- Section A: Diversity & Change
Choice of 2 topics from list of 6:
- Language and gender
- Accent and dialect
- Language and social groups
- Language and occupation
- Global varieties of English.
- Language change
- Section B: Language discourses
Non-Examined Unit (coursework): Language in Action
- Investigation Project
- Creative writing portfolio and commentaries
As a minimum, you will need (or equivalent to):
- GCSE Mathematics grade 4
- GCSE English Language or Literature grade 5
- plus three more GCSEs at grade 4
It is recommended you have:
- GCSE English Language grade 6
The course is assessed through two exams (worth 80% of your grade) and a ‘non exam unit’ coursework unit (worth 20%).
The ‘non exam unit’ is a language investigation (2000 words excluding data) and a piece of original writing and commentary (1500 words).
A Level English Language is an academically rigorous subject that universities value for the insight it gives into how language works in society. It is particularly relevant to degrees in the humanities, social sciences and professional fields where clear analysis, research skills and precise communication are essential.
Students who study A Level English Language commonly progress to degrees such as:
- English Language or Linguistics
- Law
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Criminology
- Media or Journalism
- Education
- Politics and other social science subjects.
English Language develops a range of skills that support success at university, including analysing real‑world data, constructing clear and well‑structured arguments, and carrying out independent research and investigation.
Graduates with English Language and linguistics‑related degrees go on to careers across law and criminal justice, media and communications, marketing and PR, education, research, policy, and the wider public and professional sectors.
What is A Level English Language about?
English Language explores how language works in real life, analysing spoken and written communication and how language shapes identity, power and meaning.
How is it different from English Literature?
English Language focuses on real‑world language rather than novels or poems. You will study everyday communication such as conversation, media, online language and advertising.
What will I study?
Topics include language and gender, language and power, how children learn to communicate, and how language changes over time.
Is there coursework?
Yes. You will complete an Independent Language Investigation, choosing and researching your own language topic.
What skills will I develop?
You will build analytical and critical thinking skills, research and data analysis skills, and clear, precise academic writing — all valued by universities and employers.
Is it a good choice with other subjects?
Yes. English Language works well alongside sciences, maths, social sciences and English Literature, offering a strong complementary skill set.
Is it respected by universities?
Yes. Universities value English Language for the research, analytical and academic writing skills it develops.