About this course
This course is ideal for students who enjoy exploring how people communicate and want to develop a deeper understanding of the English language. You will investigate how language shapes identity, influences relationships and reflects changes in society, while developing your ability to analyse and manipulate both spoken and written communication.
Students will explore the fascinating relationship between language and the world around us, examining how individuals, groups and organisations use language to express ideas and influence audiences. The course combines theoretical study with opportunities for creativity, allowing students to explore both academic linguistic concepts and practical examples of language in everyday life.
Students who enjoy discussion, creative writing, research and critical analysis will particularly benefit from this course. It is ideal for learners who are curious about why people communicate in different ways and how language can be used to create meaning, establish power and represent different identities.
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What will you learn?
English Language is the study of how language works, develops and influences the way we communicate. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of spoken and written language, developing an understanding of linguistic theory and applying it to real-world examples.
Topics include:
● Spoken Language – exploring how people communicate through speech and analysing different language levels, structures and features.
● Language and Power – investigating how speakers use language to influence, persuade and establish authority, including key linguistic theories.
● Standard and Non-Standard English – exploring how accents, dialects and language varieties develop, and examining attitudes towards different forms of English.
● Child Language Acquisition – studying how children develop language from birth to age four and exploring theories surrounding language development.
● Language Change Over Time – investigating how English has evolved from Early Modern English to the present day and why language continues to change.
● 21st Century Language – exploring modern communication, including social media, multimodal texts and the changing language of the internet.
● Original Writing – developing creative and purposeful writing skills through tasks such as dramatic monologues, travel writing and commercial texts.
● Language and Identity – conducting independent research into an area of personal interest, exploring the relationship between language and individual or group identity.
Students will also develop an understanding of how language is used in different contexts, how audiences are influenced, and how communication shapes our experiences of the world.
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is aimed at students who are interested in communication-based careers and want to develop a deeper understanding of how language influences people and society. It is suitable for learners who enjoy writing, debating, analysing information and carrying out research.
Students may wish to progress into careers involving communication, creativity or working with people, including journalism, content creation, law, teaching, speech and language therapy, publishing and media production. The course is also valuable for students who are interested in understanding human behaviour, persuasion and social interaction.
English Language is well suited to students who enjoy learning through discussion and applying analytical ideas to essay-based responses. Many students progress to university degrees in English, linguistics, humanities, social sciences and related subjects, while others use their communication skills to access apprenticeships or enter employment in communication-focused industries
Students should have achieved a Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language, with an average points score of 4.6 or above. This course is best suited to students with a strong interest in communication-based subjects and a willingness to explore how language works, changes and influences the world around us.
Assessment takes place through three essay-based examinations and one non-exam assessment, which contributes 20% of the overall grade. Students will complete analytical and creative writing tasks, alongside research-based work exploring language use in real-world contexts.
Students will develop skills in:
Analysis & Evaluation
● Analysing how language creates meaning
● Evaluating linguistic theories and viewpoints
● Building evidence-based argumentsCommunication
● Developing written and spoken communication skills
● Presenting ideas clearly and effectively
● Understanding different audiences and contextsResearch & Investigation
● Conducting independent research
● Exploring real-world language use
● Selecting and interpreting evidenceCreative & Problem-Solving Skills
● Producing original written work
● Applying linguistic knowledge to new situations
● Developing critical thinking skillsOrganisation
● Managing coursework and deadlines
● Planning and structuring extended responses
Progression routes
Possible progression routes include careers in:
● Law and business
● Teaching and education
● Journalism, media and content creation
● Human resources and communications
● Writing, publishing and editing
● Speech and language therapy
● Marketing and public relations
This course also supports progression into higher education and degree-level study in areas such as English Language, Linguistics, Journalism, Law, Education, Media and Social Sciences. It can also provide valuable skills for apprenticeships and employment routes where strong communication, research and analytical abilities are essential.
Related Courses
Looking for something that works well with this course? Here are some related courses to consider.
English Literature
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