A Level English Language

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Key details

Course areas: A LevelsEnglish, Maths and Languages
Student types: 16 - 18 coursesA Levels
Course type: A Level course
Course level: Level 3
Start date: Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location: High Pavement Sixth Form Chaucer Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LP
Course code: Parent course code:C000450 Child course code: Q000521

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Course introduction

Studying English language at A Level provides you with a great grounding in the skills you’ll need while you’re studying at this level across a whole range of other subjects, as well as higher study at university and on into your chosen career.

You will enjoy this A Level if you are someone who enjoys reading, writing and communicating and who wants to develop their abilities in these areas. You’ll have the opportunity to explore areas of interest whilst also examining more closely at how language and communication impacts society.

You will study this course alongside 2 or 3 other A Levels and you will be able to select your chosen subjects when you apply online.

Throughout this course you will become proficient in analysing spoken and written language and you will develop your knowledge and passion for literary texts. You will also develop your writing skills and broader communications skills, engaging in regular discussion and debate. Due to the range of skills nurtured and developed in this course you’ll find that it complements a wide range of A Level subjects to study alongside this one. Topics and assessments include:

Language, the individual and society (written paper)
Language diversity and change (written paper)
A non-exam assessment (NEA) which involves a language investigation of your choice, allowing you the freedom to explore your own areas of interest.

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You will be encouraged to participate in a 30-hour work placement while you are studying.

Course information

Duration

2 years

Qualification

AQA A Level English Language

Entry Requirements

To study 3 A Levels you’ll need at least 5 GCSE’s at grades 9-4 including GCSE English Language at grade 5 or above and Maths at grade 4 or above

To study 4 A Levels you’ll need at least 6 GCSE’s at grades 9-6 including GCSE English Language at grade 5 or above and Maths at grade 4 or above

The programme of study is for two years, and you will be expected to be achieving a minimum of grade D in all subject assessments by the end of year one to progress to the second year.

Applicants with predicted GCSE grades 1 or 2 points below the entry requirement for an A Level:

If your predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements for either 1 or 2 of your chosen A Level subject choices, don’t worry we will still make you a conditional offer. We advise that you think about a second choice of course as a back-up plan. You can meet with us for a supportive, friendly and impartial discussion to look at other courses that Nottingham College has to offer. For more information contact High Pavement Sixth Form admissions by telephone on 0115 9100 100 or email at feadmissions@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk

Teaching & Assessment

You’ll undertake a combination of examinations and non-exam assessment. The exam component will be worth 80% of the final grade.

Progression

This course is a pathway to a huge range of higher education courses. The skills you learn will be invaluable for essay writing, dissertations, report writing and presentations in later life.

This course can open a number of doors for you including teaching, journalism, playwriting, marketing, PR and media.

Additional Information

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Gallery

Front of the High Pavement campus on Chaucer Street.

High Pavement Sixth Form Centre

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