Qualification
AQA A-level English Language
AQA specification 7702, covering language analysis, diversity, change and language development.
AQA A-level · Specification 7702
Online A-level English Language Course
Explore how English is used to communicate, influence and create identity. This flexible home study course examines spoken, written and digital language, children’s language development, regional and social variation, and the ways English has changed over time.
Immediate access to the online course
40 lessons across 10 English Language modules
Optional tutor marking, tutorials and printed materials
Start your English Language course
£14.99 / month
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- Course materials subscription
- Academic induction session and booking fee
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Course overview
Study how language works in the real world
We all use language every day, but A-level English Language asks you to step back and examine how that language works. You will analyse everything from conversations and newspaper articles to advertising, digital communication and texts from earlier periods of English.
The course explores how language changes according to audience, purpose, identity and context. You will consider regional accents and dialects, social and occupational language, gender, ethnicity, global varieties of English and changing attitudes towards language.
You will also investigate how children learn to speak and write, carry out an independent language investigation and produce a piece of original writing with an evaluative commentary.
Course structure
10 modules · 40 lessons
Study language frameworks, textual variation, diversity, children’s language, language change and original writing.
Recommended study time
Approximately 700 hours
Students should normally allow two years to complete the full A-level course and its coursework requirements.
Enrolment
Start at any time
There is no fixed term date, although your intended examination year and coursework timetable should be planned in advance.
Assignments
20 assignments
A mixture of analytical, evaluative, examination-style and coursework-preparation assignments.
Written assessment
2 written papers
Each paper lasts two hours and 30 minutes and contributes 40% of the final A-level.
Non-exam assessment
Coursework worth 20%
Complete a 2,000-word language investigation and 1,500 words of original writing and evaluative commentary.
Entry and grading
Grades A*–E
The full A-level is graded from A* to E, with both written papers taken in the same examination series.
Plan ahead for the coursework
A-level English Language includes compulsory non-exam assessment. Coursework must be supervised and authenticated, so students should begin planning it well before the examination year. Final coursework is usually required by the end of March in the year of the written examinations.
Flexible home study
How the A-level English Language course works
Work through the course in sequence, building your understanding of language analysis before moving on to language diversity, children’s language development, language change, independent investigation and original writing.
Each module contains structured lessons, shorter activities and more substantial assignments. These help you practise the analytical, evaluative and writing skills required for the written examinations and the non-exam assessment.
You can study at a pace that suits you, but the coursework means that students aiming for the full A-level should plan their timetable well in advance. Enough time must be allowed for tuition, assignment submission, coursework planning, drafting and authentication.
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Enrol and start online
Enrol at any time and receive immediate access to your online English Language course. Your included academic induction session helps you understand the course structure and plan your studies.
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Work through structured lessons
Follow 40 lessons across 10 modules, beginning with methods of language analysis and progressing to language diversity, children’s language development, language change, independent investigation and original writing.
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Check your understanding
Complete lesson activities and examination-style assignments to develop your analytical, evaluative and writing skills. Suggested answers help you review your work and identify areas that need further study.
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Prepare for exams and coursework
Later modules prepare you for the two written examination papers and guide you through the language investigation, original writing and evaluative commentary required for the non-exam assessment.
Flexible additional support
Add personal support when you need it
Tutor marking, email support, one-to-one tutorials and printed course materials can be purchased separately. Students planning to complete the full A-level should arrange suitable support early enough for coursework planning, drafting and authentication.
Coursework authentication through Oxford Home Schooling
If you want Oxford Home Schooling to authenticate your coursework and act as your entering centre, you must book a minimum of three hours of tuition and pay for the marking of at least six tutor-marked assignments. Tutors must have seen enough of your work and discussed your progress with you to be confident that the coursework submitted is genuinely your own.
Course content
What you’ll study
The A-level English Language course is arranged across 10 modules and 40 lessons. You will begin by learning the frameworks used to analyse spoken, written and multimodal language before exploring textual representation, language diversity, children’s language development, independent investigation, original writing and language change.
Module 1 Introduction to Language Analysis: Language Frameworks Build the core language frameworks used throughout the course, including lexis, grammar, graphology, phonology, pragmatics and discourse. 4 lessons
- Modes of Address: Lexis and Semantics
- Modes of Address: Grammar and Graphology
- Modes of Address: Analysing Spontaneous Speech — Phonetics, Phonology and Prosodics
- Modes of Address: Pragmatics and Discourse
Module 2 Textual Variations and Representations Explore how spoken, written and multimodal texts vary and how language constructs representations, power and identity. 4 lessons
- Variations in Spoken, Written and Multimodal Texts
- Representations: Texts in Time
- Representations: Texts in Context
- Language, Power and Identity
Module 3 Language Diversity Study sociolects, gender, ethnicity, regional accents and dialects, and national and international varieties of English. 4 lessons
- Sociolects: Social and Occupational Groups
- Sociolects: Gender and Ethnicity
- Accents and Dialects: Regional Varieties
- Global English: National and International Varieties
Module 4 Language Discourses Examine Standard English, attitudes to diversity and change, identity, reader positioning and future language discourses. 4 lessons
- Standard English: Caxton’s Eggs and Historical Attitudes
- Attitudes to Diversity and Change: Constructing Identity
- Attitudes to Diversity and Change: Positioning and Influencing the Reader
- Attitudes to Diversity and Change: Future Discourses
Module 5 Language in Action: Investigating Language Plan an independent language investigation, collect and analyse data, evaluate findings and present your research. 4 lessons
- Identifying an Investigation Topic and Research Questions
- Methodology: Data Collection and Language Analysis
- Evaluating Findings
- Language Concepts and Writing Up
Module 6 Understanding Children’s Language Development Explore the functions of children’s language and the development of phonology, grammar, lexis, semantics and pragmatics. 4 lessons
- Functions of Children’s Language Use
- Language Development: Phonology and Grammar
- Language Development: Lexis, Semantics and Pragmatics
- Comparing Development in Spoken and Written Texts
Module 7 Applying Theories of Language Development Apply theories of language development to children’s speech, writing and multimodal communication. 4 lessons
- Genres of Children’s Speech and Writing
- Modes of Communication: Spoken, Written and Multimodal Texts
- Theories of Children’s Language Development
- Researching Children’s Language Use
Module 8 Language in Action: Original Writing Develop original writing for persuasion, storytelling or information and produce an evaluative commentary. 4 lessons
- Original Writing Option 1: The Power of Persuasion
- Original Writing Option 2: The Power of Storytelling
- Original Writing Option 3: The Power of Information
- Producing an Evaluative Commentary
Module 9 Introduction to Language Change Study language use from 1600 to the present, processes of change and possible futures for English. 4 lessons
- Diachronic Change and Diversity: Language Use from 1600 to the Present Day
- Processes of Diachronic Change
- Synchronic Change and Diversity: The Future of English?
- Evaluating Language Change in Written Texts and Transcripts
Module 10 Evaluating Language Change Use language data to evaluate change, ethnolects, international English and debates about language. 4 lessons
- Using Language Data to Evaluate Diachronic Change
- Using Language Data to Evaluate Synchronic Change
- Synchronic Diversity: Ethnolects and International English
- Attitudes to Language Change: Descriptive Models and Directed Writing
Practice Exam Paper 1
Practice Exam Paper 2
A carefully structured two-year sequence
The modules are intended to be studied in order so that you establish the methods of language analysis before progressing to independent investigation and coursework. Students completing the full A-level are encouraged to begin Module 5 during the summer after their first year, allowing more time to develop the language investigation.
Exams and assessment
How the course is assessed
A-level English Language is assessed through two written examination papers and a compulsory non-exam assessment. The written papers test your ability to analyse language, evaluate ideas and apply linguistic concepts, while the coursework gives you the opportunity to carry out an independent investigation and produce your own original writing.
Both written papers must be taken in the same examination series. The non-exam assessment must be supervised, authenticated and completed in time for submission before the written examinations.
Written examination
Paper 1
2 hours 30 minutes
Exam duration
100 marks
Available marks
40%
Of the qualification
Language, the Individual and Society assesses textual variations and representations together with children’s language development.
Written examination
Paper 2
2 hours 30 minutes
Exam duration
100 marks
Available marks
40%
Of the qualification
Language Diversity and Change assesses language variation, language change, language discourses and directed writing.
Non-exam assessment
Language in Action
3,500 words
Total word count
100 marks
Available marks
20%
Of the qualification
Complete a 2,000-word language investigation and 1,500 words of original writing and evaluative commentary.
Written examinations
Both papers in one series
The two written papers must be taken in the same examination series. Marks cannot be carried forward from one paper to a later sitting.
Coursework supervision
Authentication is required
Your tutor must be able to confirm that the investigation, original writing and commentary are genuinely your own work.
Coursework marking
Marked and moderated
The non-exam assessment is marked by the entering centre and is then subject to moderation by AQA.
Grading
Grades A*–E
The full A-level is graded from A* to E, with A* representing the highest level of achievement.
Arranging your assessment
Written examinations are hosted by a local centre
Home-educated students normally sit the two written papers at an approved local examination centre. Examination entry and centre fees are arranged separately from the course subscription.
If Oxford Home Schooling is to act as your entering centre and authenticate your coursework, you must meet the tuition and tutor-marked assignment requirements before the submission deadline.
Support & add-ons
Add extra English Language support when you need it
Your course subscription provides the structured online materials needed for independent study. Additional tutor support, assignment marking, coursework guidance and printed materials can be purchased separately whenever they would be useful.
Written feedback
Assignment marking
Submit individual course assignments for marking and receive detailed tutor feedback on language analysis, use of terminology, written argument and areas for improvement.
Assignment marking bundle£179.82
Exam preparation
Mock exam marking
Complete examination-style papers and receive feedback on analysis, evaluation, directed writing, timing and how effectively your answers address the assessment objectives.
Mock examination marking bundle£57.00
Ongoing guidance
Email Tutor Support
Ask subject questions by email while working through the course and receive help when a linguistic concept, text or activity needs further explanation.
Email Tutor Support£10.00 / month
Live tuition
One-to-one tutorials
Book an individual online session with a tutor to discuss difficult topics, practise language analysis, prepare for examinations or plan your non-exam assessment.
Tutorial time Purchased separately
Printed materials
English Language course pack
Add a printed, spiral-bound copy of the course materials if you prefer to study, annotate and revise away from the screen.
Printed course materials£50.00
Coursework support
Plan authentication early
Students who want Oxford Home Schooling to authenticate their coursework and act as their entering centre must purchase at least three hours of tuition and marking for at least six tutor-marked assignments.
A-level English Language support
See all available English Language support
Prospective students can compare the available support services. Existing students can purchase English Language marking, tutorials and other course-specific add-ons through their account as their study and coursework needs develop.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the A-level English Language course
Find answers about starting the course, study time, the AQA specification, examinations, coursework, textbooks and the additional tutor support available.
Can I start the English Language course at any time?
Yes. There are no fixed term dates, so you can enrol and begin studying when it suits you. You should, however, plan around your intended examination year and the earlier deadline for submitting authenticated coursework.
How long does the course take to complete?
We recommend allowing approximately 700 hours of study and normally completing the course over two years. This gives you time to work through all 40 lessons, develop your examination skills and complete the supervised coursework.
Which examination specification does the course cover?
The course prepares students for AQA A-level English Language specification 7702.
How is English Language different from English Literature?
English Language examines how spoken, written and multimodal language works in different contexts. You will study topics such as language and identity, accents and dialects, children’s language development, language change and the ways writers and speakers influence audiences. English Literature focuses more directly on the study of novels, poetry and drama.
Does A-level English Language include coursework?
Yes. The compulsory non-exam assessment is worth 20% of the A-level. It consists of a 2,000-word language investigation and 1,500 words of original writing and evaluative commentary.
When must the coursework be completed?
Students should plan to complete their coursework by the end of March in the year of their written examinations. You will need to allow time before this for topic approval, research, tuition, drafting, tutor feedback, authentication and final submission.
Can Oxford Home Schooling authenticate my coursework?
Yes, provided the required supervision arrangements are followed. If Oxford Home Schooling is to authenticate your coursework and act as your entering centre, you must book at least three hours of tuition and pay for the marking of at least six Tutor-marked Assignments. This gives the tutor sufficient evidence of your normal work and progress to confirm that the coursework is genuinely your own.
Do I need to buy a textbook?
Yes. The course is written to be used alongside AQA A Level English Language: Student Book by Dan Clayton, Angela Goddard, Beth Kemp and Felicity Titjen, published by Oxford University Press. The ISBN is 978-0198334002, and reading references are provided throughout the course.
Is tutor marking included in the course subscription?
No. The course contains activities, assignments and suggested answers for independent study, but individual tutor marking is purchased separately. You can pay for selected assignments or purchase a marking bundle, depending on the support you need.
Can I get help from an English Language tutor?
Yes. Optional support includes assignment marking, Email Tutor Support and one-to-one online tutorials. Tutorials can be used to discuss language-analysis techniques, examination preparation, investigation planning, original writing and the supervised coursework process.
Should I study the modules in order?
Yes. The modules are arranged so that you learn the main methods of language analysis before applying them to more advanced topics and independent research. Students taking the full A-level are encouraged to begin the investigation module during the summer following their first year where possible.
Ready to begin?
Start your online A-level English Language course
Enrol at any time and begin working towards the AQA A-level English Language qualification through a structured, flexible home-study course.
- Start studying at any time
- Immediate access to the online course
- Work at a pace that suits your examination and coursework plans
Start your English Language course
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