UK · Subject guide
English Language
A-Level English Language (AQA 7702), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
01 · Overview
English Language
A-Level English Language (AQA 7702), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
- Subject guide
- A-Levels
- Topics mapped
- 12
02 · Complete topic map
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
- 01
Methods of language analysis
The core linguistic frameworks applied throughout the course, covering phonetics, phonology and prosodics, lexis and semantics, grammar and morphology, pragmatics, discourse and graphology.
- 02
Textual variations and representations
Analysing how a range of spoken, written and multimodal texts are shaped by audience, purpose, genre and mode, and how they construct meanings, identities and representations.
- 03
Children's language development
Studying how children acquire spoken and written language, including phonological and grammatical progression, the functions of language, and relevant developmental theories and research.
- 04
Language diversity
Exploring how English varies according to personal, social and geographical context, including sociolects, dialects, occupation, gender and other group identities.
- 05
Language change
Examining how English has changed over time from roughly 1600 to the present across lexis, grammar, semantics, spelling and orthography, and the social and technological causes behind it.
- 06
Language discourses
Critically evaluating how texts represent language and attitudes towards it, and how such texts position and seek to influence readers within wider public debates.
- 07
Language and identity
Investigating how individuals and groups construct and signal identity through language choices, an emphasis distinctive to the full A-level.
- 08
Varieties of English
Developing deeper understanding of historical, geographical, social and individual varieties of English and how language is interpreted across differing contexts.
- 09
Writing skills for language study
Producing discursive academic essays, analytical writing situating texts within language debates, and accessible directed writing communicating language issues to general audiences.
- 10
Language investigation
Conducting an independent, data-led study of a self-chosen language topic, designing research questions, collecting original data and applying linguistic methods to interpret findings.
- 11
Original writing and commentary
Creating an original piece in persuasion, storytelling or information based on an annotated style model, accompanied by a reflective commentary on choices, process and effectiveness.
- 12
Critical evaluation of attitudes to language
Synthesising knowledge across the course to assess and challenge attitudes towards language and its users, connecting the different areas of study as a whole.
03 · Where this subject applies
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Pathways and specifications
AS-Level
Advanced Subsidiary — the first year of A-Level study (standalone or first half of the full A-Level).
A-Level (A2)
The full Advanced Level — AS content plus the second-year A2 content.
Nations and regions
All registered regions
04 · Official sources
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and amendments with your school or college and the appropriate awarding organisation.
2
Public references
UK · EuraStudy Guides
Place this subject inside the complete curriculum.
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy Summa to begin working with the material.