Is English Language/Linguistics like GCSE or A-Level English Language?
English Language and Linguistics at Newcastle are quite unlike GCSE English Language, since they are not directly concerned with your practical use of language (except in the way that any humanities subject is). Rather, it is language itself that is being studied. They have some topics and approaches in common with English Language A-Level (this varies according to the A-Level syllabus followed), but also bring in new topics and approaches. In a recent survey in which our Stage 2 students looked back on the transition from A-Level, many of them said that they had found degree-level work more analytical or technical and more challenging and satisfying. English Language is studied mainly using the approaches of modern linguistics, and as well as studying the structure, history and varieties of English, it explores the notion of language in general, and our ability as humans to produce it.
