Is the Certificate in English Grammar prescriptive or descriptive?

Descriptive — it teaches how contemporary English actually works rather than insisting on prescriptive rules. Prescriptive 'rules' (split infinitives, prepositions ending sentences) are discussed alongside their evidence base.

How is the Certificate in English Grammar different from the Certificate in Linguistics?

Linguistics covers the whole discipline (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics). The Certificate in English Grammar focuses specifically on English grammar in working depth. They overlap but emphasise different things.

Will the Certificate in English Grammar help me become a better editor?

Yes — directly. Working editors regularly take the Certificate to deepen their explicit grammatical literacy. The applied editing workshops focus on the contexts editors most often deal with.

Can I take the Certificate in English Grammar fully online?

Yes. Live tutored sessions, recorded analytical lectures and structured written-work feedback all adapt naturally to remote delivery.

Does the Certificate in English Grammar cover style?

Lightly — grammar and style overlap, but the course's primary focus is grammatical structure rather than stylistic choice. For sustained style work, see the Certificate in Professional Writing or Creative Writing.

Certificate in English Grammar in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Certificate in English Grammar at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a short, systematic UK qualification in English grammar at working level. Across three to six months you will study the structure of English from word class to sentence level, develop the analytical vocabulary to discuss grammar precisely, and apply that knowledge to writing, editing and teaching contexts.

This Certificate is for adults — writers, editors, teachers, sub-editors, translators — whose work depends on grammatical precision and who want a more systematic grip than school grammar provided. It is taught as descriptive, contemporary English grammar rather than prescriptive rule-following.

Key Features

Word-class and structural module — nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, function words at descriptive level.
Phrase and clause module — noun phrases, verb phrases, dependent and independent clauses.
Sentence structure — simple, compound, complex, contemporary stylistic variation.
Applied grammar workshops — grammar for writing, editing and teaching contexts.
Three short analytical assignments with structured tutor feedback.
Three study modes — on-campus, fully online, or distance learning.

What You Will Learn

The Certificate in English Grammar is built around the systematic analytical literacy that distinguishes a working understanding of grammar from prescriptive rule-following.

Word classes — nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, function words at descriptive level.
The English verb system — tense, aspect, modality, voice.
Noun phrases — heads, modifiers, complements.
Sentence structure — simple, compound, complex.
Contemporary English usage — descriptive standards vs prescriptive myths.
Punctuation as grammatical signal.
Common writing and editing grammar issues.
Grammar for teaching at introductory level.

Who This Course Is For

Working writers, editors and sub-editors wanting precise grammatical literacy.
Language teachers strengthening their explicit grammar knowledge.
Translators wanting systematic grammar terminology.
Adults considering further study in linguistics or English language.

Career Pathways

The Certificate strengthens any role requiring grammatical precision. Typical applications include:

Sub-editor (publisher, newsroom)
Editor / Copyeditor (publisher, agency)
EFL Teacher (with explicit grammar knowledge)
Translator (with structured grammatical vocabulary)
Technical Writer (with precision)
Continued Study (Diploma in English Language, Certificate in Linguistics)

The Certificate articulates into the Diploma in English Language at LSJHML for students continuing.

Entry Requirements

Minimum age 16.
Secondary school qualification (GCSE/O-Level or international equivalent).
IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) for non-native English speakers — needed because the analysis is conducted in English.
No prior grammar training required.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.