GCSE English [Combined Course] or English Language?

It really doesn't matter to be honest. The only differences are: GCSE English has more Literary stuff. Usually a Shakespeare play and a novel. With the rest being English Lang focus: Non-fiction texts and Speaking and Listening. Whereas English Language is purely English Language with one Controlled Assessment being about Spoken Language; in a literary text - either being a Shakespeare play Or a novel. So that's only 1. However, in GCSE English there's about 2-3 texts you will have to cover.

GCSE English will be too much to complete in a year. English Language would be best over a year, and GCSE English in 2 years as it's a lot heavier in content.

Unis don't really care/specify. Some say "GCSE English and Maths" whilst others will say "GCSE English Language and Maths". But nothing is really set in stone. GCSE English just shows you know how to look at language in non-fictional texts as well as fictional texts. Whilst GCSE English Lang shows you how to analyse Language to their effect, esp the Controlled Assessment of Spoken Language Study (transcript, etc).