A Level in English Literature

Open Events

Attendance: Full Time

Course level: 3

Location: City Learning Quarter, Paget Road Campus

Course code: Q0119

Start dates:

01/09/2025

Age:

Apply Now

Download PDF

Is this course right for me?

Do you love the Arts and have a passion for reading?

Then this is the right course for you!

A Level English Literature, from its study of Shakespeare plays to the modern novel, explores all aspects of the human condition. The historical context in which the texts are set often influence the characters’ responses to love, politics, nature and the world in general. Did you know that English Literature explores, from its earliest form, the psychology of the mind and provides an insight into the societies from the time they were written?

It is an exciting subject that encourages you to explore stories and narratives from different eras. It is a well-respected subject and welcomed by all universities and employers in all career paths.

We have a 100% A Level success rate on this course and excellent feedback from our past students. Some of our past students have progressed on to study English Literature, English and Creative Writing and Law at a variety of prestigious Universities. These include the University of Warwick, Imperial College London, Birmingham University, BCU, Bangor University, De Montfort University, University of Leicester and the University of Wolverhampton. Many of our past students have gone on to become teachers, journalists and lawyers.

While you are on this course you will have the opportunity to visit The National Theatre, The Globe, The Tower of London, as well as attending a number of A level Student Conferences.

We also have guest speakers who we invite in to college to enhance your learning. These have included the world expert on English language David Crystal and visiting authors and actors.

Please note – when applying for any A level on our website, this submits your application for the full A level programme. You only need to apply for one subject – your other subject choices will be discussed at interview.

Apply Now

Course details

Entry Requirements:

To access this course you are required to have:

Five or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and maths
The required QoE score

What will I learn?

During this course you will study:

Literary genres (aspects of tragedy or comedy)
Texts and genres (aspects of crime or political writing)
Theory and independence

What skills will I gain?

By studying this course you will:

Develop your understanding of English literature’s intrinsic value and significance in society; how it can illuminate the past and foreshadow events in the future
Acquire an understanding of different literary genres and an appreciation for social, cultural, religious and ethnic diversity through the study of all the narrative forms of English literature
Acquire an understanding of the nature of critical literary approaches and how social and cultural events shape writers’ intentions and reader responses, for example, that Marxism and feminism influenced the work of famous dystopian authors such as George Orwell and Margaret Attwood
Develop the ability to debate authorial points of view; whether first person narratives are always trustworthy; to evaluate the effect the language, structure and form informs the audience’s response to text
Develop your confidence as an effective and independent learner with an ability to think critically and reflectively with an enquiring mind
Develop your use and understanding of literary terms, concepts and skills
Improve your ability to make links and draw comparisons within and/or across different authors and genres
Improve your confidence in debating alternative viewpoints about writers’ intentions and reader responses to Shakespearean and modern drama, novels and poetry
Improve your research, analytical, critical reasoning, presentation, verbal and written skills
Gain valuable team working and communication skills by taking part in class debates and presentations

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through two exams and two coursework portfolios

What can I do next?

The skills you will learn from this course will enable you to:

Pursue a career in law, the civil service, education, librarianship, social work, politics, local government, journalism, business, publishing, archeology, museum work, heritage, media and film or marketing and sales
Progress on to Higher Education, apprenticeships and employment