A Level in English Literature
Course level: 3
Course code: Q0119
01/09/2025
a future student (16-18)
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.
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
Future careers
Whether you know what you want, or you don’t, get career inspo with our Future Finder.
At City of Wolverhampton College, we boast strong links with leading universities and over 1,000 employers – meaning our courses are all career focussed and relevant.
Like what you’ve seen?
Then it’s time to apply.
Unsure whats right for you?
Visit us at one of our Open Events and see what City of Wolverhampton College has to offer.
