Why this course?

Works of literature reflect the time and context in which they were written, and studying them gives us tremendous insight into the society at the time, the author who wrote them and our own lives and emotions. On the A-level English Literature programme you will study a range of texts, both modern and classical and will develop a range of important skills such as communication, analysis, critical thinking and evaluation.

Course Content

  • Component 1: Drama
    Students study one play by Shakespeare and one bya different playwright.
  • Component 2: Prose
    Two prose texts will be studied. Both will be based on the same theme, at least one will be from pre-1900.
  • Component 3: Poetry
    A range of poetry is studied looking at form, meaning and language covering poems from post-2000 and other literary periods.
  • Component 4: Non-examination assessment
    An in-depth comparative study of two texts of your choosing.

How will I be assessed?

You will sit three two hour written exams – each exam will be worth a third of the A-level.  The papers will feature a range of question styles.

Paper 1
Drama (exam, 2h 15m, 30%)

Paper 2
Prose (exam, 1h 15m, 20%)

Paper 3
Poetry (exam, 2h 15m, 30%)

Paper 4
Non-examination assessment (coursework, 20%)

Student Profile

Successful English Literature students will have a love of literature and will read in their spare time. You will need to be skilled at analysing texts, gathering evidence from them and using it to develop well-reasoned arguments. You will need to be comfortable expressing your thoughts in class and open to listening and taking on board others’ thoughts and ideas.

Complimentary Subjects

  • History
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Law

What could I do next?

English is helpful for most degrees with written essays.  A few of the degree courses that could be completed are:

English Literature; Law; History (and other humanities); Politics

to name a few!

A wide range from teaching and law to journalism and public relations. The communication and analytical skills you learn are invaluable in most careers.