A Level
English Literature A Level
Is this course for me?
If you love fiction, poetry, or both, then A level English Literature is the subject for you.
A Level English Literature will ignite and engage your passion for fiction, challenging your critical and evaluative skills.
Expect to get to grips with all forms of poetry, plays and prose from the start. There are challenging and adult themes including politics, sex and death. You will develop your own personal opinions and be confident in challenging those of others. At AS Level, we begin with Unseen Prose and Poetry. You will study a range of extracts from literary prose from early writing to the present day. You will also study poetry from the AQA Anthology Love Through the Ages alongside two amazing gothic novels: Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca and Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. We finish the first year with Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello.
In the second year, you will study two texts of your own choice for coursework. We also practise for the Unseen Poetry unit and study two texts about identity: Friel's play Translations and Sheers' Skirrid Hill. We finish with Atwood's dystopian modern classic The Handmaid's Tale.
Through a combination of written exams and coursework.
Full time for two academic years.
A minimum of 5 GCSE subjects graded 9-5 including Maths and 2 GCSE subjects graded 9-6 including English or an essay based subject such as History.
You may progress to study at university (including Russell group) for a degree in a related subject.
University Courses
An A Level in English Literature is highly valued in many university courses, especially in:
• English Literature or English Language and Literature
• Creative Writing
• Journalism and Media Studies
• Law (many law courses appreciate strong analytical and writing skills)
• History, Philosophy, or Politics
• Education and Teaching
Career Options
Even if you don't pursue English at university, this qualification develops valuable skills (critical thinking, analysis, communication) that are useful in various fields, such as:
Writing and Media
• Journalism (newspapers, magazines, online media)
• Publishing (editing, proofreading, literary agencies)
• Copywriting (marketing, advertising, PR)
• Screenwriting, Playwriting, or Novel Writing
Education and Academia
• Teaching (primary, secondary, or tutoring)
• Academic Research
• Librarian or Archivist
Law and Public Sector
• Solicitor/Barrister (via a Law degree)
• Civil Service or Government roles
• Charity and Non-Profit work
Business and Marketing
• Public Relations (PR)
• Marketing and Communications
• Human Resources (HR)
Creative Industries
• Theatre and Performing Arts
• Film and Television (script editing, production)
Other Paths
• Apprenticeships (e.g., Journalism, Publishing, Marketing)
• Freelance Writing or Blogging
• Travel Writing
As part of your Academic Development Day you'll benefit from a range of extra qualifications, work placements, voluntary work and masterclasses, delivered by industry experts. You'll visit the theatre, the Bronte Parsonage at Haworth, and libraries for poetry readings, guest talks and workshops from local and national authors.
Plus you could become a blog writer and get published right from the start of your course.
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Students aged 16-18 do not pay exam fees.
Students aged 19+ will need to pay an exam fee of £64.00
