English Literature AS/A Level
Course Information
- Course Type School Leaver
- Subject Area English Language and English Literature
- Qualification A Level 🧩
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Course Level Level 3
- Location Hele Road Centre
- Course Length 2 years
This course can be combined with others and goes particularly well with other Humanities and Arts subjects.
Overview
Develop your analytical and critical thinking skills through the study of poetry, drama and prose across different historical periods and cultural contexts. You will explore literature through philosophical, historical, postcolonial and psychoanalytic perspectives, examining how writers shape meaning and reflect, or challenge, the societies in which they write. Through close textual analysis, independent research, and critical debate, you will learn to construct sophisticated arguments and engage with a range of interpretations. What can fiction reveal about identity, power and what it means to be human? Who decides what texts are considered ‘literary’? And why does literature still matter in rapidly changing, technological world? Join us to explore these questions, and more!
Who is this course for?
Choose this course if you enjoy the thrill of a great book and are prepared to share your ideas, as well as have them challenged by others.
- What you will study
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On this course you will:
- Study a wide variety of texts, covering the major literary genres of poetry, prose and drama AS/A LEVEL
- Read a range of literature by a variety of authors in different historical periods, considering how the political, social and literary context can illuminate writers’ ideas
- Consider how structure, form and language in texts creates meaning
- Enhance your analysis of different narrative techniques, evaluation of literary criticism, and draw comparisons between different texts
- Develop your ability to research and cultivate a reasoned argument
- Have the opportunity to attend theatre trips, author talks, events and take part in creative and academic writing competitions
- Assessment
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Assessment is primarily through written examinations, where you’ll be asked to analyse and compare literary texts and develop well-supported critical arguments. In the second year you will also have a piece of Non-Examined Assessment, or coursework, which is a comparative prose essay with 20% of your final grade.
Year 1 – AS English Literature is 100% external examination:
Paper 1: Poetry and Drama (40%)
Paper 2: Prose (60%)Year 2 – A Level English Literature is 80% external examination, and 20% coursework.
Paper 1: Drama (30%)
Paper 2: Prose (20%)
Paper 3: Poetry (30%)Coursework – A 2,500 – 3,000 word essay (20%)
- Entry Requirements
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Eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths.
Progression and Careers
You could go on to university level education, and/or a range of careers. English Literature is highly regarded by universities, and particularly sought after due to the academic writing skills you will develop on the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What will I study on the A/AS Level English Literature course?
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You’ll study a range of modern poetry, prose, and drama from different periods, exploring themes, characters, language, context, literary criticism, and the ways writers create meaning.
- How is A Level English Literature different from GCSE?
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A Level English Literature builds on the skills you developed at GCSE, but gives you much more opportunity to explore texts in depth and develop your own interpretations. You’ll study more challenging and diverse literature, consider different critical perspectives and contexts, and construct more detailed, independent arguments. The course also involves more discussion and debate, helping you become a confident and thoughtful reader.
- Is English Literature a good A Level for applying to competitive universities?
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Yes. English Literature is a well-regarded A Level that can demonstrate strong analytical, critical thinking, academic writing, and communication skills. It is particularly relevant for students considering degrees such as English, History, Law, Politics and related humanities subjects, including applications to highly competitive universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.
- What can I do after studying English Literature at Exeter College?
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English Literature can lead to a wide range of university courses and careers, including journalism, law, teaching, publishing, media, communications, creative writing and many other fields that value strong analytical and communication skills.
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Have a question?
Need help your application?
Speak to us today on: 01392 400500
Message us via our contact form
Ready to find out more?Why not come along to one of our open events, a chance to explore our facilities, ask questions about our courses and find out more about being a student at Exeter College.
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How to apply
Ready to start your journey?
Applying is straightforward:
1) Complete our online application form
2) Submit your GCSE results or predicted grades
3) Attend an interview
4) Receive your offer and enrol
What our students think?
“In English Literature, we discuss a wide range of subjects – feminism, romanticism, the gothic, science – everything gets covered so that’s why it’s so interesting. I really recommend Exeter College for both the study side, which is outstanding, and the social side is amazing too – you will develop a whole new group of... Read more >
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