What do I need to study A Level English Literature?

You will have gained Grade 5 or above in English Literature and a Grade 5 in English Language. You will be someone who finds reading rewarding and reads widely and independently outside of school. You will also be somebody who enjoys analysing language and the meanings behind texts across the literary genres (poetry, prose, drama), and from different time periods.

What does the course involve?

• A study of literary genre: Gothic
• Study of Shakespeare
• Study of literature across time (pre-1900; post-1900)
• Study of literary criticism
• Coursework in response to critical theory on a self-chosen theme
• Study in preparation for an unseen text in the examination

This will include the study of at least nine texts across the two years, and the writing of critical and analytical essays about these texts individually and comparatively. The course will also include preparation for the more individualised coursework element where two essays will be produced of between 2,500-3,000 words in total.

How is it examined?

• Paper 1: Shakespeare and pre-1900s texts (2.5 hours; 40% of A Level)
• Paper 2: Comparative and contextual study: The Gothic (2.5 hours; 40% of A Level)
• Coursework: Post-1900 literature (independent assignments)

What will I be able to do?

A qualification in this subject is valuable for any university Arts, Social Sciences, Linguistics or Humanities degree course. If you want to follow an english studies course at University, it is recommended that you also complete an A Level course in Language.