English Literature (A-Level)

Outline

The course covers poetry, drama and prose, developing your ability to analyse texts, make comparisons and construct well-supported arguments.

Poetry Component

Explore poetry through extracts, essays and comparisons, developing your ability to analyse how writers communicate ideas and meaning.

Drama Component

Study drama through extracts, essays and comparisons, exploring texts in detail and developing your critical analysis skills.

Unseen Component

Develop your ability to analyse unseen poetry and prose, applying your knowledge and analytical skills to texts you have not previously studied.

NEA – Coursework

Complete a comparative study of two novels.

This component gives you the opportunity to select a comparative text from a designated selection and focus on an area of study you would like to explore.

The process of identifying a topic, researching, drafting and editing your work provides a strong foundation for essay-based degree subjects at university.

Progression

English Literature develops strong written, analytical and communication skills that can support progression into a wide range of university courses and careers.

Media and Journalism

The course can support progression towards careers in areas including:

• Journalism
• Public Relations
• Events

Education

English Literature can also provide a foundation for careers within education and academia, including:

• Teacher
• Lecturer
• Researcher

Wider careers

The transferable skills developed through the course can also support progression into areas including:

• Business
• Management
• Politics

Assessment

The course is assessed through a combination of three examinations and coursework.

Examinations

You will complete three two-hour examinations at the end of the two-year course.

These will assess your ability to analyse literary texts, apply contextual information and critical interpretations, develop arguments and make connections between different areas of your studies.

NEA – Coursework

You will complete a 3,000-word prose-comparison analysis.

The coursework allows you to develop your independent research, textual analysis and essay-writing skills while exploring and comparing literary texts in greater depth.

Entry Requirements

A combination of 5 Grade 4’s and 5’s or above at GCSE (including maths and English). * One Vocational Qualification in a related subject area will be considered in place of a GCSE. Subject Specific Entry Requirements: GCSE English Literature at Grade 5.

* Fees

Don’t let the cost of studying put you off – most of our students study for FREE, and those who don’t qualify for funding are very often eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Eligibility depends on both the course you have chosen to study and your individual circumstances.

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