English Literature

AS/A Level English Literature allows you to read and discuss a wide range of texts from different eras and genres, while also exploring the social, historical and cultural issues that those texts both reflect and influence. This qualification is an excellent and highly regarded preparation for most undergraduate courses, but particularly Journalism, Law, Philosophy, History, Media Studies, Film Studies and Modern Foreign Languages, as well as English.

Course Content

In your AS year, you will study the dramatic genre of comedy and compare the various ways in which narrative is constructed in both prose and poetry.

In addition to the texts you read in class, you should also be able to draw on your own independent reading to make links between texts. Indeed, at A2, you will have the opportunity to design and write independent coursework essays focussing on literary texts of your choice. You will also explore either the gothic or pastoral genre in more depth, while learning more about literary theory and criticism, to enhance your writing and interpretation skills and to develop your own critical perspective. If you enjoy reading and discussing literature, then this is the AS/A Level for you!

Entry Requirements

Students must have achieved grade B or above either in both GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature (preferred) or in GCSE English.

A GCSE grade C or above in History, a Modern Foreign Language or a Classical Language would be useful, but is not essential.