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English Literature

The study of a range of literary texts. Some of these are 21st Century, others date back hundreds of years.

Why study English Literature?

If you’re fascinated by the power of literature, then this course has so much to offer. You’ll study some great books and get the chance to explore them with other students who share your passion. You’ll study texts from a range of different periods and genres and get a real sense of how English Literature has developed over time.

What will I study?

The texts we currently study are A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster, Poetry by Philip Larkin and Carol Ann Duffy and The Tempest by Shakespeare. You’ll also study a whole range of poetry from any period, together with short extracts from prose texts of the late 19th/early 20th Century. For coursework, you’ll study either Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte or Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, together with a more recent text which you can choose yourself.

Entry requirements

No specific entry requirements (other than the College entry points) for this course but there is coursework and essay writing skills are required

Which exam board & how will I be assessed?

Eduqas.

There are three exams worth 80% of the overall grade. Your coursework will be worth 20%. One exam is ‘open book’, the other closed. One exam is ‘unseen’ - so you’ll develop the skills to analyse any text and poem.

Where could it take me?

Studying A-level English Literature opens many doors. You can apply for any English-based degree at universities worldwide. Beyond this, it serves as a strong foundation for careers in journalism, creative writing, marketing, and teaching. Many students progress into fields such as teaching, publishing, human resources, journalism, theatre management, and advertising. Interestingly, the skills gained also support careers outside traditional English paths—former students have become doctors, dentists, and vets. This shows how versatile English Literature is, developing critical thinking, communication, and creativity that are valuable in a wide range of professions and industries.

For further information on careers in English Literature, please visit:

What can I do with an English degree? | Prospects.ac.ukTo explore top-ranked universities for studying English Literature and view available courses, please visit:

Best UK universities for English – league table | English and creative writing | The GuardianTo see the current jobs available with a English Literature degree, please visit:

12 Literature Jobs You Can Get With a Degree | Indeed.com UK

Subject combinations

Students frequently combine English with History, Modern Foreign Languages, Law, Psychology, Sociology, Business Studies, Economics, Theatre, Media Studies and all Art courses. But we’ve had many students who have success fully combined English with science A-levels or Maths. The ability to communicate well in speech or writing is central to so many professions - it’s hard to see where English can’t take you!

What support is available?

One to one support is always available. We run revision sessions at lunchtime in the months leading up to exams. Our revision planners will help you organise yourself by giving you specific weekly tasks to target. We have a wide range of resources on paper and online to support your learning and help you manage note-making, new terminology and reading.

What extracurricular activity is available?

We run regular trips to theatres locally and further afield. We’ve visited the British Library and the British Museum in London. We love visiting the birthplace of the Bronte sisters in Howarth, Yorkshire and the Slavery museum in Liverpool. We also encourage Creative Writing through a programme of writing workshops with a range of professional writers. We have a departmental magazine which students write and edit themselves.