English Literature A Level - Level 3
Overview
High demand, limited places - Apply now for September 2025!
With record-breaking applications in recent years, many courses for September 2024 were already full by spring time. Due to an increasing number of school leavers in our local area, the same high demand is expected for September 2025.
Apply early to secure your place and avoid disappointment!
Studying A Level English Literature will encourage you to develop your interest and enjoyment of the written word. You will gain an understanding of the traditions of literature, make informed opinions and judgements on literary texts and develop your knowledge of cultural and historical influences on text. By reading widely, and critically, across centuries, gender and genre, you will develop as an independent reader and critic.
You will be taught to critically analyse a text according to its historical and cultural period and, as well as enjoying great works, you’ll develop keen powers of analysis and an understanding of literature in all its forms.
Key objectives
- Build on the skills and knowledge you have already gained at GCSE.
- Critically read, analyse and enjoy a wide variety of different texts.
- Develop your written communication skills to a high level.
What does it combine with?
What our students say
Evie talks to us about the exciting opportunities studying A Levels with us has presented her, including how it differs from school, using the West Notts Travel Pass, and her plans to progress onto university.
What will I study?
The texts covered include:
- ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Tennessee Williams
- ‘The Help’ by Kathryn Stockett
- ‘New Selected Poems’ by Seamus Heaney
- ‘Othello’ by William Shakespeare
- ‘The Awakening’ by Kate Chopin
- A post-1900 poetry collection.
You will also analyse unseen texts of different genres. In the coursework option you will be able to study a choice of texts.
Entry requirements
- Five GCSEs with grades 4-9, including GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature
- If you have only studied GCSE English Language and not GCSE English Literature, please discuss this with the subject tutor.
Study programmes - essential skills for employment
If you’re aged 16-18 (or 19-25 with an EHC Plan), we want to make sure you have the best possible chances of landing an awesome job once you finish college.
Therefore, if you do not have GCSE grade 4-9 in either English Language or Maths, you will study one or both of these courses alongside your full-time study programme. If you do have GCSE grade 4-9 in English Language and Maths then you will not be required to undertake these subjects. By doing so, you'll be building a stronger set of skills that will significantly boost your employability in the future.
Think of it as a chance to supercharge your knowledge and abilities. You'll be equipped with the tools necessary to tackle the world beyond college with confidence. Plus, we'll be right here to support you every step of the way.
How long is the course?
Two years.
How will I be assessed?
This course is assessed primarily by two examinations scheduled for May/June at the end of the second year with some additional coursework assessment.
The variety of assessment styles used such as passage-based questions, unseen material, single text questions and open book approaches, allow students to develop a wide range of skills. These skills include the ability to read critically, analyse, evaluate and undertake independent research which are valuable for both further study and future employment.
The majority of questions are open book, which means you can have a copy of the texts in the exam!
There are only two exams and a coursework element worth 20%. This coursework provides opportunities for students to pursue their own areas of interest and develop personal and independent learning skills.
What does the course lead to?
Careers are often pursued as a teacher, marketing professional, public relations officer, librarian, author, translator, solicitor and more.
What can I progress onto?
Further study at university-level* in English Literature or creative writing, history, politics, media and communications.
*As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626 or discover more about this benefit here.
How do I apply?
You don’t need to apply for each A Level course you are interested in individually.
Once we have received your application form we will invite you into college where we will be able to discuss every aspect of the courses you have chosen as well as any alternatives you may be considering.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the areas of the college used for your course choices.
Apply online