English Language and Literature A Level

• What will I study and learn?

  This exciting new course developed in partnership with the English and Media Centre will encourage you to develop your interest in, and enjoyment of, English. You will develop and apply your knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation. You will read and interpret a wide range of both literary and non-fiction texts, including spoken word scripts, comedy and biography. This course has a strong emphasis on your own creative writing.
  
  For the A Level, you will build on the skills learnt over two year extending your literary and linguistic skills.
  
  Component 1: Exploring Non-Fiction and Spoken Texts
  
  You will focus on the OCR (EMC) anthology of 20 non-fiction spoken and written texts across different time periods and contexts. You will complete comparative and contextual study based on the anthology and unseen texts.
  
  Component 2: The Language of Poetry and Plays
  
  You will focus on a poetry collection and one drama text from a choice of six. You will explore the texts through stylistic and dramatic analysis.
  
  Component 3: Reading as a Writer, Writing as a Reader
  
  You will focus on the nature of narrative though the reading and studying of a prose fiction text. You will write as a reader and develop the understanding of narrative technique through a creative writing task (500 words) and a commentary (250 words).
  
  Component 4: Non-examined Unit, Analysing and Producing Texts
  
  Independent study allows you to pursue particular interests and develop your expertise through an analytical comparative essay on a set text from a list of 12 non-fiction texts and a second free choice text. One text will be post-2000. You will also produce a piece of original non-fiction writing.

• How is the course assessed?

  The full A Level course will be assessed through exams (80%) and coursework (20%).
  
  Exam board: OCR

• What courses would combine well with this course?

  A Level English Language and Literature combines well with any subject. It teaches the ability to read and write closely, intelligently and sensitively - skills that are very widely needed! Studying literature complements other discursive and essay writing subjects in the humanities, such as history or sociology A Levels, and the focus on language makes it an obvious choice alongside modern languages. Equally, the imaginative and expressive quality of literature can provide an enjoyable contrast to science and maths subjects for a balanced programme. In various ways, the study of literature would support but not overlap with A Level Media or Drama and Theatre Studies.

• What skills will I need for the course?

  You will need three main skills. The first is an ability to research and read attentively and an openness and curiosity about the language being used. You will also need the discipline to learn some grammar and ideas about writing and speech and to apply them, so that you actually look at language and literature as something to be investigated. Thirdly, you will need an ability to write clear and accurate English and a desire to develop your own writing so that you can call upon your skill to operate effectively in a number of different writing tasks.

• What formal entry requirements will I need?

  Minimum requirements - average point score of 5.5 including GCSE English Language and English Literature at grade 6.

   

  Points calculation

  The average points score for entry to an A Level programme will be calculated using your 8 best GCSEs OR 6 GCSEs plus 1 technical qualification (equivalent to a maximum of 2 GCSEs and 10 points).

  From 2017 English Language, English Literature and Mathematics GCSE will be graded numerically (1 – 9. Grade 5 = a good grade C, grade 6 = grade B and grade 7 = grade A).

   

  To work out your average and find out more information, please see our Entry Requirements page.

• What could the course lead to in higher education or careers?

  This is an excellent A Level to support entry to degrees in the arts, social sciences, business studies and media. It provides a secure basis for direct employment in many industries including journalism and the creative arts. A Level 3 qualification in English is recognised as essential for employability in numerous professional fields.

• Are there any costs involved?

  Literary texts will cost approximately £20-£25 per year. There will be recommended – but not compulsory – study trips (cost tbc).

• Are you aged over 19?

  Students aged 19 or over on 31st August directly preceding their academic year may be required to pay tuition fees for that year of study. Advanced Learner Loans may be available for students studying at Level 3. If you are aged 19-23 as at 31 August and this is your first full Level 3 you may not have to pay fees.
  
  Students who are 19-24 years old with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) issued by the Local Authority are not required to pay course fees (ie tuition fees are free). Students will be required to provide a final copy of their EHCP provided by the LA as evidence.

   

  You can find A Level course fees for adults on our A Level page.