English Literature - A Level (AQA)

English Literature allows you to study works of literature in greater depth than before, such as novels, plays, and poetry. You will think critically and analytically about the texts you are studying, thinking about their meaning and influence. The course covers three areas - telling stories, exploring conflict and making connections - covered across a mixture of coursework assignments and exams.

The texts offered for study range from the 16th century to the present day and cover a wide range of subjects. Texts covered may include:

• Texts on Paris, France
• Novels, such as Frankenstein, Dracula, The Handmaid's Tale or The Lovely Bones
• Poets, such as John Donne, Robert Browning, Seamus Heaney and Carol Ann Duffy
• Dramas such as Othello, All My Sons, A Streetcar Named Desire or The Herd
• Creative writing, such as The Great Gatsby, The Kite Runner, Into the Wild or The Suspicions of Mr Whicher

You will need to meet the minimum entry criteria, plus:

• Grade 5 in a literary subject such as History, Business Studies, Sociology, Geography

Please click here to see the minimum entry requirements.

This subject includes coursework (non-exam assessment) which contributes to the final grade, students are only permitted to study a maximum of two subjects which have coursework as part of their three subject choices.

During the 1st year there will be 5 formal internal assessments which you will need to pass in order to progress into the 2nd year. There is an examined coursework element that you will complete by February of the 2nd year. At the end of the 2nd year there are two public examinations.

AGED 16 - 18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August 2025 before the start date of the course, and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your course then your study with us will be free.

Please see here for the documents you need to show us.

Some courses have additional costs, such as specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

A Levels are widely regarded as the standard entry qualification for top universities in the UK, and the rest of the world. Many of our students go on to study for a degree at the university of their choice, with some choosing to progress into apprenticeships or other employment.