English Literature - A Level Intensive (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 A Level 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. Topics covered can 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

For applicants under 18, the standard A Level programme is recommended. However, applicants aged 18 and over will be considered for the A Level Intensive course if they have already demonstrated a record of achievement at A level or an equivalent level 3 qualification, e.g., a Grade D in A Levels.

Please note that applicants aged 18 or over cannot resit an A Level subject in which they have already achieved a grade E or above. Resits of subjects previously passed at grade E or above are permitted only for applicants aged 19 or over, unless taken alongside an intensive A-level that has not previously been studied.

To study this A Level Intensive, you will need:

• A proven track record of achievement at A Level or an equivalent level 3 qualification, e.g. Grade D achieved in previous A Levels
• Three GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English Language and Maths, plus two further GCSEs at grade 4
• If your English Language GCSE is at grade 5, one of your three GCSEs at grade 5 or above must be a literary subject (e.g. English Literature, History, Business Studies, Sociology, Geography)
• Admission onto this course is subject to passing an entrance test set at AS level
• A reference from your previous school/college

All applicants must take an entry test and have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

During the year there will be formal internal assessments which you will need to pass in order to be entered into the final exams. There is an examined coursework element that you will complete by February and two public written 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.

Adults - Level 3

This course may be free if you meet certain conditions:

• If you are not working or have a low income. You need to show proof of your income or benefits.
• If you are aged 19-23 and you do not have a full Level 3 qualification (a full L3 is the equivalent of two A-levels at A* - E grade). You need to show us proof of any qualifications you already have.
• Residency rules apply. You need to show you have permission to live, work and study in the UK without conditions if you live in London, or 3 years if you live outside London.
• There are some exceptions, such as certain visa types.

Check here which documents you need to show us, and which visa types are allowed.

If you do not meet the residency rules, you can still enrol on the course but you may have to pay some fees. All applicants are fee-assessed during enrolment.

If you are not eligible for a free or reduced-cost course, you need to pay the full fee yourself, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

If you have to pay for your course, and decide to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan (ALL), the residency rules are different: https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.

Some courses have additional costs, such as for 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 onto study for a degree at the university of their choice, with some choosing to progress into apprenticeships or other employment.