English Language & Literature Combined

This course offers a chance to deepen your understanding of both Language and Literature, exploring the craft of the writer through fiction, non-fiction and spoken texts. You will study a number of classic literary texts, alongside modern non-fiction and you will also produce a range of creative writing pieces, as well as both literary and linguistic analysis.

What you will learn

Studying the combined English Language and Literature course will offer you greater insight into how language functions and how skilled writers use it for both literary and practical effect. You will read a range of literary texts and a selection of modern non-fiction and spoken texts to explore how writers construct effective prose to move or manipulate their readers. You will also have the opportunity to improve your writing skills by undertaking some creative writing tasks and being taught to appreciate the art of crafting your own writing.

How you will learn

• Discussion
• Group and paired work
• Individual creative work
• Independent reading
• Analysing texts
• Oral presentations
• Essay writing

Year 1

• Introduction to language and linguistic/literary analysis
• Spoken Language and the Anthology
• Creative writing
• Drama text

Year 2

• Novel and comparative text
• Unseen text preparation

Assessment 1: Voices in Speech and Writing, written exam, 2 1/2 hours, 40% of the final grade.

The first section of the exam focuses on the comparison of an unseen spoken language text with a text from the taught Anthology. The second part of the exam focuses on the set drama text.

Assessment 2: Varieties in Language and Literature, written exam, 2 1/2 hours, 40% of the final grade

The first section of this paper requires an analysis of an unseen prose non-fiction text. The second section asks the students to compare the two set literary texts.

Assessment 3: Investigating and creating texts, non examined assessment, 20% of final qualification

The NEA comprises two main parts: two creative assignments (one fiction, one non-fiction) linked to a theme of the student’s choice and an analytical commentary of the student’s work linking their writing to the texts they have studied for the project.

College basic entry requirements

• Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Literature

Where Next?

English Language and Literature is a very versatile qualification and would be looked upon favourably by most university course leaders. Specific courses for which it is well regarded are: English Language, Literature, Linguistics, Law, humanities-based subjects, Psychology and Sociology. As a core subject focused on effective communication, it makes a very useful contribution to any professional or career pathway.

Course Combinations

The course combines well with several A Level subjects including History, Drama, Sociology, Psychology and Modern Foreign Languages.