English Literature

Applications Open: - Now

Applications Close: - Friday 13th February 2026 (This is the official deadline, when planning for the new timetable will begin; however, applications may still be accepted after this date.)

Entry Requirements: - 6 GCSE passes at Grade 5+, including a minimum of Grade 5 in Mathematics and English.

How to Apply: - Apply via KentChoices

Why study this subject?

English literature is a highly regarded subject by both universities and employers. Not only does it strengthen your analytical skills, but it encourages you to be a creative thinker and an excellent communicator, skills that are invaluable in the work place. Students who study English literature at A level have gone on to have a wide range of careers including Journalism, Law, Advertising and Medicine. It also helps you to develop a life-long love of literature, by introducing you to a range of different genres, authors and periods.

Component 1: Drama

• One Shakespeare play – e.g. Hamlet/Measure for Measure/Othello and one other play Doctor Faustus/ A Streetcar named Desire/ The Duchess of Malfi.

Component 2: Prose

• Two prose texts, one of which must be pre-1900 – e.g. Never Let Me Go and Frankenstein/ The Murder Room and Lady Audley’s Secret.

Component 3: Poetry

• A selection of post 2000 poetry and a range of poetry from a literary period or a named poet - e.g. the Romantics/Keats/Modernism/T.S.Eliot.

Component 4: Coursework

• A free choice of two texts to study. One extended comparative essay referring to two texts – 2500-3000 words.

Component 1, 2 and 3 are all externally assessed - all are open text exams.

Component 1: Drama

30% of the A Level qualification

Component 2: Prose

20% of the A Level qualification

Component 3: Poetry

30% of the A Level qualification

Component 4:

Internally assessed coursework; 20% of the A Level qualification.

GCSE grade 6 in English Literature.