English Literature A Level AQA

Applications Open – 3rd November 2025

Applications Close – 31st July 2026

Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.

The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.

Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.

The sixth form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.

How to Apply – Please apply via Kent Choices.

View our courses here

English Literature is the study of prose, poetry and drama from different eras.

A-Level English literature is a relevant, engaging and up-to-date specification that approaches the study of literature through the lens of historicism, encouraging the independent study of a range of texts within a shared context, giving logic and meaning to the way that texts are grouped for study. This unifying approach facilitates the inclusion of a range of wider reading, thus extending students’ experience and appreciation of literature. Offering clear progression from GCSE, the course allows students to build on the skills and knowledge already gained and prepare for their next steps. The variety of assessment styles used, such as passage-based questions, unseen material, single-text questions, multiple-text questions, open- and closed-book approaches allows students to develop a wide range of skills, such as the ability to read critically, analyse, evaluate and undertake independent research which are valuable for both further study and future employment.

At A2, students sit two summer examinations and submit one coursework assignment:

PAPER 1

Study of three texts: one poetry and one prose text, of which one must be written pre-1900, and one Shakespeare play.

Exam will include two unseen poems

PAPER 2

Choice of two options

Option 2A: WW1 and its aftermath

Option 2B: Modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day

Study of three texts: one prose, one poetry, and one drama, of which one must be written post-2000

Exam will include an unseen extract

COURSEWORK

Comparative critical study of two texts, at least one of which must have been written pre-1900

One extended essay (2,500 words) and a bibliography

We would recommend a grade 6 at GCSE in English Language and Literature.

The successful completion of this course will allow you to progress on to a wide range of related higher education courses and could lead you into careers in journalism, marketing and publishing.