English Literature AS/A Level 3

Applications Open – 21st November 2025

Applications Close – 30th April 2026

Entry Requirements – At least 5 GCSE passes at grades 9-5 in the new qualifications (or A*- B grade in the old GCSEs) including English (either Literature or Language if both were taken) and mathematics.

Preference on Advanced Level courses will be given to those students securing at least a grade 6 (or grade B in the old GCSE assessment system) in the subject they wish to study.

How to Apply – Please apply via KentChoices

SYLLABUS - Edexcel (probably). Please note that we may switch boards before the course goes ahead.

COURSE - The AS course begins where English Literature GCSE left off. A genuine interest in the three main literary forms (fiction, drama and poetry) is assumed, and students’ background reading will help significantly, as will signs of personal engagement. Unit 1 consists of analysis of a variety of unprepared poetry and prose (which leads to a question on an ‘unseen’ poem or passage in the exam), along with study of a group of poems on a common theme, and a novel. Unit 2 consists in a study of two plays from different periods, and explorations of these in a coursework folder of about 2500 words.

The A2 course broadens out from this base, and consists of somewhat more probing studies of the three basic literary forms. Coursework offers a good deal of personal choice and is worth 40 per cent.

AS UNITS
Explorations in Prose and Poetry (60%) – 2 hour 15 minute exam
Explorations in Drama (40%) - Coursework

A2 UNITS
Interpretations in Prose and Poetry (60%) - 2 ½ hour exam
Reflections in Literary Studies (40%) - Coursework

ASSESSMENT - As in most subjects, assessment is by a variety of methods: tests on reading, assessment of note-taking, research, essay-planning and writing, oral presentations and creative exercises. There will be opportunities for students to assess work themselves against the criteria, and a series of preparatory assignments in each unit.

Students should have achieved grade Bs at least in English Language and Literature

Journalism, teaching, advertising, public relations; general arts-related careers such as the Law, the Civil Service or Human ResourcesYou could take this course to complement other advanced level courses or to prepare for the A2 part of an Advanced GCE in English Literature, which could lead onto higher education in English related studies or more general higher education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to English Literature such as a Teacher, Journalist, Author or Poet. You could also go straight into a job as the AS GCE is a recognised qualification that will help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for. You could take this course with other advanced level courses or equivalent to prepare for higher education in English studies or more general higher education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to English Literature such as a Teacher, Journalist, Author or Poet. The course will also help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for. You could take this course with other advanced level courses or equivalent to prepare for higher education in English studies or more general higher education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to English Literature such as a Teacher, Journalist, Author or Poet. The course will also help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.