JW6 - English Literature A Level

Applications Open: Thursday 6th November 2025

Applications Close: Tuesday 31st March 2026

Entry Requirements: Please see specific course details.

English Literature remains one of the most popular subjects studied at A Level and beyond and is universally recognised by employers and universities alike.

Students will read texts which are challenging and of cultural importance and analyse, evaluate and argue a point of view.

The course builds on the skills and ideas developed in GCSE: reading for meaning, essay writing, analysis of language, form and structure and understanding context.

The course offers an excellent foundation for Higher Education courses and covers a range of fascinating literary works. Current texts studied include Othello, The Handmaid’s Tale , Frankenstein, A Streetcar Named Desire and both modern and romantic poetry.

The specification encourages the exploration of these texts and a wide variety of student-selected texts in a number of different ways: the analysis of language, form and structure of texts; the development of the literary canon; detailed comparisons of texts and examination of the contexts of when and where texts were produced.

Students’ skills are tested in a variety of ways to enable them to achieve their best: terminal examination (3 papers – one on each of novels, poetry and plays); coursework, in the form of extended essay writing, directed by the student themselves, on topics and texts that they find engaging.

Entry Requirements: Grade 6 in GCSE English Language or English Literature

As a core academic subject studying English to AS/A2 standard is commendable for many university courses and career choices. It is specifically useful for developing essay writing skills and style. Specific opportunities may include: Journalism, Editing, Proof-reading, Teaching, Business. 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.