A Level

A-Level - English Literature

  • Academic Year: 25/26
  • College 16+
  • Crewe Campus

How to apply

The Course

English Literature is for you if you enjoy reading a variety of books, being involved in exploring and analysing texts and if you are prepared to question and debate ideas about literature, society and culture. It is a subject which will sharpen your analytical skills and one which is highly valued by universities and employers for the transferable skills it encourages and develops. It is also a vital course for you if you wish to teach English at high school level or above.

A1 will include 2 Components:

  • Component 1 will be a closed book exam of 2 hours on two prose texts from different periods.
  • Component 2 will be an open book exam 2 hours. It will include poetry and drama analysis.

A2 will include 4 Components:

  • Component 1 will be an open book exam 2 hours and worth 30% of the overall A Level. It will include questions on pre-1900 poetry and post 1900 poetry.
  • Component 2 will be a closed book exam 2 hours and worth 30% of the overall A Level. It will include two questions on Shakespeare, an essay and an extract and an essay question comparing a modern and a classical play.
  • Component 3 will be analysis of unseen prose and poetry and is worth 20% of the overall A Level.
  • Component 4 will be a coursework assignment worth 20% of the overall A Level. It will be on two prose texts, one pre and one post 2000.

Why study English Literature?
English Literature is for you if you enjoy reading a variety of books, being involved in exploring and analysing texts and if you are prepared to question and debate ideas about literature, society and culture. It is a subject which will sharpen your analytical skills and one which is highly valued by universities and employers for the transferable skills it encourages and develops. It is also a vital course for you if you wish to teach English at high school level or above. You will be taught by an enthusiastic and experienced team which includes current A-Level examiners and moderators and you will experience a variety of teaching methods including pair and group work, student presentations and independent research. You will be tutored in examination techniques, given timed exam practice and one-to-one sessions to help you with coursework assignments. You will also have access to a wide range of learning resources.

Read more
Typically you will need 5 GCSEs, including two at grade 5/B (or above) and three at grade 4/C (or above) including maths and English. You will also need a grade 5 in English Literature GCSE.
English Literature is a desirable subject in the arts and humanities sector and media studies. Students are able to progress through to university in English Literature, Creative Writing, or Media Studies or enter employment in publishing or content writing.

Adults can enrol for FREE

You may see a fee attached to the course you’re interested in, but if you’re aged 19+ you’ll more than likely be eligible to enrol onto an adult course for FREE.
Take a look and get in touch with admissions@ccsw.ac.uk if you’d like anymore information.

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Crewe Campus
Starts : September 2nd, 2025
2 Years

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FULLY FUNDED ADULT COURSES

If you are aged 19+ we can help you upskill and invest in your future with one of our FREE adult courses.

When exploring the courses we have available, you may see a fee attached but you’re more than likely to be eligible for a fully-funded enrolment!
Take a look and get in touch with admissions@ccsw.ac.uk if you’d like anymore information.

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