Back to all courses

A Level

English Language & Literature

A popular course that links the skills of both English Language and English Literature study. It appeals to students who have enjoyed both aspects at GCSE and wish to continue studying them in a broader and more in-depth manner.

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language and a grade 5 in GCSE English Literature (if studied).

Exam Board Specification

Click here to find out more

Course Leaflet

Click here to download PDF

Apply now

What you will study

How ‘voice’ is crafted in both speech and writing
A drama text and short literary, non-literary and digital texts
Texts that provide opportunities to explore ways in which writers use language techniques and literary devices
You will also develop your own skills as a writer by producing fiction and non-fiction texts in response to a topic area

Assessments

Three exams at the end of the second year (80%)
One piece of coursework (20%)

Course Support

The English Department takes pride in the level of support we give to our students:

Regular individual interviews with your own specific tutor
Staff enable you to achieve the best grades possible
Revision classes

Enrichment Activities

Theatre visits & trips to places of literary interest
Study days on specific exam modules
Creative writing workshops
Exam preparation delivered by Senior Examiners
Conferences on English Language
Enrichment Programme offering debating, personal creative writing and poetry group

Progression

English Language and Literature is an interesting and challenging A level as well as being excellent preparation for university or apprenticeships and your future career.

Career Opportunities

Careers include law, digital and creative, PR, marketing, journalism, sales, teaching, management, administration, information management, publishing and careers in the public services.

Three female students sat at a table talking

Play Video

I studied English Literature and Language at Carmel College and I loved it! The subject tutors are so dedicated to ensuring you do your best and they provide all the necessary resources so you can succeed, there are amazing tutorial sessions and tutors that help you too!

Not to mention the teachers are so knowledgeable in other subject areas, they helped with applications for work experience opportunities and even my interview for the Cambridge foundation year!

I also enjoyed the enrichment opportunities provided such as the talks!

Esther Ajeniya

Now studying Foundation Year in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Cambridge

I really enjoyed my A level English Language and Literature course. The lessons always felt relaxed but I was still challenged.

My teacher gave me excellent feedback on my assignments so I was able to improve over the two years. As someone who’s usually quite quiet, I felt very comfortable contributing in these lessons as my opinion was always valued.

Emily Kernick

Now studying Law at Edge Hill University