English Language and Literature

A Level

A Level English Language and Literature is a lively, thought- provoking, and stimulating course where you’ll develop your ability to voice your opinions whilst also building on your own creativity. This is a well-respected A Level which builds key skills, from academic writing to communication and critical analysis, meaning that it supports a wide range of career ambitions.

You will have the opportunity to study novels, poetry and plays, along with the study of non-fiction, spoken and written texts to understand the concerns of the writers at that time, and the methods they use to create a reaction from their audience. This broad course also provides you with the opportunity to write creatively. The topics you study will build on your GCSE studies and expand your ability to discuss and develop your love of language and literature.

Specific requirements

You’ll need to meet the entry criteria for your chosen pathway.

For more information about the pathways, please click here.

HNC takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. This information is for guidance only. The College reserves the right to update and amend course information and entry criteria as and when necessary. Please note that from time to time we may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on applicant demand and other factors. Please check this website for the latest information and our current course offer.

Your learning experience

Topics you will study include:

  • Studying texts such as The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
  • Exploring poetry including selected poems by Carol Ann Duffy
  • A creative writing project

An enriching experience

Studying A Level English Language and Literature at HNC is an enriching experience. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and interests, broadening your horizons and building your cultural capital. These experiences are integral to life at HNC and will help you to stand out from the crowd. Some of the experiences our A Level English students enjoy include:

  • Participating in an annual residential trip to Paris where students gained a wider understanding of one of the set anthologies, Paris
  • Taking part in lunchtime enrichment opportunities such as Book Club, Journalism and Creative Writing
  • Having short stories published in national anthologies via Young Writers
  • Participating in inspirational and valuable guest workshops and university lectures

Enlightening opportunities

We are proud of the unique experiences that are available to our students both inside and outside of the classroom. Our subject specialists will instil in you a love of learning, and challenge you to develop the required skills you’ll need to achieve the life-changing qualifications that will lead you to your dream career. Throughout your studies, your teachers will create an environment where you will be encouraged to discuss a wide-range of topics which will support you to develop an enlightened approach to the world around you. These discussions will be linked to your passions, study programme and your wider career ambitions.

How will you be assessed?

This course is assessed via examination and coursework.

Where does it lead?

English Language and Literature is a traditional subject which is valued highly for the transferable skills it develops; it is a well-respected qualification that supports a wide range of exciting destinations and careers. Of course, this subject has a natural link to careers such as Journalism, Teaching, Advertising, Human Resources, or even Law, as it develops a wide range of transferable skills including the ability to debate, and articulate your views. A Level English Language and Literature students recently progressed to university to study subjects such as:

  • English
  • English Literature
  • Law
  • Journalism
  • Marketing
  • History
Perfect pairings

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Good to Know
A Level English Language and Literature is one of the top five most popular A Levels choices and the skills developed in this course will be valuable in a range of careers and degrees.
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