English Language & Literature

Course Overview

A-Level English Language & Literature will benefit students who enjoy reading and creative writing. It is a core academic subject which will hone your skills at analysis and writing creatively.

You will analyse a diverse range of texts; from poems, plays and speeches, to TV scripts and e-communications. You will also consider how English is used in both spoken and written forms, exploring elements from both Language and Literature A-Levels to bring you the best of both.

Modules

Modules

• Component 1:  Voices in Speech and Writing: An anthology of non-fiction extracts and one drama text (Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire).
• Component 2:  Varieties in Language and Literature: Two texts connected by the topic ‘The Individual and Society’ (one collection of poetry Philip Larkin’s The Whitsun Weddings and one novel F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby).
• Component 3:  Coursework: Creative writing includes one fiction piece and one non-fiction piece related to a specific theme and a core text. You must write a commentary to describe the choices made in the creative pieces.

You will be assessed mainly by examination with a coursework component in the second year. All assessments are open book, so texts will be available in all exams.  During both years you will write analysis, essays on literary texts, transformation texts and take part in presentations. As a second year student you will complete coursework which is creative writing inspired by texts you have read.

Entry requirements

• Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Maths.
• Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language.
• Grade 5 or above in a GCSE written subject eg. History, Geography, Humanities, English Literature, Business, Media Studies, Religious Studies (full course), Drama or Film.

Why should I choose USP College?

• Trips to the theatre, museums and galleries.
• Trip to The Guardian newspaper for a journalism course.
• Highly experienced tutors who are passionate about their subject.

Additional costs

• Set texts and texts for your own wider reading
• Trips to the theatre and to London

What could I do next?

An A-Level in English Language & Literature will prove an asset if you are applying to study any degree course in the humanities or social sciences, all of which place a premium on your powers of written expression. English can also be combined with a wide range of other courses at university such as Linguistics, Drama or Creative Writing.

This course provides an excellent foundation for careers that demand a command of both spoken and written English, such as law, journalism, publishing, teaching and the media.

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