AS/A Level English Literature

Key Details

Available at:
Rhos-on-Sea, Rhyl
Study Mode:
Full-time
Course Length:
1-2 years

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AS/A Level English Literature

School Leavers

Rhos-on-Sea

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Rhyl

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Applying for more than one A Level?

You can apply from this page and you will have the opportunity to add your additional A Level subjects at the end of the application process. You can find the A Level subject grid to make your choices on our main A Level page.

Please note: We recommend that you have access to a laptop or Chromebook to enable coursework to be completed digitally at home. There is a dedicated IT Digital Inclusion fund to support those learners who do not have a digital device and are unable to purchase one.

Course Description

Would you like to study a range of literary texts? Are you looking to develop skills of critical analysis and appreciation? This course allows you to examine important works of literature from across a broad period of time. It also develops your skills as an informed, independent reader and critic of literary texts. So, if you are a keen reader and enjoy discussion, join the debate and study English Literature.

The course can be taken as part of a full-time programme of study, in conjunction with other AS/A Level subjects, or possibly with other Level 3 courses.

The course can also be taken on a part-time basis by mature students.

Year 1 (AS Level)

Unit 1: Prose and Drama

Section A: This focuses on pre-1900 prose fiction. You will study a single text from the following range of novelists: Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Elizabeth Gaskell, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy.

Section B: This focuses on the literary study of drama. You will study a single text from the following range of the dramatist: Christopher Marlow, Oscar Wilde, Tennessee Williams, Caryl Churchill, Joe Orton.

Unit 2: Poetry post-1900

Section A and B: These sections focus on critical analysis and comparison across two paired texts of poetry books: Edward Thomas and Alun Lewis; DH Lawrence and Gillian Clarke; Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath; Phillp Larken and Carol Ann Duffy, and Seamus Heaney and Owen Sheers.

Year 2 (A2)

Unit 3: Poetry Pre-1900 and Unseen Poetry

Section A: This focuses on pre-1900 poetry. You will study a single text from the following range of works by individual poets: Geoffrey Chaucer, John Donne, John Milton, John Keats, Christina Rossetti.

Section B: This focuses on analysis and appreciation of a broad range of texts from a variety of sources.

Unit 4: Shakespeare

Both Sections A and B are based on the study of a single Shakespeare play from the following: King Lear, Antony and Cleopatra, Hamlet, Henry IV Part 1, The Tempest

Unit 5: Prose Study

This unit focuses on independent free reading, helping you to develop your critical skills at an advanced level, studying two prose texts from different periods, one pre-2000 and on post 2000, nominated by the tutor.

Entry Criteria

Applying for A Levels? Click ‘Apply Now’ on any of the subjects you are interested in studying. You will be able to specify your other two A Level choices during the online application process.

The A Level subject grids for each campus can be found in the guides on the A Level section of the website.

In order to qualify for this course, you will need the following:

6 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English or Welsh 1st Language
GCSE English Literature grade C

As part of the application process, you will be asked to attend an interview to give you the opportunity to discuss the course.

Progression to A Level is based on your performance at AS Level.

Delivery

The course is delivered through a blend of the following:

Classroom learning
Discussions
Analytical reading and writing
Independent research
Group work
Debate

Your programme will include a combination of:

Essential Skills qualifications and/or
GCSE resits and/or
The Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate is a valuable qualification which is often studied alongside your Level 3 full-time course.

The qualification is graded A*-E, carrying the equivalent UCAS points at Level 3, and equips you with transferable personal and business skills. It is highly regarded by universities and employers alike.

As part of the qualification, you will learn about Global Citizenship, Enterprise and Employability and take part in community engagement and work experience.

Essential Skills

This may include a combination of Application of Number, Communication, Digital Literacy and Essential Employability Skills

GCSE resits

This may include GCSE Numeracy/Maths and/or Welsh/English Language.

Maths & Welsh/English

If you don't achieve a C or above in Maths and/ or English/Welsh, we will support you to retake these subjects as part of your study programme.

Assessment

The course is assessed as follows:

External examinations are taken in June each year
LT2 and LT3 provide coursework opportunities

Progression

Whether you gain the full A Level or just the AS Level, the course adds to your qualifications and helps you to progress.

You will gain UCAS points and be able to apply for a range of Higher Education courses at many institutions, including Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. This includes degrees in English, Creative Studies, and other language subjects, as well as many other options.

The skills you gain studying English Literature will have a broad range of applications, useful on many undergraduate courses. You will also have improved your career prospects, and will have the option of progressing directly into employment in a range of contexts.