English Literature

Why Study English Literature?
Students should study this course if they enjoyed the literature elements of their GCSE course; they love to read; and they want the opportunity to study a diverse and rich range of literature. The English Literature course will allow you to engage with a variety of fascinating texts in more depth than was possible at GCSE. You will develop your analytical and critical capacities, as well as your academic writing skills. Studying texts ranging from canonical classics to more modern texts, you will gain an  insight into how literature has transformed across time.

Sample Course Content:
This A Level will encompass the study of eight set texts: drama (including Shakespeare), prose (pre and post 1900) and poetry. Students will complete a comparative study of a choice of texts and produce an extended essay of 2500-3000 words.

Career Value:
English Literature A Level is highly regarded by all universities and will be a requirement for English Literature degree courses, as well as many Media and Communications courses. English Literature can help prepare you for a vast range of career paths including jobs in media, publishing, teaching, law, academia and journalism. An English Literature A Level will also, hopefully, engender a lifelong passion for literature and the arts. Students aiming to apply for higher tariff universities (for example, the Russell Group universities) are advised to opt for English Literature rather than the Combined course.
 

Enrichment Opportunities: 

The course will provide enrichment opportunities including: trips to see drama texts performed live on stage, lectures and reading groups run by Kingston University English Literature department, literary conferences, and extracurricular reading groups.