Course Overview
Please note: you will make your selection of three A Levels once you have progressed into the application process.
Our English Language and Literature A Level will introduce you to a wide variety of texts to examine from both a literary and linguistic viewpoint. A selection of poetry, novels, and dramatic texts, such as Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale and Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, are studied in conjunction with a multitude of non-literary material, such as media-based writings.
There is also a creative writing strand to the course, in which students study a novel together and are tasked with re-writing an extract.
The subject is assessed through exams and independent coursework, for which students choose their own texts and topics to investigate. This course is ideal for anyone wanting to study English at a higher level or wanting a career in any communications-led field, such as journalism, publishing, marketing, or education.
Topics may include:
- Fantasy literature and other novels
- Creative writing
- Poetry
- Drama
- Different types of travel writing.
At the start of the course, all students are expected to make a payment, via the college online store, for copies of the studied texts.
Assessment Methods
Two written exams are sat at the end of the second year. There is a coursework element, involving the comparison of two texts of your choice, also submitted in year two.
Progression Options
Students who have gained this qualification have gone on to study at many different universities including Exeter, Plymouth and Brighton. Subjects include: English, creative writing, fashion and textiles, psychology, and teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
