Why Study English Literature A-level? By The Profs

The literature analysis looks into people's experiences, psychology, and historical and sociological factors. Any text is a product of its time; studying one will enable a learner to read in context and understand the factors that influenced the author. As the variety of outlets for disseminating news and opinions increases, the value of being able to read any item with a deeper knowledge and investigation will only increase.

Studying The Literary Canon can also help students have a better comprehension of history and the capacity to spot trends and important occurrences that have shaped our past and present societies.

At Russell Group universities, English Literature is a highly "facilitating" topic, so dubbed because taking it at the A-level opens up a number of degree programme options.

For an English degree course, you must have taken A-level English literature. Additionally, several degree programmes in law, media studies, drama, and American studies need English literature or language A-levels. The Russell Group's Informed Choices handbook also advises taking English Literature at the A-level for anyone who intend to major in classics, French, or another modern language, teach in the humanities or social sciences, or pursue degrees in history, art history, politics, or religious studies.

Sincerely, where can a degree in English Literature A Level lead me? | Reasons to Study English Literature A-Level

Some of the most significant works ever written are available for study at the A-Level in English literature. You will comprehend the literary form, the author's influences and inspirations, and the historical setting in which it was produced better.

A sharp analytical mind that can conduct in-depth analysis and take into account bigger themes and influences will also develop in you. In business discussions, analyses, or even in professions like journalism, this can be quite useful.

It will also help you organise your arguments and improve your communication skills, which will help you both academically and professionally.

With a degree in English literature, you can go in many different directions. You may pursue a career in creative writing, including teaching, or you could use your fluency in English to obtain work in an English department, which is something that employers value. Your degree will be respected by employers, and you will have a variety of options.

What kind of work is required?

Reading, speaking, and writing are necessary. In addition to reading, you'll be required to analyse texts to ascertain how an author use language and context to arouse powerful emotions in the reader. Examine your own emotional response to writing, be able to discuss it in class and in your own writing, and be able to persuade others of your point of view are all necessary skills.

It's crucial to be open to conversation and sympathetic to diverse points of view because difficult issues and open-ended questions are regularly raised in English literature.

Which background is required?

You must appreciate reading, writing, and discussing ideas as a key requirement. Because conversations about literature frequently lack firm conclusions, you should approach the subject with an open mind. In order to understand how A-level English Literature handles the study of writing, if you did not take English Literature for GCSE, you should read some introductory material. You could find it challenging to meet the demands on your vocabulary and writing if your English GCSE result isn't a 7 or better.

Average Course Length for A Level English Literature

The AS Level, the first academic year of an A Level curriculum, lasts two years. Many students enrol in four topics their first year and "drop" one in their final year in order to focus on three primary areas since an AS can be taken as a stand-alone credential.

Before the A Level overhaul, a student's final grade included both years. Examination boards currently choose assessment as the main method of testing, nonetheless.

You should be aware that, despite the fact that your AS Level may appear like only a practise exam, your English tutor or teacher will base their estimation of your A Level mark on this grade (however, other factors may be considered). The effort you put into your first year will therefore be reflected in your critical grade predictions.

Students applying to universities will also need to submit their AS Level so that the chosen course directors can assess their suitability for the degree and subject content.

grades University offers can be unconditional or conditional; the latter requires that you meet a certain grade level in order to be admitted to the programme.

Do I Fit in with English Literature?

If you are an avid reader and have a passion of numerous publications, English literature is a great pick. You may also benefit from taking a course like this if you enjoy thoroughly analysing literature and debating different viewpoints. You will be required to think critically and express your thoughts throughout this course.

Aspired writers would benefit from studying the subject to learn more about literary genres, the use of voices and narration in writing, as well as the general structure and historical development of the English language. English literature not only promotes reading, but also writing, so studying it would be beneficial.

In my A-Level English course, which text will I be studying?

Drama, poetry, and prose are frequently covered in the AS and A Level curricula. It goes without saying that at least one of William Shakespeare's plays will be a part of this, potentially along with other works of literature with a related setting or theme. You'll surely be able to identify patterns in the curricula and make useful connections.

What entails taking an English course at the A level?

This course's topic could be considered to be the literary heritage of the world. Along with works from different genres and eras, the works of Shakespeare from the 1500s to the present will be explored. In addition, you'll read plays, poems, and books. You'll discover more about the history and contemporary vitality of English writing. If you enjoy reading literary works, this course offers a great chance to broaden your perspective.

The Jacobean intrigue, violent fantasies, and 17th-century setting will thoroughly engross you. Be careful, though, as there's a chance you could wind up shipwrecked on a desolate island with a vengeful magician and three boisterous drunks for company.

These include Shakespeare and Webster. And let's say you still find that boring. Then we can tell you that some of the time will be spent travelling to fictional locations like the Garden of Eden (from John Milton's Paradise Lost) and gloomy dystopian worlds created by authors like George Orwell, Margaret Atwood, and Cormac McCarthy.

Average English Literature A Level Workload

More reading will definitely be required as you advance to this point of your schooling. Even so, you should notice that it gets easier and easier to retain important information as you complete each module.

These recommendations for A-Level English literature might help you get started.

If you read slowly or have trouble with time limits, spend your summer to be ready in advance as you can access reading lists before the course even starts. You can familiarise yourself with the themes, characters, setting, and writing styles of each text before class even by just skimming it.

As with other A Level courses, you will be expected to continue your study on your own time by reading supplementary materials to help you increase the scope of your knowledge.

Who employs English graduates? | Career and Work Experience After English Literature A-Level

English graduates from the broadest range of professions, including publishing, radio, marketing and public relations, journalism, law, education, and politics, are among the most popular selections. The abilities acquired via studying English literature are among the most transferable, which is widely acknowledged by universities.

English literature A-level students' career options: a reality check

The following are some examples of careers that former students of the Advanced Placement English Literature course have pursued, in case you are still of the opinion that the only way to fulfil their dreams is to adhere to an Informed Choices website or follow the dictates of a list of facilitating subjects:

- Working for publishers

- Becoming chief press officer for a key government department

- Teacher

- Acting 

- Writing bestselling novels

- Accountancy

- Working at the news channel and writing podcasts

- Medicine

- Vet

Opportunities For Vet career For English Literature Graduates

Although an English Literature degree programme is usually pursued after the A Level qualification, this is not your only option as a student of English Literature. The course can offer opportunities for those who are interested in employment in a range of degree-level fields such journalism, publishing, editing, and teaching as well as alternative but related fields like politics, media, illustration, and publishing.

In fact, the main skills acquired while pursuing an English Literature A Level can be used to any job that necessitates creative or critical thinking, good oral and written communication, or critical thinking.

According to the academic website Prospects.ac.uk, you shouldn't restrict your search for additional education or work prospects to those that are directly related to your highest degree. Most companies will be happy to consider you regardless of your area of expertise, but if you can show that you are strong in a particular field, it may considerably increase your chances of getting the job.

One in five students who study English at the graduate level continue their education, with 25% of them preferring to follow the same subject of study, according to the educational website. This research shows that learning English is surely incredibly enjoyable and a subject you won't likely become bored with.

Another crucial issue is that English is crucial to one's employability, as evidenced by the fact that 60.5% of English graduates have jobs (according to Prospects' statistics).

After taking all of this information into account, we hope that you are more certain about your decision to pursue an A Level in English Literature and that you can approach your studies with more zeal.

You can raise your grades to a level that any potential employer will want to see on your CV with the aid of an A level, GCSE, or Higher English Tutor, or English for any and all exam boards. We advise you to enquire about support and achieve your objectives.

Students can gain the confidence they need to succeed in English language and literature classes and be able to apply a variety of literary devices in their coursework by working with a private online English literature instructor who has a master's degree in the subject. Working with a well regarded university admissions coach is the obvious choice if you want to ensure that you obtain the grade you need for your top institution pick. They have a great deal of experience working with all exam boards and helping A level English language students, no matter how rowdy, concentrate on their literary texts, anthology work, and the two texts as well as assisting students in studying effectively and getting them into the university courses they want. They are frequently willing to accept new pupils, so it can be an alternative. We advise you to inquire. Another popular subject for tutoring is math, which employers value whether you are in grade 5 or not and looks fantastic on your resume.

If you are in sixth form, an online A level English instructor or online A level tutor for English Literature will help you cultivate a passion for using the written word in your academic pursuits. You could pursue a variety of graduate and undergraduate degrees, including those in theatrical studies, sociology, linguistics, and art history. online english literature tutors Students learning the English language benefit from the communication skills, text analysis abilities, and contextual language use in developing strong analytical skills. This can open up a wide range of career opportunities. Additionally, the non-vocational skills you pick up and the additional reading you do will often enrich your life and the human experience as a whole greatly. Before enrolling in a university course in literature, most students have done English literature courses for GCSE. These students have typically liked English for a long time and may have even completed summer internships in book stores. In the second year of a lot of university programmes, job experience is permitted.