English Literature

At its heart, the study of English Literature is the literary analysis of life and human behaviour. Through close readings of English and American texts ranging from Shakespeare in the 16th Century, via poets of the 19th Century right through to contemporary 21st Century novelists, we will develop your ability to explore, discuss and evaluate the ideas and concepts that writers have attempted to communicate, as well as the literary methods through which they have achieved this. Drawing on an informed understanding of writers’ social and historical contexts, we will attempt to answer such challenging questions as: ‘Is war an inevitable facet of society?’, ‘Can poetry instigate political revolution?’ and ‘How far is our perception of the world around us linked to its reality?’

An A-Level qualification in English Literature demonstrates the ability to communicate important ideas and arguments articulately in writing. As such, it is recognised as a core academic A-Level by Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities and as essential or, at the very least useful, for Law, Political and Social Science and Arts degrees.