English Language & Literature A Level
Qualification: GCE A Level in English Language and Literature
Exam Board & Specification Code: Pearson; 9EL0; Specification
Course Entry Requirements: 4 in English Language GCSE.
Please make sure that you have understood the overall entry requirements to study at BHASVIC. These are available here and outline the GCSE grades you need to take up one of the Study Programmes at the college.
Length and size of qualification: 2 year single course
Timetable hours: 4.5 hours per week
Assessment method: 2 x 2.5 hour exams plus additional written assessments
BHASVIC Department: English
What will I study?
You will explore a wide range of texts including novels, stories and plays, as well as non-literary writing like magazine articles, webpages, autobiography, memoirs and personal writing such as letters, diaries, emails and texts or transcripts of conversations. Studying these texts will help you to think about how people use language to present their ideas and identities. You will be required to submit a piece of fictional creative writing and a piece of journalism for coursework.
Is this course right for me?
If you have enjoyed both your English GCSEs and particularly the creative elements of your English work; if you write your own stories, poems, articles, reviews in your own time; if you fancy yourself as a writer in the future and enjoy studying how other writers use language, you should do this course.
Where next?
A good grasp of the English language, literacy and communication is essential in many careers. This subject will help to develop your critical and interpersonal skills. Every business, whether in the publishing industry, marketing or financial sectors, needs staff to present products and services in a professional and attractive manner. If you enjoy writing, you may find that you already have a number of the skills that employers are looking for. More and more businesses are increasing their online presence, and need articulate individuals to promote their products and services to a global audience. Roles can include apprenticeships in legal services, journalism, recruitment, digital marketing and social media amongst others. For students who wish to continue their studies to degree level there are a large number of options available, these include Digital Copywriter, Editorial Assistant, English as a Foreign Language Teacher, Web Content Manager. Possible future careers where English Language and Literature would be useful include: Academic Librarian, Advertising Account Executive, Arts Administrator, Information Officer, Primary School Teacher, Public Relations Officer etc. Useful websites to research careers and wider progression options could include NCTJ, All About Careers and The Apprenticeship Guide.