Overview

This course is perfect for students who love reading, enjoy discussing ideas, and are interested in how writers use language to explore themes, emotions, and social issues. If you’re analytical, thoughtful, and enjoy writing essays, English Literature is a great fit.

What will you study?

You’ll study a wide range of texts from different periods, genres, and cultures. These include:

• Poetry – from classic poets like Keats or Shakespeare to more modern voices

• Prose – including novels from various periods, often with strong themes and complex characters

• Drama – ranging from Shakespeare to modern playwrights

You’ll explore how writers use structure, form, and language, and learn to compare texts, analyse themes, and consider historical and cultural contexts.

To take this subject, you must be comfortable writing essays and discussing complex ideas.

Assessment

Paper 1 - Drama and Poetry

Paper 2 - Prose and Unseen

Paper 3 - Shakespeare and Drama

Paper 4 - Pre- and Post-1900 Poetry and Prose

Future Pathways

You’ll develop advanced skills in close reading, essay writing, argument-building, and critical analysis. These are valuable for university study in humanities subjects and careers in law, publishing, media, journalism, teaching, and more.