ENGLISH LITERATURE

Overview

The study of A-level English Literature will enable you to explore the world in different time periods and in different social and cultural contexts. You will need to have a passion for reading as you will cover a minimum of eight texts, including poetry, prose and drama.

Course Breakdown

To achieve your English Literature A-level, you will cover a minimum of eight texts that will include:

• Poetry
• Prose
• Drama

Three of these texts will have been published before 1900. This will include at least one play by Shakespeare. At least one of the texts you will study will have been first published or performed after 2000. Your assessment for this course will include an independent study.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• We ask for a minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 5 or higher, including GCSE English Literature or Language and Maths.

Supporting Documents Required

• School applicants will be required to provide a school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.

Guaranteed Progression

Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.

Key Information

Teaching and Assessment

You will be assessed through one coursework assignment completed during your course (worth 20% of the A Level) and written exam papers in the Summer of your second year. These exams will assess your ability to:

• produce informed, personal and creative responses to literary texts
• analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in literary texts
• understand the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received
• explore connections across literary texts
• explore literary texts informed by different interpretations

Your class work and directed learning are designed to prepare you well for your assessments and to help you to develop a range of skills that will help you in your future studies and work.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy.

Centre of Opportunities

Our sixth form centre taps into the wider university's networks to enhance student opportunities and gives you access to world-class university facilities.

Why Choose A-Levels at Our Sixth Form Centre?

• PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY AT A UNIVERSITY – We can provide you with relevant work placements, masterclasses, guest speakers, trips and more
• AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT – We have won national awards for our student support, which our sixth form students can tap into, from tailored academic support to financial assistance and health and wellbeing services
• OUTSTANDING LEARNING FACILITIES - We have invested £5.5 million into our brand-new sixth form centre, which includes lecture theatres, classrooms, science and computer labs, practical training facilities and open study spaces
• MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY– Want to keep studying at a higher level? This A-level will support your progression to degree level

What Will This Course Prepare You For?

This course can lead to the study of English Literature at degree level. However, the skills you develop will open up other pathways. You may choose to progress to degree courses in teaching, journalism, media and communications or publishing.

You might also choose a degree which is less directly linked to English literature such as law, politics or history. If, at the end of your studies, you are keen to enter the world of work, you could explore apprenticeship options in a range of different fields.

Career Options

• Journalist: Average Salary £33,000
• Copywriter: Average Salary £32,000
• English teacher: Average Salary £37,000
• PR officer: Average Salary £34,000
• Archivist: Average Salary £30,000
• Librarian: Average Salary £26,000

A-Levels This Goes Well With:

• Law A-level
• Sociology A-level
• Psychology A-level
• Business A-level
• History A-level

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Outline:

The A-level English Literature program at University College Birmingham covers a minimum of eight texts, including poetry, prose, and drama. Three of these texts will have been published before 1900, including at least one play by Shakespeare. At least one of the texts will have been first published or performed after 2000.

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Assessment:

The assessment for this course includes one coursework assignment (20% of the A-Level) and written exam papers in the Summer of the second year. Exams assess the ability to:

• Produce informed, personal, and creative responses to literary texts.
• Analyze how meanings are shaped in literary texts.
• Understand the significance and influence of the context in which literary texts are written and received.

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Teaching:

Teaching and assessment are underpinned by the university's Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024. However, the skills developed can open up other pathways like teaching, journalism, media and communications, or publishing.

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Other:

• The program is designed to help students develop a passion for reading and analytical skills.
• Students will have access to vast university e-learning resources.
• The program is designed to prepare students for university-level study.
• The program offers access to world-class university facilities.

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Keywords:

• English Literature
• A-level
• University College Birmingham
• Poetry
• Prose
• Drama
• Shakespeare
• Assessment
• Coursework
• Exam
• Teaching
• Learning
• Assessment Strategy
• Skills
• Careers
• Degree
• Reading
• Analytical skills
• E-learning resources
• Sixth form center
• University-level study
• World-class facilities

University College Birmingham

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Overview:

University College Birmingham (UCB) is a vibrant and welcoming institution located in the heart of Birmingham, England. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeship, and college courses. UCB is known for its world-class facilities, which have been significantly enhanced through a £200 million investment.

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Services Offered:

The context does not provide specific details about the services offered to students.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCB boasts a supportive and friendly student community, where students can forge lifelong friendships and find a sense of belonging. The institution offers campus tours led by student ambassadors, who provide insights into student life and facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class facilities:

UCB has invested heavily in its campuses, equipment, and resources, providing students with a high-quality learning environment.

University of Warwick accreditation:

Many of UCB's programs are accredited and awarded by the University of Warwick, a prestigious Russell Group university, ensuring high academic standards.

Location:

Situated in the heart of Birmingham, UCB offers students access to a thriving business environment, beautiful green spaces, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse cultural scene.

Student choice:

UCB is the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice, as recognized by the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024.

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Academic Programs:

UCB offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

A variety of undergraduate degree courses.

Postgraduate:

A selection of postgraduate degree courses.

Apprenticeships:

Higher level apprenticeships.

College:

College courses.

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Other: