Honestly - where can a degree in English Literature A Level take me? | Reasons to Study English Literature A-Level
You can study some of the most important books ever written at the A-Level in English literature. You will have a greater understanding of the literary form, the author’s inspirations and influences, and the historical context in which it was created. Additionally, you’ll acquire a keen analytical mind capable of in-depth analysis and consideration of broader themes and influences. This can be very helpful in commercial discussions, analysis, or even occupations like journalism. Additionally, it will assist you in structuring your arguments and enhancing your communication abilities, which will benefit you academically and professionally. There are numerous paths you can take with English literature degree. You may go into creative writing, including teaching, or you could use your proficiency in English to find employment in an English department, which companies value. Employers will value your degree, and you will have several possibilities available.What sort of work is involved?
Writing, speaking, and reading are essential. You'll be expected to do more than just read; you'll also need to learn how to analyse texts to determine how an author uses language and context to evoke strong feelings in the reader. You will need to examine your own emotional response to writing, be able to talk about it in class and in your own writing, and be able to make a persuasive case for your viewpoint.
English literature frequently raises controversial topics or open-ended questions, so it's important to be receptive to other viewpoints and open to discussion.
What background do I need?
The primary prerequisite is that you must enjoy reading, writing, and exchanging ideas. You should approach the topic with an open mind because discussions about literature frequently lack definitive conclusions. If you did not take English Literature for GCSE, you should read some introductory material to understand how A-level English Literature approaches the study of writing. If your English GCSE grade isn’t a 7 or higher, you might find the demands on your vocabulary and writing difficult to meet.
A Level English Literature Average Course Length
The first academic year of an A Level programme, known as the AS Level, lasts two years. Since an AS can be taken as a stand-alone certificate, many students enrol in four subjects their first year and then “drop” one in their final year to concentrate on three main subjects. Both years contributed to a student’s final mark before the A Level reform. However, assessment is currently the preferred way of testing for examination boards. Although your AS Level may seem like only a practice test, you should be aware that your English tutor or teacher will base their prediction of your A Level mark on this grade (however, other factors may be considered). Therefore, your crucial grade predictions will reflect the amount of effort you put into your first year. For the chosen course directors to evaluate a student’s suitability for the degree and subject matter, those students applying to universities will also need to provide their AS Level .grades Offers from universities can be unconditional or conditional, with the latter requiring you to achieve a specific grade level to be admitted into the programme.Is English Literature For Me?
English literature is a fantastic choice if you are a voracious reader and demonstrate a love for various writings. A course like this could also be a good fit for you if you appreciate carefully analysing texts and arguing opposing points of view. In this course, you will be expected to think critically and articulate your opinions. In addition to encouraging reading, English literature also encourages writing, so aspiring authors 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.Which Text Will I Study On An A-Level English Course?
The AS and A Level curricula will typically cover drama, poetry, and prose. Naturally, at least one of William Shakespeare’s plays will be included in this, possibly along with books and poems with a similar theme or setting. You will undoubtedly be able to spot trends in the syllabi and draw pertinent connections.
What does Studying A Level English Course Involve?
The world’s literary heritage is arguably the subject of this course. Shakespeare’s works from the 1500s to the present will be studied, along with works of other genres and periods. You will also read plays, poems, and novels. You’ll learn more about the development of English writing and its current vitality. This course presents a wonderful opportunity to extend your horizons if you appreciate reading literary writings. You will be completely engrossed in the Jacobean intrigue, murderous fantasies, and 17th-century environment. However, beware—also, there’s a danger of finding yourself shipwrecked on a lonely island with a vengeful magician and three rowdy drunks as your only company. Shakespeare and Webster are such. And suppose that’s not thrilling enough for you. In that case, we can tell you that some time will be spent travelling to made-up places like the Garden of Eden (from Paradise Lost by John Milton) and ominous dystopian worlds imagined by authors like George Orwell, Margaret Atwood, and Cormac McCarthy.Typical Workload For English Literature A Level
As you progress into this next stage of your education, more reading will undoubtedly be involved. Still, as you finish each module, you should find it getting easier and easier to take in pertinent knowledge. You can get started by reading these A-Level English literature suggestions! You can access reading lists before the course begins, so use your summer to prepare ahead, especially if you read slowly or struggle under time constraints. Even skimming each text in advance can help you get more familiar with the themes, characters, setting, and writing styles before you encounter them in class. You will be expected to continue your studies in your own time by reading additional material to assist you in broadening your knowledge, as is the case with most A Level courses.What do English graduates do? | Career and Work Experience After English Literature A-Level
Among the most popular choices are English graduates from the widest range of careers, publishing, broadcasting, marketing and public relations, journalism, law, teaching, and politics. Universities widely recognise that the skills developed through studying English Literature are among the most transferable.
Career paths for English literature A-level students: the reality check
In case you are still under the impression that the only way to make their dreams come true is to stick to an Informed Choices website or adhere to the dictates of a list of facilitating subjects, the following are some examples of careers that former students of the Advanced Placement English Literature course have gone on to pursue:
- 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
Career Opportunities For English Literature Graduates
The A Level qualification is frequently followed by an English Literature degree programme, but this is not your only choice as a student of English Literature. The course can open doors for those interested in careers in alternative but related fields like politics, media, illustration, and publishing, as well as a variety of degree-level subjects like journalism, publishing, editing, and teaching.
Many doors can be unlocked by learning English. (Image from Visual Hunt)
In fact, the key abilities learned while pursuing an English Literature A Level can be applied to any profession that requires critical thinking, effective verbal and written communication, imagination, or creativity.
You shouldn't limit your pursuit of further education or employment opportunities to those that are directly related to your highest degree, according to the academic website Prospects.ac.uk. The majority of employers will be content to consider you regardless of your area of expertise, but if you can demonstrate strengths in a particular area, this could greatly improve your chances of being offered the position.
According to the informative website, 1 in 5 students who study English at the degree level continues their education, with 25% of them choosing to pursue the same field of study. This evidence demonstrates that studying English is a subject you won't likely get bored with and is undoubtedly very rewarding.
The fact that 60.5% of English graduates are employed (according to Prospects' findings) is another important point to make because it shows how important the subject is to one's employability.
We hope that after considering these details, you feel confident in your choice to pursue an A Level in English Literature and that you are able to approach your studies with greater enthusiasm.
Help from an A level, GCSE, or Higher English Tutor, or English for any and all exam boards can help you improve your grades to a level that any prospective employer will like to see on your CV - we recommend you make an enquiry about support and reach your goals