Course Overview
Please note: you will make your selection of three A Levels once you have progressed into the application process.
English Literature is a subject for those who enjoy reading and are interested in analysing what the author is trying to achieve through their work. Our course is wide-ranging and stimulating, with texts that include plays, poetry and novels spanning from the 1600s to the present day. We study these texts alongside their historical contexts, as well as literary criticism and interpretations, and you are expected to be able to offer your own opinions and interpretations during our class discussions.
Our central topics include the Gothic, dramatic tragedy and Christina Rossetti poetry, but you will also have the opportunity to pursue your own areas of interest when you choose your own texts and question in independent coursework in the second year. If you enjoy reading and want to continue at a more profound and detailed level, this is a good subject for you.
We have made residential trips to London to visit the British Library; tour the wonderfully Gothic Highgate Cemetery and have a private tour at the Globe Theatre. Last year, we visited Stratford-upon-Avon to watch the internationally renowned Royal Shakespeare Company perform Hamlet.
Topics may include:
- Literary criticism and intrepretation
- Gothic literature
- Dramatic tragedy
- Plays, poetry and novels from 1600s to the present day
- Self-selected study.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is through written exams and coursework.
Progression Options
This course is an excellent preparation for higher education in a variety of subjects and useful for a range of careers. In recent years students have progressed to English and related degree courses at the universities of Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, London, St. Andrews, Warwick and York.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
