ENGLISH LITERATURE

LEVEL 3: A LEVEL
EXAMINING BOARD: OCR

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English Literature encourages you to explore how literature shapes — and is shaped by — the world around it. You will study a wide range of texts from different periods and cultures, developing your own interpretations through discussion, debate and writing.

Building strong skills in close reading, comparison and argument, and learning to write with clarity, confidence and sophistication is at the heart of the course. Texts are studied in their historical and cultural contexts, encouraging engagement with a range of critical viewpoints to deepen your understanding.

The course also offers opportunities for independent and creative work, alongside theatre visits and enrichment activities that support wider reading and literary curiosity.

Year 1

  • Shakespeare: The Tempest
  • Comparative & Contextual Study: American Literature (1880–1940)
    • The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
    • Passing – Nella Larsen
  • Pre‑1900 Poetry: Selected poems of Christina Rossetti
  • Unseen Prose Analysis (American Literature)

Year 2

    • Pre‑1900 Drama: An Ideal Husband – Oscar Wilde (studied comparatively with Rossetti)
    • Non‑Examined Assessment (Coursework):
      • Poetry (Close Reading or Re‑creative): The World’s Wife – Carol Ann Duffy
      • Comparative Study: (Comparative essay)
        • A Raisin in the Sun – Lorraine Hansberry
        • Girl, Woman, Other – Bernardine Evaristo

As a minimum, you will need (or equivalent to):

  • GCSE Mathematics grade 4
  • GCSE English Language or Literature grade 5
  • plus three more GCSEs at grade 4

It is recommended you have:

  • GCSE English Literature grade 6

The course is assessed through two exams (worth 80% of your grade) and a coursework unit (worth 20%).

The exams are on Drama and poetry pre-1900 (40%), Comparative and contextual study (40%).

The ‘non exam unit’ is a 3000-word portfolio consisting of one comparative essay comparing one prose and one drama, and one close reading or recreation.

English Literature is highly regarded by universities as a “facilitating” subject. It remains one of the top ten most popular A Levels among students who go on to selective universities.

Students with A Level English Literature frequently progress to:

  • English Literature / English & Creative Writing
  • Law
  • History
  • Politics / International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • Classical Studies
  • Media, Journalism or Communications
  • Education

University admissions tutors repeatedly emphasise that English Literature develops transferable academic skills that predict success at degree level such as:

  • Handling complex abstract ideas
  • Writing extended, structured arguments
  • Engaging with competing critical viewpoints
  • Independent reading and research
  • Synthesising texts, contexts and interpretations

The subject is not narrowly vocational — instead, it shows that a student can cope with intellectual challenge and independent learning, something universities explicitly look for.

English Literature graduates go on to a wide range of careers, including:

  • Law
  • Publishing
  • Journalism and media
  • Education
  • Marketing and communications
  • Public sector and policy
  • Creative industries

Graduate outcomes data consistently shows strong employment rates for English graduates.

How much reading is involved?

You will read 8 core texts in depth, alongside shorter extracts and wider reading to support your understanding.

How does the course prepare me for university study?

It develops independent reading, critical thinking and extended essay writing — the skills most humanities degrees are built on.

Can I be creative in my coursework?

Yes! You can choose between traditional close analysis or re‑creative writing with a critical commentary.

Is this course suitable if I’m considering STEM or Law?

Absolutely! English Literature strengthens argument, communication and analytical thinking — skills valued in STEM, Law and medicine.

Can I take English Literature alongside sciences or maths?

Of course! Many students combine English with sciences or maths to keep their options broad.

What careers does this subject support?

It supports careers in law, media, education, publishing, marketing, the public sector and many graduate professions.

Will I study modern and diverse texts?

Yes. Alongside Shakespeare and pre‑1900 writing, the course includes modern, diverse voices and global perspectives.