a level english language and literature coursework

All about A level English Language and Literature – course information

What's a level english language and literature about.

The coverage of A level English Language and Literature is broader than that of English Literature A level since, in addition to the study of novels, poetry and plays, it includes the study of non-fiction spoken and written texts as well as providing exciting opportunities for creative writing.

In the first year of the  A level English Language and Literature course you study non-fiction written and spoken texts and the language of literary texts. You study both prose and poetry this year.

In the second year you continue to broaden your understanding of  non-fiction and spoken texts through emphasis on how language is used in context. You also continue the exploration of the language of poetry and plays.  Finally, both through an examined unit and a coursework component, you work on creative writing exercises - often the most stimulating aspect of the whole course.

Re-visiting texts you have studied previously is a very satisfying aspect of the course giving you a real sense of how far you have traveled intellectually over the course of two years and enabling you to write with genuine authority.

The study of non-fiction and spoken texts from across different time periods and contexts in the second year requires responses that are comparative and contextual; there is also an unseen element to second year A level study.

What sort of work is involved?

As in the case of its more straightforward English Literature counterpart, this is an essay-based subject. Unlike English Lit, A level English Language and Literature has a creative element that you will either find very  attractive or potentially off-putting.

The other strength of the subject is in the variety of tasks the course offers in the analysis of fictional and non-fictional material. It can be challenging to develop an analytical framework for such a wide range of 'texts',  but it is the very variety of this A level that makes it a compelling one.

As in the case of English Lit you will be guaranteed lessons in which discussion and debate are major features.

Students who enjoyed literary analysis at GCSE but are worried about the extent to which medieval writers like Chaucer and early modern writers such as Shakespeare dominate English Lit A level often feel much happier with the more modern choices of texts that feature on A level English Language and Literature. Shakespearean plays are set but they are not compulsory; on all English Lit A level syllabuses the study of a Shakespeare play is mandatory!

What background do I need?

Students who have studied, enjoyed and done well in English Language and English Literature GCSE are natural candidates for this A level. With  GCSE grade 6 or above you should certainly cope.

You do need to appreciate that the skills being tested in the language components of this A level are somewhat different from those tested at GCSE. Nonetheless, A level English Language and Literature holds obvious attractions for those who enjoyed the creative aspects of English Language GCSE and the opportunities it afforded to consider non-literary forms of writing.

Creative writing and engagement with non-fictional texts form no part of any current English Lit A level and for some students this a lack only to be remedied by opting for this particular A level. Those equally daunted by the linguistic demands of the English Language A level or troubled by the purely literary emphasis of the English Literature syllabus should regard this A level as an excellent compromise!

You cannot take A level English Language and Literature alongside English Literature or English Language A levels.

Where can it lead?

It is quite possible to study this subject and end up reading English Literature at degree level (but do check university entrance requirements). On the other hand, A level English Language and Literature is perfect preparation for degree courses in English Language or Linguistics. A science-based student might well be attracted to this A level as a fourth subject option to be retained or jettisoned at the end of year 12. The subject leads naturally into all degree courses in the Humanities and is a particularly attractive option for those interested in Journalism or Creative Writing courses.

One year course?

A one year course in this subject is entirely feasible though any student contemplating this accelerated option needs to have A level experience in this or other A levels. It might well suit a student who had not enjoyed their year 12 studying English Literature but has an analytical skills base they wish redeploy in a more varied programme of study.

The OCR A level syllabus (H474) comprises four units, the first three of which are assessed through written exams.

• ‘Exploring non-fiction and spoken texts’ is a closed text paper. Its duration is an hour and it worth 16% of the total award.
• The second unit, ‘The language of poetry and plays’ is also a closed text examination and is two hours in duration. It is worth 32% of the total award.
• The third and final examined unit is ‘Reading as a writer, writing as a reader’. This is an open text paper; its duration is 2 hours and it is worth 32% of the total award.

Finally, the fourth unit, ‘Independent study: analysing and producing texts’ is an assessed coursework unit, worth 20% of the total award.

Pearson and AQA offer comparable syllabuses in which the same combination of creative, linguistic and literary skills are developed and tested.

This article was written by Richard Martin of  MPW College, London

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Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge international as & a level english language (9093).

• Syllabus overview

Cambridge International AS and A Level English Language provides learners with the opportunity to study English language and its use in communication. Learners will be encouraged to respond critically to a wide variety of texts in a range of forms, styles and contexts, and to promote skills of communication, reading, research and analysis.

Through their study, learners will develop an ability to read and analyse material, gaining further knowledge and understanding of English language features and issues. Learners will also develop the skills of writing clearly, accurately, creatively and effectively for different purposes and audiences.

Changes have been made to this syllabus for first examination in 2021 onwards. Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus for detailed information.

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

• -->2021 - 2023 Syllabus update (PDF, 163KB)
• -->2024 - 2026 Syllabus update (PDF, 136KB)

Syllabus support

• -->Support for English Language (PDF, 1MB)

Syllabus updates

We worked with teachers, subject expert panels and universities around the world to update our Cambridge International AS & A Level English subject group as part of our on-going review process. We have made some changes to the syllabus for examination in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Many teachers told us that they offer more than one English subject from this group, so we have made some changes so that the syllabuses work together regardless of whether a student is studying one or more subject from this group. To make it clearer for teachers, we have separated this syllabus from our other English Cambridge International AS & A Levels.

How has the syllabus changed?

• We have included a specific subject content section that sets out what students should study across the Cambridge International AS & A Level.
• After feedback from teachers, new content has been added within Paper 3 that focuses on the analysis and intrepretation of language data.
• We have increased the number of assessment objectives from three to five and have updated the wording so the expectations of each assessment objective is clearer.
• The levels of response mark schemes have changed based on feedback from schools to make sure we maintain valid and reliable assessments.
• Text and context
• Meaning and style
• We have added a list of command words and their meanings to help learners know what’s expected of them in the exam.

How has assessment changed?

• Changes to the papers have been made to update and retain the strengths of the current model. We are keeping the assessment model for English Language as a four component, exam only model.
• The A Level Paper 3 will have stimulus texts that will be accompanied by some quantitative language data, in graph and table form. This change is based on feedback from teachers who feel the skill of data analysis would be valuable for students and engage their interest.
• Language acquisition has been moved to Paper 3 from Paper 4 as this topic represents language analysis more than a language topic.
• English in the World - a new title for the current English as a global language
• Language and the self - a new topic that concentrates on the relationships between language and thought, and language and social identity. This change was made after consultation with centres, who felt the current topics in Paper 4 were not discrete enough.

When do these changes take place?

The updated syllabus will be assessed in June and November 2021, 2022 and 2023. It is also available in March 2021, 2022 and 2023 (India only). Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus above for full details.

Coming soon

We are developing a wide range of support to help you plan and teach the 2021-2023 syllabus. Visit our School Support Hub from April 2019 onwards.

Look out for our comprehensive support package to help you deliver the 2021-2023 syllabus including a Scheme of work, Example candidate responses and Specimen paper answers. There will also be Teacher and Learner guides from April 2019 onwards through our School Support Hub .

Endorsed resources

View the latest resources that are being developed for the Cambridge International AS & A Level English Language syllabus (9093).

Helps students gain an understanding of how language works for different audiences and purposes. Improve reading skills through analysis of different text types – from blogs to letters – and create imaginative, discursive and critical writing.

Read more on the Cambridge University Press website

Build skills and knowledge in a clear sequence and help students to apply skills to a range of language tasks, with up-to-date coverage of the syllabus topics and a stimulating range of international texts.

Read more on the Collins website

Important notices

Find out more about our range of English syllabuses to suit every level and ambition.

For some subjects, we publish grade descriptions to help understand the level of performance candidates’ grades represent.

We paused the publication of grade descriptions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the awarding standard in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

As the awarding standard has now returned to the pre-pandemic standard, we are working to produce up-to-date grade descriptions for most of our general qualifications. These will be based on the awarding standards in place from June 2023 onwards.

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A-level English Literature

A-level english literature edexcel online course.

The study of A-level English Literature allows us to explore some of life’s most complex topics: love, loss, loneliness, fear and happiness. In short, through the power of the written word, you’ll take a deep dive into the strengths and frailties of human emotion.

From Shakespeare to Wyatt, to Tennessee Williams and Margaret Atwood, you’ll critically examine a range of texts which sum up ‘Love Through the Ages’. You’ll become confident placing poems and novels into context, identifying historicist links and comparing and contrasting characters, themes and narrative voices.

What you will learn

Unit 1 - drama.

• Taming of the Shrew
• The Importance of Being Earnest

Unit 2 - Prose

The Supernatural

• Pre-1900: Dracula , Bram Stoker. The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde.
• Post-1900: Beloved , Toni Morrison. The Little Stranger , Sarah Waters.

Unit 3 - Poetry

• Post-2000 poetry
• The Canterbury Tales – The Wife of Bath
• Unseen poetry

Awarding Body

Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and workplaces in the UK and abroad. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body covering  A-Level Courses  and  GCSE Courses .

Recognised through UCAS

This course carries UCAS point s. This means that it can be used to gain direct access to University courses and other Higher Education, through the UCAS system.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this home learning A-level English Literature course, you will receive an A-level in English Literature, issued by Edexcel. This syllabus ( 9ET0 ) has been chosen specifically because it is best suited to distance learning. Your certificate is identical to that issued to students at any other school, college or university.

How is this course assessed or examined?

You will be required to complete the three assessments for A-level English Literature:

Written Exams:

• Component 1: Drama. 30% of A-level
• Component 2: Prose. 20% of A-level.
• Component 3: Poetry. 30% of A-level

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA):

• Coursework Task: 20% of A-level.

Entry requirements

It is strongly recommended that you have studied English Literature to GCSE or equivalent level before starting this course. The syllabus is a difficulty Level Three, equivalent to an A-level or BTEC, and is usually suitable for most learners of all ages

Past Papers

You can access past papers for this course . They are free to access and cover a range of exam boards.

Find out more about the exams here .

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A-level English Language and Literature

• Specification
• Planning resources
• Teaching resources
• Assessment resources
• Introduction
• Specification at a glance
• 3.1 Telling stories
• 3.2 Exploring conflict
• 3.3 Making connections

Scheme of assessment

• Non-exam assessment administration
• General administration

Find past papers and mark schemes, and specimen papers for new courses, on our website at aqa.org.uk/pastpapers

This specification is designed to be taken over two years, with all assessments taken at the end of the course.

A-level exams and certification for this specification are available for the first time in May/June 2017 and then every May/June for the life of the specification.

This is a linear qualification. In order to achieve the award, students must complete all exams in May/June in a single year. All assessments must be taken in the same series.

Our A-level exams in English include questions that allow students to demonstrate their ability to:

• draw together their knowledge, skills and understanding from across the full course of study
• provide extended responses.

All components offer only extended response questions.

All materials are available in English only.

• develop and apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation
• develop and apply their understanding of the concepts and methods appropriate for the analysis and study of language
• use linguistic and literary approaches in their reading and interpretation of texts, showing how the two disciplines can relate to each other
• engage creatively and critically with a wide range of texts
• explore the ways in which texts relate to each other and the contexts in which they are produced and received
• develop their skills as producers and interpreters of language
• develop their interest in and enjoyment of English as they undertake independent and sustained studies to develop their skills as producers and interpreters of language.

Assessment objectives

Assessment objectives (AOs) are set by Ofqual and are the same across all A-level English Language and Literature specifications and all exam boards.

The exams and non-exam assessment will measure to what extent students have achieved the following assessment objectives.

• AO1: Apply concepts and methods from integrated linguistic and literary study as appropriate, using associated terminology and coherent written expression
• AO2: Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in texts
• AO3: Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which texts are produced and received
• AO4: Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic and literary concepts and methods
• AO5: Demonstrate expertise and creativity in the use of English to communicate in different ways.

Weighting of assessment objectives for A-level English Language and Literature

Assessment weightings.

The marks awarded on the papers will be scaled to meet the weighting of the components. Students’ final marks will be calculated by adding together the scaled marks for each component. Grade boundaries will be set using this total scaled mark. The scaling and total scaled marks are shown in the table below.

Non-exam assessment marking criteria

Investigation.

AO1: Apply concepts and methods from integrated linguistic and literary study as appropriate, using associated terminology and coherent written expression.

25 January 2018. Three minor changes to the mark scheme to make it clearer.

AO2: Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in texts.

AO3: Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which texts are produced and received.

AO4: Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic and literary concepts and methods.

• they write about only one text, either literary or non-literary
• they write about two texts but both are literary (eg no non-literary material is studied)
• they write about two texts but both are non-literary (eg no literary material is studied).

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As and a level english language and literature (emc) - h074, h474.

If you are delivering this qualification, go to Teach Cambridge for complete planning, teaching and assessment support materials.

Our A Level in English Language and Literature (EMC) offers a broad range of stimulating fiction and non-fiction texts. Students combine both literary and linguistic approaches to explore language choices, and become not only confident readers but also skilled producers of original writing.

Specification code: H474 Qualification number: 601/4704/0 This qualification is available in English only

Our AS Level in English Language and Literature (EMC) offers a broad range of stimulating fiction and non-fiction texts. Students develop and apply their understanding of both literary and linguistic analysis to engage critically with a wide variety of texts.

Specification code: H074 Qualification number: 601/4705/2 This qualification is available in English only

Resource materials

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Example planning guides, teaching activities and more.

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Upcoming professional development

Preparing for the nea: a level english language and literature h474 component 04 (webinar).

CPD course •   Online webinar • £99 •  AS and A Level English Language and Literature (EMC) - H074, H474

Date: 14 May 2024 1pm-3:30pm

Ask the Examiner: A Level English Language and Literature H474 Components 01, 02 and 03 (Online Q&A)

CPD course •   Online webinar • FREE •  AS and A Level English Language and Literature (EMC) - H074, H474

Date: 29 Apr 2024 4pm-5pm

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A Level English Language and Literature (Combined)

Why study this subject.

The combined course allows you to pursue your interest in literature through exploration of prose, poetry and drama from different historical periods. You will develop your ability to closely analyse how the language of literary texts conveys precise meanings and creates stylistic effects. The combined course also gives you the opportunity to pursue an interest in creative writing, in both the first and second year of the course.

You will learn how to write in a range of non-fictional and fictional forms such as newspaper and magazine articles, radio scripts, TV scripts and short story writing. If you enjoy reading widely, discussing and analysing fiction and non-fiction, and would enjoy the challenge of writing for a range of different audiences and purposes, then this course will appeal to you. We provide a highly supportive environment to help you achieve your potential.

We are proud of the success of our students on all three of our courses, both in terms of their examination results and the personal satisfaction they derive from their studies. The A Level pass rate in English Language and Literature (Combined) has remained well above the national average, year on year. Our Language and Literature students go on to sought after places at the most competitive universities each year.

Topics you will cover

We will follow the OCR specification. 80% of your A Level will be examined and there is a 20% coursework component. You will study an exciting and wide range of literary and non-fiction texts, as well as develop your creative writing skills.

• Comparative analysis of a range of spoken, written and electronic texts
• Non-fictional creative writing
• The study of two literary texts: a novel and a collection of poems
• The study of a Shakespeare play
• Fictional creative writing
• Comparative analysis of two texts (fictional or non-fictional). This analysis forms part of the coursework component
• A piece of non-fictional creative writing. This piece of writing forms part of the coursework component

Entry Guidelines

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language.

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