What Is A Level English Literature?

A Level English Literature is one of the most respected qualifications in the humanities. At its heart, it’s about engaging with great works of literature — novels, plays and poetry — that reflect the societies and cultures from which they emerged. As an English Literature teacher, I often see students change the first time they tackle a Shakespeare play. At first, they feel daunted by the language, but with a little guidance, they quickly realise that themes like jealousy, love and betrayal are as relevant now as they were 400 years ago.

An A Level in English Literature equips you with the skills to read critically and write analytically. You’ll develop the ability to interpret complex themes, characters and techniques, while always keeping an eye on the historical and cultural contexts that shaped them. According to Ofqual (opens in a new tab), the exam regulator, these skills not only prepare students for university but also for careers requiring strong analytical and communication abilities.

Unlike English Language, which looks at everyday communication and linguistics, English Literature focuses on artistic and creative uses of language. Exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel and OCR each offer slightly different texts, but the underlying skills — close analysis, comparison, and contextual understanding — remain constant.

What does A Level English Literature involve?

The subject revolves around three main forms of literature: prose, drama and poetry. Typically, students study 6–8 set texts across a two-year course. These often range from Shakespearean tragedies such as Hamlet, to modern prose works like The Handmaid’s Tale, and contemporary poetry collections by writers such as Carol Ann Duffy. I always encourage my students to think about the contrast between the texts they are studying. For instance, when studying Hamlet alongside The Handmaid’s Tale, many notice how both deal with questions of power and control, despite being written centuries apart. These comparisons spark some of the most interesting classroom discussions.

Expect to analyse texts in depth. This involves not just identifying literary devices but considering what a writer’s methods reveal about a character’s psychology or how they reflect its historical context. You will also be introduced to critical theories. For example, Marxist critics have long argued that Victorian novels highlight class inequalities, while feminist perspectives can help show how women’s voices were often silenced in the same texts.

How is the course structured and assessed?

Assessment depends on your exam board, but most include two or three written papers plus (in some cases) coursework. 

All boards assess using the four key objectives (AO1–AO4). These measure your ability to:

• Write clearly and analytically (AO1)

• Analyse techniques and their effects (AO2)

• Consider context and critical viewpoints (AO3)

• Compare across texts (AO4)

Examiners’ reports (available on exam board websites) stress that high-scoring students show detailed knowledge, in-depth analysis and engagement with different interpretations.

Key topics and texts you might study

Drama often centres on Shakespeare — Hamlet, Othello or King Lear are favourites — but you may also encounter modern playwrights like Tennessee Williams (A Streetcar Named Desire) or Arthur Miller (Death of a Salesman).

Prose covers everything from Victorian novels such as Great Expectations to postmodern works like Beloved. Poetry spans pre-1900 giants like Keats or Rossetti, alongside post-1900 voices such as Seamus Heaney. One of my classes particularly enjoyed comparing Keats’ romantic poetry with Carol Ann Duffy’s modern verse. They realised that both poets grappled with themes of love and loss, but expressed them in strikingly different ways — one through classical imagery, the other through contemporary voices.

Many courses adopt thematic groupings for their set texts, such as dystopia, love through the ages, identity or the gothic. This approach allows students to explore how writers across different periods respond to similar ideas, drawing comparisons between, for example, a Shakespeare play and a modern novel, or between Romantic poetry and contemporary verse. 

What skills will you develop?

The skills gained are not just academic but highly transferable.

• Critical reading: you’ll learn to read beneath the surface. This habit of questioning and interpreting is invaluable.

• Essay writing: expect to refine your ability to structure coherent arguments — something universities value enormously.

• Comparative thinking: employers often note that the ability to synthesise different perspectives is a key skill in business and law.

• Contextual awareness: by examining historical backdrops, you’ll gain cultural insight that broadens your worldview.

• Independent research: engaging with scholars and critics on JSTOR (opens in a new tab) or in journals like The Review of English Studies (opens in a new tab) prepares you for higher-level academic work.

How does it differ from A Level English Language?

If you’re trying to decide between English Literature and English Language, it helps to know how the two subjects differ. While they share some skills, each has a unique focus and way of approaching texts.

• Literature focuses on exploring meaning and themes within texts. Essays typically involve close analysis of characters, ideas and techniques to interpret how writers create significance and shape readers’ responses. This often includes considering historical and cultural context to understand how works reflect the time in which they were written.

• Language, on the other hand, examines how language functions in real-world use. It investigates grammar, phonology and discourse, taking a more technical and evidence-based approach. You might study how people adapt their language in different social settings, how dialects vary across regions, or how language has changed over time.

How difficult is A Level English Literature?

The jump from GCSE is noticeable. You’ll cover more set texts, the ideas explored are often more abstract, and essays require a higher level of critical analysis and independence. I always remind new students that their first essays may feel overwhelming, but with practice and feedback, their writing quickly becomes more focused and confident.

However, the challenge comes less from natural ability and more from persistence and consistency. Success depends on habits such as reading widely, annotating thoroughly and maintaining a clear revision log. With these strategies in place, progress builds steadily over time.

The Russell Group’s Informed Choices guide (opens in a new tab) notes that English Literature is widely recognised as a rigorous academic subject, and strong performance at A Level is an excellent indicator of readiness for demanding university-level study.

Is A Level English Literature right for you?

To decide if it’s right for you, ask yourself: 

• Do you have a genuine love of reading and an interest in stories, characters and ideas that span centuries? 

• Do you enjoy debating, interrogating ideas and putting forward arguments?

• Do you find it rewarding to explore different critical interpretations and connect ideas together? 

• Do you enjoy writing extended essays?

A Level English Literature isn’t only about passing exams — it’s about immersing yourself in books and discovering how they speak to one another and to the world around us. If you find satisfaction in engaging deeply with texts and reflecting on what they reveal about the human experience, then this course could be an excellent fit.

It also works brilliantly alongside other humanities subjects such as History, Philosophy, Politics or Psychology. Beyond school or college, the skills you’ll gain — analysis, communication and critical thinking — are highly valued in careers like law, journalism, publishing, teaching, media and marketing. 

Tips for succeeding in A Level English Literature

• Read actively: don’t just skim the text — annotate, ask questions and challenge the writer’s choices as you go.

• Build a quote bank: collect key passages and organise them by theme or character to make revision and essay writing more efficient.

• Engage with critics: broaden your perspective by using resources such as the British Library’s literary articles (opens in a new tab), scholarly essays or reputable study guides.

• Practise timed essays: regularly write under exam conditions and compare your work with examiner reports to see where you can improve.

• Stay curious: go beyond the set texts with adaptations, podcasts and online lectures. These extra insights make your analysis richer and revision more engaging.

I often recommend that students watch stage or film adaptations of their set texts. Seeing Othello performed live, for example, helps them appreciate how choices in staging, tone and delivery can transform their understanding of Shakespeare’s words

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between English Literature and English Language?

English Literature focuses on analysing creative texts for meaning, themes, and literary techniques. English Language studies how language works in real-world communication, examining patterns and functions rather than artistic expression.

Do I have to read all the texts in full?

Yes, you need to read all set texts completely. Superficial knowledge is quickly exposed in exams, and detailed textual knowledge is essential for sophisticated analysis.

Is there coursework in A Level English Literature?

This depends on your exam board. Some include coursework components allowing independent study, while others assess entirely through written examinations. Check your specific specification.

Is A Level English Literature good for university applications?

Yes, English Literature is highly regarded by universities. It demonstrates strong analytical, research, and communication skills that are valuable across many degree subjects.

What are the hardest parts of the course?

Most students find the volume of reading and the depth of analysis required challenging initially. Writing sophisticated comparative essays and applying critical perspectives also require practice and development.

Final thoughts

A Level English Literature is both challenging and highly rewarding. It encourages intellectual independence, strengthens analytical skills and nurtures a lasting appreciation for literature across different periods and genres.

If you’re still unsure, speak to current students or teachers, and perhaps dip into a few potential set texts. Ultimately, this is a subject that rewards curiosity, persistence and passion for stories — qualities that will serve you far beyond the classroom.

Sources:

• Ofqual (opens in a new tab)

• JSTOR (opens in a new tab)

• The Review of English Studies (opens in a new tab)

• Russell Group’s Informed Choices guide (opens in a new tab)

• The British Library (opens in a new tab)