English Language & Literature

This course is the integrated study of both English Language and English Literature. For the language side, you will study different aspects of the English Language, discover how it is put together (e.g. syntax and grammar), how the language has developed and changed over the past 600 years, and how we adapt our spoken language depending on various factors (namely, what we are talking about, who we are with, and where we are). Spoken language is also explored through the language of performance texts and by investigating spontaneous language. You will apply your knowledge of syntax and grammar from the language side to the literature side by exploring plays, novels, autobiographies, and poetry from both a language and literature perspective. For the literature side, you will also study how writers from different centuries express ideas about a range of themes.

Through group work, whole-class discussions, and individual research/reading, this course will develop your oral, reading, writing, and critical thinking skills further. To enhance your understanding of the course and English in general, we also organise workshops, lectures, cinema/theatre visits, among other things.

Course Assessment

AS-Level

At AS-Level, you will be assessed by two end-of-year exams.

In paper one, you will answer two questions. To answer the first question, you will analyse two non-fiction texts. To answer the second, you will create your own piece of non-fiction.

In paper two, you will also answer two questions. The first question will ask you to study a piece of prose, and the second will ask you to study a piece of poetry.

A-Level

At A-Level, you will be assessed by three end-of-year exams and the production of a coursework portfolio.

Course Prospects

A qualification in English Language and Literature is extremely valuable. It is useful when applying for training or employment in any field and admission to any degree course. It is especially beneficial when applying to English-related degree courses, as most of these will ask for either English Literature or English Language and Literature (although some may prefer English Language). Studying English at university can also open the doors to many career paths, such as copywriting, marketing, teaching, and many more depending on what branch of study you choose (e.g. English and Creative Writing to get into screenwriting).

During this course, you will develop your written and verbal communication skills to a high level, which is particularly valuable for jobs in teaching, management, law, and the media.

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“English has developed both my writing and speaking skills. It has also taught me about gender and power in language which I’ve found very interesting!”

A Level English Language Student

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 6 grade 4s, including a grade 4 or above in both GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature, is required. GCSE Maths must also be at grade 3 as a minimum. If GCSE Maths is at a grade 3, you would have to resit it.

Need More Information?

If you have any questions, queries, or concerns, please contact Marion Boughton (Head of Department for English and Languages) at MBoughton@jcc.ac.uk

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Related Courses

AS & A Level, History