English Literature

This course, which is highly regarded as a facilitating subject by all universities, will help you to develop your reading and critical analysis skills through the study of various texts, from the 10th century to the present day. Written work will enhance your overall ability to structure and respond analytically to whole texts and unseen material, while regular discussion in class will help you develop your wider communication skills.

Before You Start

You may be required to complete an activity before you start in order to help introduce you to the subject. Check back in the summer term for more details.

Course Content

You will study drama, poetry and prose – and examine works by a wide range of modern and pre-20th century authors and poets. Examinations test your skills of analysis and interpretation through the commentary on an unseen poem or prose extract while the essay questions encourage you to take a more conceptual approach to the texts studied, taking account of the context in which they were produced and received and the ways in which they have been interpreted by other readers.

You are also encouraged to supplement your programme with the Extended Project.

Find out more about The Extended Project

Careers

There are a wide variety of options for students wishing to pursue a career that requires English skills. Some may be interested in roles in journalism, publishing or politics, however these may require additional study. Other areas to consider are media, marketing and PR, business and teaching. Students may consider direct entry into employment or further training.

Higher Education

A key subject for students planning to continue on to university to study subjects including English literature, modern languages, history, law, classics, drama and performing arts, journalism and teaching. English Literature also provides a strong grounding for those wishing to pursue many other subject areas at degree level.

Last year students went on to a variety of destinations including university places at Exeter, Newcastle, Kingston, Bristol, Manchester, Reading, Nottingham, Oxford, Royal Holloway, Swansea, London, Bournemouth, Brighton, Bath and Cardiff.

Students are required to complete at least 30 hours of enrichment per academic year whilst studying at The Henley College, learn more about Enrichment here.

Learn more about our application process here.