Course Overview
Embark on an enriching academic journey delving into the dynamic intersection of language and literature with our A-level English Language and Literature course at Hartpury College.
This course builds upon the foundation laid during GCSE English and GCSE English Literature studies, offering a comprehensive exploration of literary works—spanning novels, poetry, drama—and non-fiction texts, encompassing both written and spoken forms, including digital mediums. You will channel your creative potential by crafting original written pieces while honing analytical skills through the study of diverse and challenging texts.
This course features open book two exams and incorporates creative writing coursework, facilitating comprehensive preparation. You have the freedom to select texts for coursework, fostering a personalised learning experience. Unlike traditional requirements, there's no mandatory coverage of Shakespeare or poetry, offering a varied and straightforward anthology to explore.
Throughout the course, you will develop critical thinking skills, explore varied perspectives, and understand the impact of different contexts on textual interpretation. A-level English Language and Literature equips you with the linguistic and literary tools to navigate and critically analyse a wide array of texts, nurturing an appreciation for language, literature, and their profound influence on society.
At Hartpury College, we provide a stimulating academic environment supported by resources designed to enhance learning experiences, including revision tools and digital resources for students.
At Hartpury, we follow the Edexcel English Language specification.
On this course you'll study the following topics over two years.
- Voices in speech and writing
- Students will study how spoken voices are formed and written voices created in literary, non-literary and digital texts. They will develop their understanding of how writers and speakers shape and craft language to present an identity or persona, the influence of context as well as making connections between texts.
- Varieties in language and literature
- This component focuses on the ways in which different writers convey their thoughts or ideas on the theme of ‘Crossing Borders’ in literary and non-fiction writing. Students will analyse language techniques and literary devices, consider the significance and influence of contexts and make connections.
- Investigating and Creating Texts
- Students demonstrate their skills as writers, crafting their own original texts for different audiences and purposes. Through studying other writers of their choice, students will acquire the synthesised knowledge and understanding required to produce original pieces of writing that will permit them to pursue topics they are interested in.
The majority of A-level lessons are delivered from the classrooms in our College Learning Centre, providing a modern learning environment, contemporary classrooms with smart boards, well-equipped library and learning resources.
Lessons are delivered in a traditional manner and include individual tasks as well as group work. A-level students will be set regular homework tasks as well as regular assessments throughout the academic year.
A-levels offers a unique timetable facilitating sporting development and extra-curricular activities, and a full enrichment programme to enhance employability skills and the holistic development of all students.
A-level students have access to our equine and sport facilities, animal collection, and our commercial Home Farm.
Students have a pastoral tutor who will support them to succeed in their studies and their enrichment activities. All students have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online. In addition, all students have access to medical professionals on campus.
Exam board: Edexcel
Two open book examination papers each with a duration of two hours 30 minutes.
Two writing assignments.
- Assignment one: Students choose a topic and then create two pieces of original writing, one piece of fiction writing and one piece of creative non-fiction writing.
- Assignment two: One separate analytical commentary reflecting on the studied texts and pieces of writing they have produced.
To help prepare you for your exams throughout the course, you’ll complete regular end-of-topic assessments, homework tasks and mock exams. These will help track your progress and highlight areas to improve.
An A-level in English Language and Literature can be combined with subjects like Physical Education, Business Studies, Economics, Sociology, Geography, Environmental Science, Psychology, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, History or Mathematics and can lead to a wide range of exciting progression routes. Students may go on to careers in journalism, education, science communication, marketing, public policy or professional writing.
Popular combinations include English Language and Literature with Physical Education for careers in sports journalism, fitness communications or outdoor education; with Business or Economics for roles in marketing, policy analysis or corporate communications; or with Sociology or Geography for careers in advocacy, community outreach, or sustainability reporting. Pairing English with science subjects like Biology, Chemistry or Physics supports routes into medical writing, science education or technical communications. Studying English with History or Maths can lead to roles in publishing, data communication or financial writing.
These combinations support national skills priorities in healthcare, creative industries, life sciences, digital and professional services. Locally, they align with Gloucestershire’s skills needs in health and social care, business and professional services, green industries, finance, tourism, and digital technologies
Course Overview
Course information
Embark on an enriching academic journey delving into the dynamic intersection of language and literature with our A-level English Language and Literature course at Hartpury College.
This course builds upon the foundation laid during GCSE English and GCSE English Literature studies, offering a comprehensive exploration of literary works—spanning novels, poetry, drama—and non-fiction texts, encompassing both written and spoken forms, including digital mediums. You will channel your creative potential by crafting original written pieces while honing analytical skills through the study of diverse and challenging texts.
This course features open book two exams and incorporates creative writing coursework, facilitating comprehensive preparation. You have the freedom to select texts for coursework, fostering a personalised learning experience. Unlike traditional requirements, there's no mandatory coverage of Shakespeare or poetry, offering a varied and straightforward anthology to explore.
Throughout the course, you will develop critical thinking skills, explore varied perspectives, and understand the impact of different contexts on textual interpretation. A-level English Language and Literature equips you with the linguistic and literary tools to navigate and critically analyse a wide array of texts, nurturing an appreciation for language, literature, and their profound influence on society.
At Hartpury College, we provide a stimulating academic environment supported by resources designed to enhance learning experiences, including revision tools and digital resources for students.
At Hartpury, we follow the Edexcel English Language specification.
What you’ll learn
On this course you'll study the following topics over two years.
- Voices in speech and writing
- Students will study how spoken voices are formed and written voices created in literary, non-literary and digital texts. They will develop their understanding of how writers and speakers shape and craft language to present an identity or persona, the influence of context as well as making connections between texts.
- Varieties in language and literature
- This component focuses on the ways in which different writers convey their thoughts or ideas on the theme of ‘Crossing Borders’ in literary and non-fiction writing. Students will analyse language techniques and literary devices, consider the significance and influence of contexts and make connections.
- Investigating and Creating Texts
- Students demonstrate their skills as writers, crafting their own original texts for different audiences and purposes. Through studying other writers of their choice, students will acquire the synthesised knowledge and understanding required to produce original pieces of writing that will permit them to pursue topics they are interested in.
How you’ll learn
The majority of A-level lessons are delivered from the classrooms in our College Learning Centre, providing a modern learning environment, contemporary classrooms with smart boards, well-equipped library and learning resources.
Lessons are delivered in a traditional manner and include individual tasks as well as group work. A-level students will be set regular homework tasks as well as regular assessments throughout the academic year.
A-levels offers a unique timetable facilitating sporting development and extra-curricular activities, and a full enrichment programme to enhance employability skills and the holistic development of all students.
A-level students have access to our equine and sport facilities, animal collection, and our commercial Home Farm.
Students have a pastoral tutor who will support them to succeed in their studies and their enrichment activities. All students have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online. In addition, all students have access to medical professionals on campus.
How you’ll be assessed
Exam board: Edexcel
Two open book examination papers each with a duration of two hours 30 minutes.
Two writing assignments.
- Assignment one: Students choose a topic and then create two pieces of original writing, one piece of fiction writing and one piece of creative non-fiction writing.
- Assignment two: One separate analytical commentary reflecting on the studied texts and pieces of writing they have produced.
To help prepare you for your exams throughout the course, you’ll complete regular end-of-topic assessments, homework tasks and mock exams. These will help track your progress and highlight areas to improve.
What can you do after this course?
An A-level in English Language and Literature can be combined with subjects like Physical Education, Business Studies, Economics, Sociology, Geography, Environmental Science, Psychology, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, History or Mathematics and can lead to a wide range of exciting progression routes. Students may go on to careers in journalism, education, science communication, marketing, public policy or professional writing.
Popular combinations include English Language and Literature with Physical Education for careers in sports journalism, fitness communications or outdoor education; with Business or Economics for roles in marketing, policy analysis or corporate communications; or with Sociology or Geography for careers in advocacy, community outreach, or sustainability reporting. Pairing English with science subjects like Biology, Chemistry or Physics supports routes into medical writing, science education or technical communications. Studying English with History or Maths can lead to roles in publishing, data communication or financial writing.
These combinations support national skills priorities in healthcare, creative industries, life sciences, digital and professional services. Locally, they align with Gloucestershire’s skills needs in health and social care, business and professional services, green industries, finance, tourism, and digital technologies
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
English Language and English Literature at grade 6 or above.
You should expect some small costs for books and stationery. There will also be opportunities to take part in trips related to the topics you are studying. In the past, these have included visits to Alton Towers, the Houses of Parliament, JCB, Uttoxeter, and the Cadbury Factory. These trips incur a charge/are covered by the educational visits fee.
Students are required to pay a non-refundable educational visits fee at enrolment.
Which other A-levels does this work well with?
A-level English Language and Literature typically goes well with: Business, History, Physical Education, Psychology, and Sociology.
Can I study A-level English Language and Literature and play in the Sports Academy?
This will depend which other A-levels you are studying. Where possible we try to work academy timetables around academic timetables, however this is not always possible. Please email to discuss your individual circumstances.
Can I bring my horse and study A-levels?
Yes - we provide students with the opportunity to bring their horse (or horses) with them while they study. On-site livery is offered to students on a DIY or full livery basis. This is subject to availability as demand is always high. Fees apply.
How much does the course cost?
If you're a UK student under the age of 19 enrolling in full-time A-level courses at Hartpury College, you typically won't need to pay tuition fees. For further information, details for those over 19 year-of-age and international students, visit: Finance | Hartpury College
Outstanding
Rated 'Ofsted Outstanding in all areas' for academic and curriculum-related provision
99.4% pass-rate
With an A-level pass rate of 99.4% (Hartpury College 2025), our outcomes for students are exceptional.
Living in on-site college accommodation at Hartpury, you’ll be part of a vibrant and international community of students of all ages who share their experience of life at college and university together on one campus.
The Hartpury Certificate is an enrichment programme designed to support our students to grow.
A-levels or a diploma?
Are you unsure about whether A-levels or a BTEC Diploma are the right choice for you? Find out the key differences and which qualification would best suit your learning style and your career and further study ambitions on our dedicated page.
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