A Level English Language and Literature
Course Code: Q100037
Key Information
Course type:
A Levels
Campus:
Sixth Form Campus
Next Start Date:
07 Sept 2026
Duration:
2 years
Attendance:
Full-time
Fees:
Free

This course is for those who enjoy reading and are keen to learn more about how writers craft their imaginary worlds, helping you to develop your own creative writing skills. It will also appeal to you if you are interested in developing your analysis skills, exploring language features, literary concepts and if you are keen to understand the wider historical, cultural and social context influencing texts.
Units include:
- studying a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, including novels, plays and poetry
- explore theories, themes and concepts relating to the development of language skills
- investigating distinctive styles of speech and writing and how they are used
- an investigative coursework unit where you can choose your own fiction text
- creative writing of fiction and non-fiction.
You will learn to apply integrated literary and linguistic analysis to a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts. You will become skilled in the knowledge of terminology from different language levels and learn how to consider contextual influences on texts. You will explore different historical periods, linguistic and literary theories, different genre conventions, as well as psychological theories linked to communication. You will also develop creative writing skills.
This course works with many opportunities and combines well with other A Level and Level 3 vocational courses, such as media and film studies, history, classics, marketing, politics, law and journalism, also including the Extended Project (EPQ).
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including a grade 5 or above in English language and English literature.
You will have a 9.55am start, one lesson in the morning, one in the afternoon and a guaranteed 4.00pm finish. You will also have at least one morning and one afternoon per week free for private study.
The course has three assessment elements. There are two final exams:
- Paper 1: 3 hours
- Paper 2: 2 hours 30 minutes.
These are worth 80% of the final grade.
There is also a coursework element, which counts for 20% of the final grade. This part of the course allows some flexibility and choice, as it is an independent project, comparing a literary and a non-literary piece of work.
You can progress to university to study subjects such as English, journalism, media studies, drama and theatre studies, history, law and education.
A Level English Language and Literature available start dates:
You may also be interested in
Related Features
Event 16-10-2025
October open events
Check out all the fantastic opportunities available by coming along to our next cross-campus open events, from 4.30-7.30pm on 15 and 16 October. This open event spans two days, so choose the date that suits you best.
Event 15-10-2025
October open events
Check out all the fantastic opportunities available by coming along to our next cross-campus open events, from 4.30-7.30pm on 15 and 16 October. This open event spans two days, so choose the date that suits you best.
NEWS 05-08-2025
ESOL students graduate from COPC
Students at City of Portsmouth College’s Arundel Campus celebrated after graduating from their ESOL Level 2 courses.
“I really like Portsmouth and feel really safe here. The public transport is great. My favourite part about studying at COPC is how passionate the lecturers are about the subjects they teach. It’s been a brilliant experience.”
Ana Clara Ginezi
Studied: Biology, History & ESOL
Agency: Educatius
NEWS 13-06-2025
COPC's ESOL Team brings home Teach Portsmouth Award
City of Portsmouth College's ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Team brought home the “Community Team Award” at last night’s Teach Portsmouth Awards, held at The Portsmouth Guildhall.
“I’ve made friends here – the people are really nice and the lecturers care. I really like that we start at 10am. It’s a much more relaxed environment than I thought it would be so it’s very easy to adapt. ”
Matteo Galleri
Studied: Criminology, Maths & ESOL
Agency: Interstudies