A-LEVELENGLISH LITERATURE*SUBJECT TO INTEREST

AWARD
A-Level English Literature
DURATION
2 Years (Full-Time)
UCAS POINTS
Up to 56 (depending on grade outcome)
CAMPUS
Middlesbrough
COURSE DETAILS
Explore powerful stories, ideas and voices through literature while developing critical thinking, analytical and communication skills valued across the creative industries and beyond.
This two-year course is ideal for students who enjoy reading, discussion and exploring how writers reflect society, culture, identity and human experience through literature. You will study a range of texts across different periods and genres, developing your ability to interpret, analyse and debate complex ideas with confidence.
Through novels, plays and poetry, you’ll examine themes such as power, relationships, conflict, identity and social change while strengthening your written communication and independent research skills. You will also learn how to construct detailed arguments, present informed opinions and engage critically with different interpretations of texts.
Studying English Literature alongside creative subjects offers a strong balance of analytical and creative thinking, helping students develop skills that support progression into Higher Education and a wide range of creative and professional careers.
WHERE COULD IT TAKE YOU?
COURSE INFORMATION
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Develop strong analytical, writing and communication skills
- Explore classic and contemporary literature
- Build confidence in discussion, interpretation and debate
- Complement creative study with academic depth and critical thinking
- Prepare for university-level study across a wide range of subjects
- Support your progression into Higher Education and professional careers
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- 5 GCSEs inc. Maths (9-4/A*-C) & GCSE English Language (9-4/A*-C)
- 1 portfolio of artwork
- Evidence of written work
A-LEVELS
Our A-level students are encouraged to participate in a range of activities to support their understanding of creative arts and their future career and job roles. Students on the A-level pathways have also successfully taken part in national competitions, such as The Knitting & Stitching Show, created video content for the Department of Education and taught online to primary schools. We also think it is really important to explore the issues that impact on our students and recent teaching modules have explored knife crime, environmental issues and art, social media and its impact on mental health.
Our students progress to a wide range of different study and learning, including The University of York, Leeds Arts University, University Arts London, York St John University, Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as The Northern School of Art degree programmes. On the A-level pathway, students also have access to a range of workshops and skills talks provided by practising professionals from across the creative industries as well as higher education and degree-level lecturers - each session provides essential advice and insight into planning for a successful career as a creative professional.
LEARNER HOURS
Our Further Education study programmes are designed to meet the guided learner hours as per their funding bodies.
AWARDING BODY
All students are awarded qualifications under their official A-Level title, as listed in the header.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying here?
It is a excellent college for you if you are creative, expressive and overall looking to work alongside likeminded people in a fun environment.
Aimee Rose Johnson
A-Levels
OUTSTANDING Student Experience
The Northern College of Art had an exceptional history for its further education when formerly known as The Northern School of Art, and Cleveland College of Art and Design prior to that. The institution previously achieved an Ofsted rating of Outstanding in 2009, and held it consecutively across all inspections until the last inspection under the Education Inspection Framework in 2025. The institution is one of only a handful of colleges to make this achievement.












