English Language & Literature

Offering an integrated approach to the study of language and literature, this course, which is highly regarded by all universities (as a facilitating subject) and by employers (as evidence of high level analytical and creative skills), emphasises the development of expertise in writing in a wide variety of genres as well as exposure to a range of literary set texts, making it particularly attractive to students who wish to build on their success in both Subjects at GCSE.

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 develop your personal writing skills by adapting material for different audiences and purposes as well as experimenting in original writing and studying spoken language in use. Through the study of set texts from the 16th to the 21st centuries, you will also extend your skills of close textual analysis and develop an increasingly mature response to a range of literature: poetry, prose and drama.

Optional trips to the theatre or cinema (on average one per year) also help to bring the subject to life.

Students keen to study both language and literature are advised to choose this combined course, rather than study the two subjects separately.

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. Other areas to consider are media, marketing and PR, business and teaching. 

Higher Education

A key course for students planning to continue on to university to study subjects including English language and literature, English literature, English studies, law, politics, history, sociology, creative writing, linguistics and teaching.

It 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 Winchester, South Wales, Portsmouth, Royal Holloway, Canterbury, Lincoln, Surrey, Roehampton, Manchester, Reading, Sheffield, Chichester, Cardiff, Brighton, Bristol, and Birmingham.

Alternatively, students may consider direct entry into employment or further training.

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.