What Will Students Learn?
Through this course students engage deeply with literary texts from a wide range of genres and historical periods. They study drama, prose and poetry - covering works from classical to contemporary - gaining insight into how writers use form, structure, language and context to shape meaning and evoke responses.
Students learn to explore characterisation, theme, narrative voice, poetic techniques, dramatic structure and the cultural, historical and social contexts of texts. They also develop skills in critical thinking, comparative analysis and creative interpretation.
Skills & Understanding Developed
- Articulating informed and personal responses to literature, supported by critical reference and literary terminology
- Analysing how language, form and structure shape meaning, mood and effect
- Comparative and thematic analysis across different genres or historical periods
- Academic writing: constructing clear, well-argued essays; engaging with multiple interpretations; balancing evidence and evaluation
- Writing fluently under timed exam conditions
- Transferable skills for humanities, social sciences, law, journalism, and any discipline requiring critical reading
Examination Structure
The IAL English Literature qualification comprises four externally examined units.
| Unit | Focus | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Post-2000 Poetry and Prose | 2 hours - open book; Section A: Post-2000 Poetry; Section B: Post-2000 Prose |
| Unit 2 | Drama | 2 hours - open book; Section A: Pre-1900 Drama; Section B: Post-1900 Drama |
| Unit 3 | Poetry and Prose | 2 hours - open book; Section A: Poetry (compulsory); Section B: Prose |
| Unit 4 | Shakespeare and Pre-1900 Poetry | 2 hours - open book; Section A: Shakespeare; Section B: Pre-1900 Poetry |
Units 1-2 correspond to the IAS award. Full IAL requires all four units.
Higher Education & Career Pathways
- Literature, English, Comparative Literature, Creative Writing degrees
- Law, Journalism, Media and Communications
- History, Politics, Sociology, Cultural Studies
- Education, Publishing, Research, International Relations
- Any field where analytical writing, critical thinking, contextual awareness, and strong communication are valued
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