A Level English Language or A Level English Literature: Which Should You Choose?

When students choose their A level subjects, one of the most common decisions in the humanities is whether to study A Level English Language or A Level English Literature. Both subjects involve reading, analysing and writing about English, but they approach the subject from very different perspectives.

English Literature focuses on studying novels, plays and poetry as works of art. English Language focuses on how language works, how people communicate and how English changes over time. Understanding these differences can help students choose the course that best suits their interests and strengths.

What You Study in A Level English Literature

A Level English Literature is centred on the study of literary texts. Students read and analyse works of fiction, drama and poetry from different periods and explore how writers use language, structure and literary techniques to create meaning.

Typical texts studied may include Shakespeare plays, nineteenth-century novels, modern drama and collections of poetry. Students often explore themes such as power, love, identity, conflict or social change through literature.

A major focus of the course is close reading and interpretation. Students analyse passages from texts and explain how writers use language and structure to produce particular effects. They also compare different texts and consider how historical and cultural contexts influence literary works.

Many courses include coursework where students write an extended essay comparing two texts or exploring a theme across different works of literature.

What You Study in A Level English Language

A Level English Language examines how language is used in real life. Rather than focusing on novels and poetry, the subject looks at the structure, development and use of language in society.

Students analyse a wide range of spoken and written texts. These might include conversations, speeches, newspaper articles, advertisements, social media posts and transcripts of everyday talk.

Typical topics studied include:

Language and gender
Language and power
Language and technology
Language acquisition in children
Language change over time
Language variation between social groups

Students learn linguistic concepts such as grammar, phonology, discourse and semantics. They also investigate how language reflects identity and social relationships.

Many courses include a research investigation where students collect and analyse their own language data, such as studying how people speak in different contexts or how language is used online.

Differences in Skills

Although both subjects involve analytical reading and essay writing, the skills they emphasise are different.

English Literature focuses on interpreting literary texts and constructing critical arguments about themes, characters and literary techniques. Students develop skills in close textual analysis and extended essay writing.

English Language focuses more on analysing how language functions. Students learn to identify linguistic features, explain patterns in communication and apply linguistic terminology accurately.

Literature often requires interpretation and evaluation of creative works, while Language involves analysing real examples of communication using linguistic frameworks.

Exam Style and Assessment

The assessment methods also differ between the two subjects.

In English Literature exams, students typically write extended essays analysing literary texts. Questions often ask students to discuss themes, compare texts or analyse passages from plays, novels or poetry.

In English Language exams, students analyse unseen texts and explain how language works in particular contexts. Some questions involve detailed analysis of linguistic features, while others require broader discussion about language use in society.

Both courses usually include coursework, although the focus differs. Literature coursework tends to involve essays on literary texts, while Language coursework often includes original language research or creative writing with commentary.

Workload and Reading

English Literature often involves significant reading of novels, plays and poetry collections. Students need to understand texts in detail and remember key quotations for use in essays.

English Language requires less reading of long literary texts but involves learning linguistic terminology and analysing a wide range of short texts and transcripts.

Students who enjoy reading literature and exploring themes and characters often prefer Literature, while those interested in how people communicate and how language shapes society may prefer Language.

Links to Future Study

Both subjects are respected by universities and support a wide range of degree courses.

English Literature can be particularly useful for degrees in literature, history, law, journalism and the arts. It develops strong essay writing and critical thinking skills.

English Language can lead to degrees in linguistics, media, communication studies, education and speech and language therapy. It also supports careers that involve analysing communication or working with language in practical contexts.

Some universities also offer degrees in English Language and Linguistics, where knowledge of language analysis is particularly valuable.

Choosing Between the Two

Choosing between A Level English Language and English Literature depends largely on personal interests.

Students who enjoy reading novels, plays and poetry and discussing themes and interpretations may find English Literature more engaging.

Students who are curious about how language works, how people communicate and how language changes over time may find English Language more interesting.

Both subjects develop strong analytical and communication skills, and both provide excellent preparation for a wide range of university courses and careers.