Combined English language/ lit A-Level- any views?

[ThirstyMeeples]

Took DS (16) to a college open day this weekend and saw they offered combined English as an option. Any ideas how this is perceived by universities? Is it considered as academic as individual English A-Levels? He preferred the syllabus of the combined course . Thanks

Most universities are fine with it. Just searched somewhat at random Warwick uni (where DD applied) and Durham (where she didn't) and both specifically say Eng lit or Eng lit/lang is acceptable for an Eng lit course.

If you want to study humanities at Cambridge uni, there is a list of preferred A levels and lit/lang is not on it (but Eng lit is). Doesn't even rule that out tho as long as the other two choices were on the list (which includes history, MFL and maths).

I would suggest tho if Eng lit A level appeals less, then Eng lit at uni is probably not a great choice.

If you mean in general as one of three A levels for say, a history course then yes for sure it is perfectly acceptable. As are most A levels tbh, unless specific subjects are needed obvs (I mean like biology for a bio degree). Despite what you read on MN!

Thanks. That’s really helpful. His other 2 a-levels are likely to be science and I think that’s what he’s leaning towards for university so this is really the 3rd choice.
I think maths would be the most helpful but he doesn’t love it and much prefers the essay writing and comparison/ analysis aspect of English so wants to choose this. He’s not an avid reader so isn’t keen on Lit alone and didn’t like the syllabus for Lang but was really taken with Lang/ Lit as it did the ‘compare and contrast’ thing he enjoys.

DD did this A level and really enjoyed the greater breadth - compared to a Lit A level. She's just gone to Russell group Uni to study English Language and Literature. It's a good choice if that's your area of interest or as a third A level for a subject that requires a range of skills and was pretty interesting curriculum wise.

I teach this and it’s a great A Level. It is definitely academically rigorous. I haven’t encountered any academic snobbery with it (like you can get with Media or Film Studies, for example)

Oh as a third A level with, say, bio and chem, with a view to studying bio, checm, biochem or med at uni then it’s totally fine. If it’s more interesting to him them he is likely to get a higher grade which is what you need.

This is all great reassurance thanks. I just hadn’t heard of it before so didn’t know if it was a softer option. I think the fact that he was interested and excited by it is the main thing.

Dd did this: it was a really interesting course - lots of unusual texts and real world application. She’s gone on to study literature and linguistics at a Russell group uni, and didn’t encounter any issues with it as an a level in terms of snobbery. She didn’t apply to oxbridge but was in the oxbridge prep group at college and no concerns were raised if she had wanted to so I assume it’s well thought of. A lot of the language side is about analysis of communication skills and techniques which I think c of I’d be of use in loads of courses and professions.

Not quite Lit/Lang, but DD took English Language at A level. Graduated a couple of years ago in PPE from Oxford.

My DD also did combined English A level and absolutely loved it. She always preferred GCSE language to literature so it seemed like a good compromise. She starts a Linguistics course at Lancaster next week.