Is A level English literature useless?

8

Hi I've just started year 12, I chose english lit as one of my a level subjects because I really enjoy it, I got an 8 at gcse. I'm just worried about it not leading to any specific careers except journalism/ teaching (which I'm not interested in) - compared to stem subjects like bio or chem that would lead to numerous careers in medicine/ engineering and many more..

Reply 1

Bean_cat

15

English Literature is not useless.

It's a facilitating subject so it looks good on uni applications and it is really good for helping you develop; essay writing skills, critical thinking and analytical skills, alongside boosting your communication skills.

However, if you're considering a STEM course to study at uni, whilst English lit is an excellent A Level - sciences and mathematics would be a better option to choose and would give you the extra flexibility in choosing a course of your liking.

If you enjoy writing you could even do an EPQ on a topic in English lit ?

Reply 2

ria777

OP

8

Original post by Bean_cat

English Literature is not useless.
It's a facilitating subject so it looks good on uni applications and it is really good for helping you develop; essay writing skills, critical thinking and analytical skills, alongside boosting your communication skills.
However, if you're considering a STEM course to study at uni, whilst English lit is an excellent A Level - sciences and mathematics would be a better option to choose and would give you the extra flexibility in choosing a course of your liking.
If you enjoy writing you could even do an EPQ on a topic in English lit ?

Ahh I’m doing english lit cos i love the subject! And I wish i was a stem person rather than humanities because maths and science is valued more than english in this world. Makes me kinda sad cos I can’t even do maths/ sciences as I was forced to do foundation maths at secondary because they said it was too late to do higher- I only got a 5 as that’s the highest grade possible. And that now restricts me when it comes to picking A levels 😓 so it’s really difficult. I defo enjoyed gcse science tho (mainly bio and chem)

Reply 3

Bean_cat

15

English Lit is really fun tbh, I studied it myself. you could try to see if there are any local colleges that allow you to choose maths / sciences with the lower grades. It's sad that school couldn't let you do higher maths, but it is impressive that you got the best grade possible for it - you could also try and take a look at subject requirements for any potential uni courses you may be interested in studying, so that it can help you decide on your a levels. Some unis do care more about grades than subjects, but it varies

Reply 4

McGinger

20

What other A levels are you taking?

Reply 5

ria777

OP

8

Original post by Bean_cat

English Lit is really fun tbh, I studied it myself. you could try to see if there are any local colleges that allow you to choose maths / sciences with the lower grades. It's sad that school couldn't let you do higher maths, but it is impressive that you got the best grade possible for it - you could also try and take a look at subject requirements for any potential uni courses you may be interested in studying, so that it can help you decide on your a levels. Some unis do care more about grades than subjects, but it varies

Yes I love english lit!! I just feel like it doesn’t open as many doors as maths does. Yeah it’s really sad all sixth forms would require at least a grade 6-7 in gcse maths to do A level maths/ sciences as I’ve checked. 😕
And I’m still not sure what degree I’d want to pursue!! I feel like law is the only appropriate one for the a levels i’m taking. But not sure if I’ll like it.

Reply 6

ria777

OP

8

Original post by McGinger

What other A levels are you taking?

English lit, psychology and economics. So I’m not sure if these are a bad/ useless combo.

Reply 7

McGinger

20

Original post by ria777

English lit, psychology and economics. So I’m not sure if these are a bad/ useless combo.

Do you have any ideas about what you intend to do beyond school - career or Uni subject?

Reply 8

Bean_cat

15

Original post by ria777

Yes I love english lit!! I just feel like it doesn’t open as many doors as maths does. Yeah it’s really sad all sixth forms would require at least a grade 6-7 in gcse maths to do A level maths/ sciences as I’ve checked. 😕
And I’m still not sure what degree I’d want to pursue!! I feel like law is the only appropriate one for the a levels i’m taking. But not sure if I’ll like it.

It's a bit early to start but you could try going to uni open days and sign up for intro sessions for multiple courses, to help you find what you want - another good idea would be to take quizzes on what career may be right for you. If you still really want to do something in STEM for A Level, you could try look into computing maybe or do your courses as a private candidate, it is definitely worth talking to your school about this.

Reply 9

priceydoritos

11

Original post by ria777

English lit, psychology and economics. So I’m not sure if these are a bad/ useless combo.

i do the same plus art! pls lmk if you find a respectable well-paying job or degree <33 v much struggling w looking for a secure job role smh

Reply 10

Tank Man21

5

Original post by ria777

Hi I've just started year 12, I chose english lit as one of my a level subjects because I really enjoy it, I got an 8 at gcse. I'm just worried about it not leading to any specific careers except journalism/ teaching (which I'm not interested in) - compared to stem subjects like bio or chem that would lead to numerous careers in medicine/ engineering and many more..

as an A Level, 100% no. As a degree, 100% yes

Is A level English literature useless?

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