English Lit degree without English Lit A Level

Hi, I studied English Language A Level and really enjoyed it, and achieved a grade A. I have received an offer to study English Literature & Communications at Exeter uni for 2025 and I'd love to go to Exeter, but I chose this degree as they don't offer an English Language degree. I'm considering either going into teaching or journalism so I thought this degree would be better suited anyway over English Language (communications for journalism, English literature for teaching English). However, I'm really worried I will find it difficult as I didn't study English lit at A Level, and so I won't have knowledge on texts that most people will be expected to have already studied at A Level. I've heard it's difficult and I'm worried if it's even possible to study without the A Level, even though Exeter's entry requirements say English Language A Level is enough to study it. I did study classical civilisations at A Level and we studied classical literature, which I really enjoyed and also achieved a grade A, but I'm not sure if this is similar to English lit in how it's taught and assessed. I'm sure I would enjoy studying literature as I've always loved reading and writing, and I genuinely really enjoyed reading Shakespeare, Bronte etc at gcse, and the Aeneid and Odyssey in classics. I just know I won't have anywhere near the experience expected. Does anyone who's studied/studying an English Lit degree think it would be realistic for me to study an English Lit degree?

I swear when I chose my A Level options that English Language was being offered at universities, especially as literature & language. Yet now I struggle to find many Russel groups that offer it. I visited an open day at Cardiff and they said they have merged language with linguistics because it's so unpopular. If I knew it was that bad I would've picked literature A Level lol

Reply 1

inconspicuous_af

I think you answered it right here: 'I've heard it's difficult and I'm worried if it's even possible to study without the A Level, even though Exeter's entry requirements say English Language A Level is enough to study it.'

Yes, you absolutely can. If you're really worried, find out what texts are read at A level for English Literature and read a few before you begin your degree. Many A levels are around 6 texts in total, so you should be able to. You sound like you are really passionate and love reading - you'll be perfect for the Literature element!