A Level English Literature
Study this A Level English Literature course from home and earn up to 56 UCAS points. We have a 97% pass rate** with our A Levels!
Course duration
Up to two years.
Course outcome
A Level English Literature qualification from Edexcel.
Entry requirements
We recommend that you have at least a grade 5/B in GCSE English Literature, however this is not essential.
Three paper-based exams and one piece of coursework.
Course Options
Study options.
Price drop: £100 off A Levels!
*Pay monthly option available via Snap Finance on payment page in checkout
Course overview
- Gain an official A Level English Literature qualification from Edexcel.
- Achieve up to 56 UCAS points to help you land your dream place at university.
- Nationally recognised accredited A Level qualification that is the same course offered in schools and colleges.
- No waiting around for term to start, you can enrol today and start studying as soon as you are ready.
- Study this online A Level from home at your own pace.
- Benefit from the full support of your personal tutor via email.
- Choose to include exams and save up to £400*
When studying this A Level English Literature course, you’ll develop your understanding of Shakespeare’s works, pre-1900 prose fiction texts, and post-2000 poetry, and much more! You’ll improve your written communication and analytical thinking skills, while also learning how to build a compelling argument.
Depending on the route you wish to take after you studies, the A Levels we recommend studying alongside this course are A Level Classical Civilisation , A Level Religious Studies , and A Level History .
A Level English Literature via distance learning
This A Level English Literature course is exactly the same as an A Level you would study at school or college, meaning you will take the same exams and get the same qualification. The only difference is that our courses are designed to be studied from home at your own pace, and you will receive full tutor support via email.
Course content
Qualification code: 9ET0
Component 1 - Drama
- Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
- The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
- Shakespeare: A Critical Anthology - Comedy by William Shakespeare
Component 2 - Prose
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
- The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Component 3 - Poetry
- T. S. Eliot, Selected Poems (Faber, 2009) ISBN 9780571247059 (This is the 80th Anniversary Edition in an attractive hardcover.)
- William Sieghart, ed., Poems of the Decade: An Anthology of the Forward Books of Poetry 2002–2011 (Faber and Faber, 2015) ISBN 978-0571325405
Coursework component
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
- The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter
Exam details
Coursework:.
- Type: coursework
- Comparative study of two texts: Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights and Angela Carter’s The Bloody Chamber – one 2500 word extended essay and a bibliography
- Weighting: 20% of total
- Total marks: 50
Paper 1: Drama – 9ET0/01
- Type: written examination
- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Weighting: 30% of total
- Total marks: 60
- Assessed: component 1
- Assessment format: two essay questions
Paper 2: Prose – 9ET0/02
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total marks: 40
- Assessed: component 2
- Assessment format: one comparative essay question
Paper 3: Poetry – 9ET0/03
- Assessed: component 3
- Assessment format: two questions
Extra information
You will have two years to complete your A Level English Literature course.
The only deadlines involved in studying this course are concerning the A Level exam and coursework timetables. Please see the exams and assessments section for more information on this.
Exams and assessments
To achieve your A Level English Literature qualification, you must complete the exams and coursework required. There are three written exams and a piece of coursework you need to complete for this course which will cover the topics studied on this course. A breakdown of the exam papers and coursework can be found in the following section.
When you enrol on your course, you will have the option to add your exams to your enrolment, or you can select the course-only option.
Choosing to add the exams package
If you choose to add your exams to your enrolment, all you need to do is contact us when you are ready to sit your exams, we will book and pay for them on your behalf. Please note that the A Level exam timetable typically takes place during May and June each year. You are advised to contact us well in advance of when you intend to sit your exams so that we can confirm your place with the exam board – cut-off dates apply.
Please note, our A Level exam centre locations for this course are as follows:
- St Neots, Cambridgeshire
- High Wycombe
The course-only option
If you do not add your exams to your enrolment, you will be responsible for booking and paying for your exams yourself. If you select this option, you must source and liaise with your chosen exam centre in order to book your exams, Open Study College will not be able to book your exams for you. In this instance, you are advised to contact Pearson Edexcel exam centres well in advance of their intended exam dates, as cut-off dates sometimes change.
Study method
This course will be studied entirely via distance learning, meaning you will complete your learning either from home or a place that suits you. Full tutor support will be available via email, so if you have any questions or need some guidance, your tutor will be here to help. Your course materials will include a series of self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked questions to allow both yourself and your tutor to monitor your progress.
The study method you choose depends on your personal learning style. Your options are:
- Study pack: if you choose the study pack option, you will be sent a set of printed course materials.
- Study online: if you choose this option, you will be sent your login details to our online portal through which you will access your course materials digitally. You can access your course via a desktop/laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Upon successful completion of your exams and coursework, you will be awarded an A Level English Literature qualification issued by Edexcel . You will also receive UCAS points relevant to the grade you achieved to support your university application.
Degrees this subject could lead to
This A Level English Literature course is perfect for anyone thinking of studying a degree in English literature, journalism, playwriting, and education.
Future career options
You’ll gain valuable knowledge and skills during your studies that will come in useful for future careers in:
- Public relations
- Broadcasting
The final grade you achieve in your A Level will be translated into UCAS points. Based on your grade, you will be awarded up to 56 points per A Level which can then be added together to reach the UCAS points you need to be accepted by your chosen university.
To help you achieve the best possible grade from home, we recommend that you complete the tutor-marked assessments included in your course materials. These are designed to provide you with detailed feedback to help you fine-tune your technique before you sit your exam. Completing your tutor-marked assessments will also help your tutor to provide you with a predicted grade if this is required for your UCAS application.
Download our A Level prospectus
To find out more about Open Study College, the A Levels we offer and how they work, download our A Level prospectus .
Is this A Level the same qualification as an A Level I would achieve at a school or college?
Yes, you will study the same course, take the same exams and get the same qualification. The only difference is that our courses are designed to be studied from home at your own pace, and you will receive full tutor support via email.
What previous knowledge do I need to enrol onto an A Level course?
We recommend that you have a minimum of a grade 5 (equivalent to grade B) in GCSE English Literature, and be a competent reader to enrol on this course.
What is included in the cost of this A Level course?
When you enrol on this A Level course with OSC, you will receive:
- Dedicated personal tutor support with unlimited email access.
- Dedicated learner services from our learner services team.
- Course materials with learning activities.
- Assignment marking and feedback from your personal tutor.
- A predicted grade on completion of your tutor-marked assignments, if required for your university application.
- A free CV critique service and employability guide if you’re focusing on career advancement.
- A free Student Discounts membership to save you money on your favourite brands.
- A study pack including a pen, study planner, and notebook*.
- If you choose to add exams to your enrolment with an A Level package, then your exam and coursework marking fees will be included. We will also handle the booking on your behalf. Otherwise, we can refer you to one of our partner exam centres located throughout the UK so you can book your exam yourself.
* Not included with the online study option
Is there a required reading list for my A Level course?
Yes, you will be required to purchase additional reading to support the study components that form this course. A full reading list will be displayed in your course materials.
Do I have to sit an exam?
Yes, in order to achieve your A Level qualification, you must complete the exams required by the course’s exam board, as well as the set coursework. A Level exams take place during the summer exam period which typically falls in May and June each year.
You can choose to add your exams to your enrolment with us, in which case we will book and pay for your exams for you when you are ready. Alternatively, if you choose the course-only option, you will be responsible for booking and paying for your exams which can be done directly with your local exam centre.
Please note: if you add on exams, you will need to sit them at one of the following examination centres:
Are there any additional costs?
If you select the course-only option when enrolling on your A Level, you will need to book directly with the exam centre and pay for your exams yourself. We highly recommend researching your options before enrolling as costs can vary between centres. However, if you choose to add your exams to your enrolment, we will take care of booking and paying for your exams for you when you are ready. You may also want to purchase textbooks to supplement your course.
What if I live outside the UK?
You are still able to study our A Level courses abroad, however, you must sit your exams within the UK at an official exam centre.
What happens if I lose my course pack?
It's not a problem. We offer a course replacement service, so if you get into trouble and your course pack is lost or damaged, our Learner Services Team can provide you with a new set of materials for a one-time additional fee.
What if I still have questions?
That's not a problem. We want to make sure you're 100% confident about enrolling on the course and starting your study. So, just give our team of education specialists a call on 03300 563 100 and they'll do their best to help.
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100% English Pass Rate†
£48/month interest-free *
Total Price 349
Payments 6 months
Deposit £61
Total Price £349
Start anytime with support till summer 2026 results
Exams May/June 2026 exam sittings
100% online with unlimited support
Additional fees Exam centre fees, Student progress report fee
Multi-buy discount Enrol on 2 A Levels save 5% | 3 save 10% | 4+ save 15%
Student course summary to keep you up-to-date
- The same A Level qualification you’d get in school, 100% online
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot from 10,000+ student reviews
- Attend live online English sessions and sit online mock exams with us
- Learn at your own pace with unlimited tutor support
- Study anywhere, anytime on your phone, tablet or laptop
Why is this course right for you?
Our uniquely flexible online English Literature course means that even if you're working full-time or caring for family, you can fit learning around your busy life.
You'll broaden your literary horizons, studying a wide variety of texts within their historical and cultural contexts, as well as learn different ways of reading works, how narratives are created, and how to apply critical ideas to poetry and prose.
Your qualification in A Level English Literature will be a stepping stone to further education, a fulfilling career - and a better future.
Course Details for A Level English Literature
Entry requirements.
You don’t need any previous qualifications to take this course, but a C in GCSE English Literature is recommended.
You don’t need to be based in the UK to enrol, however, you must sit your exams at a UK-based exam centre.
If English is your second language, we recommend you have an IELTS 5.5 or equivalent, but we’re happy to review your case on an individual basis.
Course Content
This online course will teach you the AQA English Literature A Level specification (7712).
You'll study the following nine engaging units:
- Unit 1: Love Through the Ages: Othello
- Unit 2: Love Through the Ages: The Great Gatsby
- Unit 3: Love Through the Ages: Pre-19 th Century Poetry
- Unit 4: Love Through the Ages: Unseen Poetry
- Unit 5: Coursework (Texts Across Time) – Preparing for the NEA
- Unit 6: Modern Times: Spies
- Unit 7: Modern Times: All My Sons
- Unit 8: Modern Times: Skirrid Hill
- Unit 9: Modern Times: Unseen Prose
For full details of what you’ll learn in each unit, download our A Level English Literature course guide.
A Level Exams & Assessment
Your a level exams .
While your course is 100% online, you are responsible for booking your exams and must be based in the UK to sit them in person.
There are 2 exams for the AQA English Literature A Level specification (7712):
- Paper 1: Love through the ages
- Paper 2: Texts in shared contexts: Modern times: literature from 1945 to the present day
As an approved AQA centre, we'll supervise, authenticate and mark your coursework. You'll sit your exams at your chosen exam centre. Please note that while we are the 'entering' centre for your exams, you must find and book an exam centre (your 'host centre') before applying for exam entry with us. This will typically be halfway through your course and before the entry deadline.
Your Non-Exam Assessment (NEA)
You will be required to write a 2,500-word personal comparative critical study of two texts by different authors, with the overarching theme being ‘Texts Across Time’.
This is an opportunity for you to engage in independent study, allowing you the freedom to choose your texts, as long as they meet the requirements outlined in the specification.
Your coursework fee is additional to your course cost and may increase slightly year over year. Information to students is updated annually to reflect this. Please note that you'll also pay the exam centre fees directly to your chosen exam centre. For more information, download our A Level English Literature course guide.
Payment Options
Spread the cost with our flexible 0% interest* payment plans
Get started right away with a low deposit
Company funding – we can invoice your employer directly
Check out our affordability calculator
ICS Learn student reviews
‘My tutor has been really great, responding quickly to every query I've sent with a full in-depth explanation of everything I've needed to know. I'm thinking about taking up another A Level with ICS Learn!’ - Stephanie Sauvarin
‘I work full-time so I enjoy the flexibility and independence of learning outside the classroom. The tutors respond very quickly to any queries, and you can also connect with others studying the same subject which is really useful.’ - Geraldine Morgan
‘The course fits in very conveniently with the other 3 A Levels that I'm taking at sixth form. ICS Learn has not only helped with my academic confidence, it’s made me feel that I can achieve my dreams.’ - Abigail Robinson
Meet your Tutors
- Get help from your personal English Literature tutor
- Live interactive online sessions led by our in-house English teacher
- Call our English teacher helpline for extra guidance when you're stuck
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A Level FAQs
Why should i study with ics learn.
We’re the world’s most experienced online learning provider, having been pioneers in flexible learning for 130 years.
We're rated Excellent from more than 10,000 independent student reviews.
We make it easy to shape learning around your life with our flexible schedule, unlimited support, and interest-free payment plans.
That's why every year, we help thousands of students like you get the A Levels they need to succeed.
Is this the same A Level qualification I'd get in school?
Yes, it’s exactly the same.
You’ll sit the same A Level English Literature exams at the same time as all the other students in the UK, and you’ll receive the same results, transcript and qualification.
Your A Level will be accepted by universities, colleges and employers worldwide, exactly as if you'd studied in school or college.
Your qualification is accredited by AQA, the largest A Level awarding body. They set and mark the exams for around half of all A Levels taken in the UK each year.
When can I start my course?
Right away! There’s no need to wait until September to enrol – you can begin your course at any time.
Once you enrol, you’ll be able to log in to your course and get started by the next working day.
What will I need to study this course?
You must source the set texts for this course. Many can be found cheaply second-hand, or for free online.
The recommended editions are:
- Othello, Shakespeare (Arden, Third Series) ISBN 978-1903436455
- The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald (Penguin Modern Classics, 2000), ISBN 9780141182636
- Skirrid Hill, by Owen Sheers (Seren, 2005), ISBN 978-1854114037
- All My Sons, Arthur Miller (Penguin Modern Classics, 2009) ISBN 978-0141189970
- Spies, Michael Frayn (Faber and Faber, 2011) ISBN 978-0571268856
- A View from the Bridge, Arthur Miller (Penguin Modern Classics, 2010, introduction from the author and Philip Seymour Hoffman) ISBN 978-0141189963
- The Yellow Wallpaper, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, from The Yellow Wallpaper and Selected Writings, (Virago), ISBN 978-1844085583
How will I be supported?
- Unlimited tutor support
- 24/7 access to mystudyspace , your virtual learning platform
- Interactive online learning broken down into easy-to-follow units
- Practice tests and mock exams marked by your tutor
- Student forums so you can connect and share advice with other A Level English Literature students
- Friendly student services team, so you’re never more than a message or phone call away from a helping hand
You'll also have unlimited lifetime access to our Career Hub, giving you thousands of resources to help you impress employers, master critical business skills, and build your dream career. It includes:
- A CV and cover letter builder
- An interview simulator
- An elevator pitch builder
- Career and work psychology assessments
- In-depth industry and employer profiles
- 350+ employer films with practical advice from hiring managers
- 1000+ short courses, articles and videos on key career skills like negotiating a raise and leading a team
You can take a sneak peek at the Career Hub by signing up for free here .§
How do I book my A Level exams?
Please note that for the AQA English Literature A Level (7712) qualification, you must find and book an exam centre befo re applying for entry with us.
You are responsible for booking your exams and must be based in the UK to sit them in person.
Your exam centre could be a school or college that's also submitting its own students for the exams, or it could be a private exam centre. Our partner centre, Tutors & Exams , offers various discounts to ICS Learn students and has nine exam venues across the UK, including Belfast, Bolton, Coventry, Doncaster, High Wycombe, Romford, St Neots, Taunton and Wimbledon.
You can use the JCQ search tool to look for an exam centre near you that accepts private candidates. This tool won’t cover every available centre, so if there’s nothing shown in your area, we recommend contacting local schools and colleges directly.
Your exam fees aren’t included in the course cost as they’re paid directly to the exam centre. They’ll vary depending on which centre you choose.
How do I enrol?
If you’d like to pay in full, you can enrol online using the ‘Add to Basket’ button at the top of the page.
If you’d like to set up an interest-free* payment plan, get in touch with our A Level Advisors on 0800 015 3326. You can also verify that your course is budget-friendly when you use our handy affordability calculator .
If you have any disabilities which you think might affect your studies or assessments, please tell your Course Advisor before you enrol so we can advise you on whether reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate your needs.
What is a Student Course Summary?
Student Course Summaries are monthly reports we create (per subject) for both students and parents who want to remain in the know with any of the following throughout their course:
- Access History: tells you how many days within the month the student has logged in and how many days they've viewed the course.
- Submitted Assignments/Mock Exams: documents what assignments have been submitted, as well as when it was submitted, how many times the assignment has been attempted, and what grade they received.
- Help Requests: this will show the correspondence between the student and the tutor, any questions that have been asked and what the tutor's response was.
- Course News Forum: this is where students and parents can find Tutor Comments and updates on things such as Live Webinar sessions, or exam booking info.
The fee for this monthly report is a one-off price, no matter how many courses a student is enrolled in, and the fee can be integrated into your flexible payment plan. Keep in mind, however, that this fee is entirely separate from the multibuy discount.
How can I pay for my course?
If you’re funding the course yourself , our flexible 0% payment plans* allow you to spread the cost with interest-free* monthly instalments.
If your employer is funding all or part of your course , we can invoice them directly for your course fees – just let your course advisor know and we’ll arrange everything.
We also accept funding through ELCAS for this course. If you’re an Armed Forces member looking to use the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme, speak to our course advisors for more details.
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† Pass rate based on all ICS Learn A Level English Literature students' results in 2024.
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