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English Literature IGCSE

Edexcel IGCSE
Pursue your passion for poetry and prose while developing skills of analysis and critique!
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Overview

Is there really anything better than losing yourself in a good book? Whether you love novels, plays or poetry, studying English Literature allows you to immerse yourself in texts with the aim of scrutinising and debating.

The IGCSE English Literature online course is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to boost their employability in a wide range of careers, such as teaching, journalism, marketing, and law. All while studying through a distance learning course complimented by a tutor.

What you will learn

  1. Unit 1 - Romeo and Juliet (Part 1)

    • Developing your knowledge of the text
    • Background, characters and themes
    • The story behind the play

  2. Unit 2 - Romeo and Juliet (Part 2)

    • The language of Shakespeare
    • Structure
    • Form
    • Reading Romeo and Juliet
    • Writing about Romeo and Juliet

  3. Unit 3 - An Inspector Calls

    • Social and historical context
    • Act One
    • Act Two
    • Act Three
    • Characters
    • Themes

  4. Unit 4 - Introduction to Poetry

    • Poetic techniques
    • Form and structure
    • Similes
    • Metaphors
    • Personification
    • Repetition

  5. Unit 5 - Anthology Poetry Part 1

    • If by Rudyard Kipling
    • Prayer Before Birth by Louis MacNeice
    • Blessing by Imtiaz Dharker
    • Search for my Tongue by Sujata Bhatt
    • Half-Past Two by U A Fanthorpe
    • Piano by D H Lawrence
    • Hide and Seek by Vernon Scannell
    • Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare

  6. Unit 6 - Anthology Poetry Part 2

    • La Belle Dame Sans Merci by John Keats
    • Poem at Thirty-Nine by Alice Walker
    • War Photographer by Carol Ann Duffy
    • The Tyger by William Blake
    • My Last Duchess by Robert Browning
    • Half-caste by John Agard
    • Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas
    • Remember by Christina Rossetti

  7. Unit 7 - Of Mice and Men

    • Social and historical context
    • Chapter 1
    • Chapter 2
    • Chapter 3
    • Chapter 4
    • Chapter 5
    • Chapter 6
    • Themes
    • Big Ideas and Messages

  8. Unit 8 - Preparing for the Exam: Paper 1

    • Section A – Unseen Poetry
    • Section B – Anthology Poetry
    • Section C – Modern Prose

  9. Unit 9 - Preparing for the Exam: Paper 2

    • Section A – Modern Drama

Awarding Body

Edexcel Logo

Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and workplaces in the UK and abroad. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body covering A-Level Courses and GCSE Courses.

View our other Edexcel qualifications.

Awarding Body

edexcel

Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and workplaces in the UK and abroad. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body covering A-Level Courses and GCSE Courses.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive an IGCSE in English Literature, issued by Edexcel. This syllabus (4ET1) has been chosen specifically because it is the best suited to distance learning.

How is this course assessed or examined?

You will be required to complete two standard IGCSE standard written exams. All exams must be taken in the same session.

  • Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of IGCSE, 80 marks.
  • Paper 2: 2 hours 15 minutes, 50% of IGCSE, 80 marks.

We provide a guaranteed exam space in one of our partner exam centres around the UK. Check where your closest exam centre is.

There is no coursework to complete during your course; however, you will also be required to complete one introductory assignment and nine assignments. These do not contribute to your final grade but provide you with an opportunity to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to gauge your progress as you work through the course.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this level two IGCSE course. However, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write in English.

Course code: X802

English Literature IGCSE

Course
Include exams (+£420)

Find out more about the exams.

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I’m very passionate about Mathematics and what skills it can provide learners with. I firmly beleive that everyone should have a good Maths education as it’s truelly the World’s international language.

I’m a personal tutor for the following subjects:

  • GCSE and A-level Maths
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After leaving university I worked in the pharmaceuticals and medical device industry before training as a secondary Science teacher and then subsequently retraining as a Maths teacher.
After leaving mainstream education, I worked in pharmacy apprenticeship provision before joining Oxbridge in 2021.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Oxbridge and I love helping learners to acheive the best outcomes they can. I look forward to supporting you with your online course.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do universities prefer IGCSE or GCSE?

Universities in general do not prefer one type of qualification over the other, both GCSEs and IGCSEs are recognised by institutions worldwide. 

How can I do well in IGCSE English literature?

If you are fond of literature and willing to work hard to get your qualification, you will do well in this subject. You can access unlimited tutor support and learning materials, giving you every opportunity to succeed.

Is IGCSE English Literature worth it?

Yes! You will discover more about some of the greatest authors and poets. You can also boost your employability prospects with a well-respected qualification.

What's the difference between IGCSE English Literature and IGCSE English Language?

The English IGCSE qualification is an English GCSE that's examined and examinable anywhere in the world. The standard English GCSE, on the other hand, is rarely examined outside the UK. IGCSE English is an international qualification recognised all around the world.

What is IGCSE English Literature equivalent to?

IGCSE English Literature is the equivalent of a GCSE qualification in the same subject. 

What is IGCSE English literature?

IGCSE English Literature is the study of books, novels and poetry. On this course, you will learn how to connect with readers via words and paint pictures with your writing. It focuses on literary analysis, critical thinking, and essay writing skills - fostering an appreciation for literary works and themes.

How do you get copies of GCSE certificates?

Contact your exam board to get a replacement or copy of a GCSE exam certificate.

Can I do GCSEs courses online?

Absolutely! With Oxbridge, you can study online and learn from the comfort of your home at a pace that suits you.

How do GCSE grades work?

GCSEs are now graded from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest and 1 being on the opposite end of the scale. 

Do you have past papers that I can use to practice for my exams?

Yes! We have GCSE and A-Level past papers. Our past papers cover a variety of subjects and awarding bodies. We are adding more papers all the time.

Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

Exam Results: I need to resit my exams, can I enrol with Oxbridge?

At Oxbridge, we take enrolments all year round. Once you're enrolled, you'll be able to get started right away. Studying online means your work and revision fit around you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a part-time job or need to study alongside other subjects, you'll be able to find time to fit our online courses into your schedule. Enjoy flexible, convenient, affordable learning, fully supported by expert tutors who are passionate about their subjects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our course tutors and know that they hold the key to success. Whatever your goals, dreams or aspirations, Oxbridge is here to help you facilitate them.

Exam Results: When will I receive my certificate?

Oxbridge students who sat their exams through our partnership exam centres will usually receive their certificates in November. Certificates will be sent out by recorded delivery.
Wondering what to do next? There are so many options available, it's important to get the right advice. Whether your choice is to continue onto further education, go into job training or get an apprenticeship and whether your grades are high or low - there are always options! Speak to an adviser today to see how we can support you on your next steps...

Exam Results: I didn't pass English or Maths, what do I do next?

First of all, don't worry - everything will be okay. Unfortunately, if you didn't get a grade 4 or higher (equivalent to a C or above) in your English and Maths, you will have to re-take it in order to pass. Oxbridge is ready and available to support you with this. Get in touch via live chat, phone or email.

Exam Results: I have individual unit marks, but no overall grade. What should I do?

Check for a cash-in code on your statement of entry. If there isn't one, cash-in may not have been applied for. Cash-in can be applied for retrospectively from your exam centre and once entered you can expect an overall grade in one week.

Exam Results: I haven't done as well as I expected in my exams. Is there anything I can do?

Yes! There are a number of post-result services available. Your entering centre will be able to provide you with further information and will process any requests for you. If you're not sure where to turn, our friendly learning advisers are on hand and ready to help you.

How do I choose what GCSEs to take?

Selecting GCSEs is a highly personal decision that will be influenced by factors such as your educational and career goals, your skills and strengths, and the subjects you enjoy (or don’t enjoy). To help you decide on the right GCSEs for you and your future, we’ve written a detailed guide on choosing GCSE subjects.

Can GCSEs help you get a place at university?

Gaining GCSEs is the first step toward sitting a uni degree. You’ll need GCSE courses or IGCSE courses to progress to A-level courses, which remain the most prevalent means of accessing higher education. At Oxbridge, we offer both GCSE and IGCSE courses, which are qualifications of equal merit with the added benefit of being internationally recognised. Both GCSEs and IGCSEs can be studied by adults online.

How long does it take to gain a GCSE as an adult?

GCSEs are typically studied across a period of 2 years however, our fast-track GCSE option enables you to complete and qualify for your chosen GCSEs within a year.

Do Universities prefer IGCSEs or GCSEs?

Universities prefer neither iGCSEs or GCSEs. Universities recognise both iGCSEs and GCSEs and treat them equally.

Why study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses with Oxbridge?

When you enrol on a course with us, you’re really enrolling into a partnership. We set up our online learning platform to help people achieve the grades and qualifications they need to realise their aspirations. We do everything we can to help make our students’ dreams come true. Our learning platform is award-winning, and our course content is written by Oxbridge subject experts and delivered by tutors who are just as passionate about their teaching as they are in helping you succeed. On average, by studying Oxbridge online GCSE courses, we find that our students get grades that are 20% higher and pass around 30% quicker than students in traditional colleges. We’d love to help you do the same! If you aren’t sure which course is right for you, speak to one of our learning advisers, they’d be more than happy to help you find the right path.

Why Study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses online?

GCSEs remain a basic requirement for further education and some workplaces, so adding them or an IGCSE equivalent to your CV can be essential for personal success. Studying these GCSE qualifications online has opened up a world of possibilities for people who haven’t been able to learn around their jobs or family commitments before. If traditional education has held you back long enough, take the reins and build a future you’re proud of.

Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

International General Certificate of Secondary Education courses (ICGSEs) cover some of the same subjects as GCSE’s such as Geography, English Language and the sciences, but they are recognised internationally. The level of difficulty is equal to a GCSE course, and universities view both qualifications as equal.

Can Adults take GCSE Courses?

It’s never too late to gain a GCSE qualification. Oxbridge teach thousands of adult GCSE courses every year. So, whether there’s a specific career you’ve always been interested in but couldn’t pursue because you didn’t have the right qualifications, or you want to take up a college or university course, an online General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) course can help get you there. The same can be said for our adult A-level courses too.

What does GCSE stand for?

GCSE stands for: General Certificate of Secondary Education and IGCSE stands for 'International General Certificate of Secondary Education'. Whatever your aspirations and goals for the future, you’ll most likely need GCSEs to get there. Introduced in 1988, the General Certificate of Secondary Education remains the UK’s primary recognised certificate of foundation-level education and is viewed by employers, colleges and universities as the minimum expected standard for prospective candidates.

Why study IGCSE English Literature online?

This course will set you up with the communication and analytical skills needed to move into higher education or seek employment. Plus, it’s designed to be studied online in your own time, at your own pace, for ultimate flexibility and convenience.

What will you learn on this IGCSE English Literature course?

In this online course, you’ll analyse a wide variety of poetry and gain a much more informed understanding of the characters, themes and settings of Romeo and Juliet. You’ll develop communication skills in both written and spoken language, learn how to argue a point, and be able to analyse and deliver a variety of meanings to a text.

How much do exams cost?

Many of our courses do not require exams however, A-levels, GCSEs and some other courses do require exams to complete the qualification. Exam fees are additional to the cost of the course and prices vary depending on the course and where you sit them - find out more. Planning on studying A-levels or GCSEs with us? We can add your exams during enrolment and blend them into your monthly payment plan if you wish. If you're not ready to book your exam(s) yet, you can book them at a later date - all of the information is available on MyOxbridge under NEAS and Exams.