English Literature IGCSE
Pursue your passion for poetry and prose while developing skills of analysis and critique!
- Unlimited Tutor Support
- Get as much help as you want from your expert personal tutor
- Fast Track
- In a rush? You can complete this course under a year at no extra charge
- 98% Pass Rate
- Students have enjoyed a 98% pass rate
- Exam Pass Guarantee
- If you don't pass first time, we'll support you for free until your next exams
- Online Learning
- Study on your own terms with our our learning platform, MyOxbridge
Course Introduction
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.
Course Info
- Duration
- Study Hours
- Difficulty
- Outcome
- Syllabus Code
- Units
-
9-24 months
-
150
-
Level 2
-
Edexcel IGCSE
-
1ET0
-
9
units
(view
units)
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.
What you will learn
Below is an outline of the course material you will study:
Unit 1: Romeo and Juliet (Part 1)
- Developing your knowledge of the text
- Background, characters and themes
- The story behind the play
Unit 2: Romeo and Juliet (Part 2)
- The language of Shakespeare
- Structure
- Form
- Reading Romeo and Juliet
- Writing about Romeo and Juliet
Unit 3: An Inspector Calls
- Social and historical context
- Act One
- Act Two
- Act Three
- Characters
- Themes
Unit 4: Introduction to Poetry
- Poetic techniques
- Form and structure
- Similes
- Metaphors
- Personification
- Repetition
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
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
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
Unit 8: Preparing for the Exam: Paper 1
- Section A – Unseen Poetry
- Section B – Anthology Poetry
- Section C – Modern Prose
Unit 9: Preparing for the Exam: Paper 2
- Section A – Modern Drama
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.
Progression Routes
Studying IGCSE English Literature will enable you to choose different progression routes for further education and career opportunities.
Examinations and Assessments
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.
Exam FAQs
Are exams required to pass the course?
For A-levels and GCSEs you will need to sit an exam. You can purchase your exams when you enrol on a course, or you can book them later via MyOxbridge. Either way, once you're on board with us, your tutor will guide you through the process.
Where are the exams held?
Exams will require attendance at a physical exam centre, with detailed information available on our Exam Centres page. We offer guaranteed exam spaces at our partnership centres across the UK, or you can register as a private candidate at a centre of your choice, keeping in mind that fees may vary by location.
When do exams take place - are there set dates?
Exam dates are set nationally and cannot be changed, so it's important to plan accordingly. They are usually late spring to early summer. For example, forthcoming A-level exams are scheduled from 1st March to 31st May 2025, while GCSE exams will run from 5th May to 25th June 2025.
Can exams be taken online?
For A-level and GCSE courses, exams must be taken in person at a designated exam centre.
Are mock exams available? Are they compulsory?
Yes, we offer both compulsory Internal Mocks in the autumn (included in your course fees and delivered online) and optional External Mocks in the spring (for an additional fee, taken at an exam centre). Mock exams are a great way to prepare for the real thing, and we encourage you to take advantage of them.
How and when do I register for exams?
Exam registration opens in the autumn before the summer exam period, so if you plan to take exams next summer, you should register by November of the preceding year. You can complete the exam registration form in your student portal, and our Student Support team is available to help with the process.
Can you take exams outside of the UK?
While our MyOxbridge learning portal is accessible worldwide, most exams must be taken within the UK. Check with us for specific exam requirements to avoid any surprises.
Do I have to buy the exam from Oxbridge in order to study with you?
No, you are not obligated to purchase your exam through Oxbridge. You can either book your own exam centre independently, or take advantage of our partnerships with exam centres for a more streamlined process.
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.