GCSE English Literature

Expand your understanding of classic and modern literature with our GCSE English Literature online course!

This nationally recognised qualification is essential for several A Level courses and further study. Perfect for those wishing to hone their skills in analysing English literature, you’ll explore works from Shakespeare to modern texts and poetry.

Our curriculum matches that used by UK schools, ensuring you achieve the same qualification as your peers. You’ll be supported by our expert personal tutors who will guide you through your studies, revision, and exam preparation.

Studying online gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace from the comfort of home. When you're ready, we'll assist you in booking your exams. Our tutors and support team will provide feedback and exam advice to help you achieve your best marks.

While you can complete this course without sitting exams, taking them is essential to earn the full GCSE English Literature qualification.

About This Course

Expand your understanding of classic and modern literature with our GCSE English Literature online course!

Essential for several A Level courses and further study, this nationally recognised qualification is an excellent choice for students wishing to hone their skills in analysing English literature.

From Shakespeare to modern texts and poetry, you’ll delve into some of the world’s most famous writing. Our personal tutors will guide and mentor you through your revision, and help you to be as prepared as possible for your exams.

The curriculum of this course matches that used by UK schools, so you can rest assured you’re achieving the same qualification as your peers.

By enrolling in this online GCSE, you’ll be able to study flexibly, at your own pace, from the comfort of home. When you feel you’re ready, we’ll assist you in booking your exams. Our exam-expert personal tutors and friendly student support team will help you along the way, offering feedback and exam advice to make sure you’re achieving the highest marks possible for you.

Please note: You are able to complete this course without sitting exams; however, in order to achieve a full GCSE English Literature qualification, exams are mandatory.

Qualification Title: GCSE English Literature
Qualification Number: 601/4447/6

Course Units

3.1 Shakespeare and the 19th-Century Novel

• Students will choose one of the following Shakespeare texts to study:
  
  • Macbeth
  • Romeo and Juliet
  • The Tempest
  • The Merchant of Venice
  • Much Ado About Nothing
  • Julius Caesar
• Students will study one novel from this list of seven texts:
  
  • Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
  • Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
  • Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations (1867)
  • Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre
  • Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1831)
  • Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
  • Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Sign of Four

3.2 Modern Texts and Poetry

• Students will study one from a choice of set texts from post 1914:
  
  • JB Priestley An Inspector Calls
  • Willy Russell Blood Brothers (musical version)
  • Dennis Kelly DNA
  • Shelagh Delaney A Taste of Honey
  • Chinonyerem Odimba Princess & The Hustler
  • Winsome Pinnock Leave Taking
  • William Golding Lord of the Flies
  • AQA Anthology Telling Tales
  • George Orwell Animal Farm
  • Meera Syal Anita and Me
  • Stephen Kelman Pigeon English
  • Kit de Waal My Name is Leon
• Students will study one cluster of poems taken from the AQA poetry anthology, Poems Past and Present. There are three clusters to choose from:
  
  • Love and Relationships
  • Power and Conflict
  • Worlds and Lives

3.3 Skills

• Reading Comprehension and Reading Critically
• Writing

Assessment

To complete the GCSE English Literature course, you will need to sit two written exams at a dedicated exam centre. We’ll help you to book your exams when you’re ready, and we suggest booking as early as possible to secure your place. Exams take place in May and June every year. There is a separate fee when booking your exams that you will pay directly to the exam centre.

Paper 1

• 1 hour and 45 minutes written exam
• 40% of overall GCSE English Literature marks
• Section A: Shakespeare
• Section B: The 19th Century Novel

Paper 2

• 2 hour and 15 minutes written exam
• 60% of overall GCSE English Literature marks
• Section A: Modern Texts
• Section B: Poetry
• Section C: Unseen Poetry

No prior knowledge or skills in this area are needed to enrol onto this course.

Assessment

You will first complete the assessments included in your course materials. These will be marked by your dedicated tutor and will prepare you for your exam.

Exams

You are required to complete 2 written exams that take place in May and June. Each exam is worth 50% of your overall GCSE mark.

• Paper 1: 1 hr 45 mins written exam, 40% of marks.
• Paper 2: 2 hr 15 mins written exam, 60% of marks.

Exam Fees

There is a separate fee for the examinations paid directly to the exam centre at the time of booking. We’ll help you book them when you are ready.