Course overview

Develop your own critical voice

English Literature A-level asks you to read widely, examine texts closely and develop confident, well-supported interpretations. You will study poetry, prose and drama from different periods while considering how language, form, structure and context shape literary meaning.

The course begins with the foundations of literary analysis before moving through writing about love, Shakespeare, nineteenth-century prose and literature from 1945 to the present day. You will compare texts, respond to unseen material and explore how different readers and critics have interpreted literature.

The full A-level also includes an independent comparative study. This gives you the opportunity to read beyond the examination texts and produce a sustained critical argument comparing two works by different authors.

Qualification

AQA A-level English Literature A

AQA specification 7712, covering Love through the Ages, Modern Times and an independent critical study.

Course structure

9 modules · 48 A-level lessons

Study literary analysis, poetry, Shakespeare, prose, modern drama and comparative coursework.

Recommended study time

Approximately 700 hours

Students should normally allow two years for reading, lesson study, written work, revision and coursework.

Enrolment

Start at any time

There is no fixed term date, although your examination year and coursework timetable must be planned carefully.

Assignments

16 tutor-marked assignments

Develop literary analysis, comparative writing, contextual understanding and examination technique, with an additional mock paper.

Written assessment

2 written papers

Paper 1 lasts three hours and Paper 2 lasts two hours and 30 minutes. Each contributes 40% of the A-level.

Non-exam assessment

2,500-word comparative essay

The independent critical study contributes 20% of the final qualification.

Entry and grading

Grades A*–E

The full A-level is graded from A* to E, with both written papers taken in the same examination series.

Plan ahead for the coursework

A-level English Literature includes compulsory non-exam assessment. Students should normally allow two years for the course and begin their wider reading and coursework preparation well before the examination year. Final coursework is usually required by the end of March in the year of the written examinations.

Flexible home study

How the A-level English Literature course works

Work through the modules in sequence, beginning with the core skills needed to analyse imagery, sound, character, narrative viewpoint and tone. You will then apply these skills to poetry, drama and prose from a range of literary periods.

Each module combines structured course notes, close study of set texts, shorter activities and substantial written assignments. Suggested answers help you understand the standard and depth of analysis expected at A-level.

You can study at a pace that suits you, but the volume of reading and the compulsory coursework mean that students should plan their timetable carefully. Time must be allowed for reading, rereading, essay practice, coursework tuition, drafting and authentication.

Enrol and start online

Enrol at any time and receive immediate access to your online English Literature course. Your included academic induction session helps you understand the course structure and plan your reading.
Read and study the set texts

Work through the lessons alongside the required poetry, prose and drama texts. Close reading activities develop your understanding of language, form, structure, context and interpretation.
Develop your critical writing

Complete analytical and comparative assignments to practise building arguments, selecting textual evidence and addressing the AQA assessment objectives.
Prepare for exams and coursework

Later modules prepare you for the two written papers and guide you through the independent comparative study required for the non-exam assessment.

Flexible additional support

Add personal support when you need it

Tutor marking, email support, one-to-one tutorials and printed course materials can be purchased separately. Students completing the full A-level should arrange suitable support early enough for coursework planning, drafting and authentication.

Explore support & add-ons

Coursework authentication through Oxford Home Schooling

If you want Oxford Home Schooling to authenticate your coursework and act as your entering centre, you must book a minimum of three hours of tuition and pay for the marking of at least six tutor-marked assignments. Tutors must have seen enough of your work and discussed your progress with you to be confident that the coursework submitted is genuinely your own.

Course content

What you’ll study

The full A-level English Literature course contains nine main modules and 48 relevant lessons. You will begin with the foundations of literary analysis before studying writing about love, Shakespeare, nineteenth-century prose, post-war literature and the independent comparative coursework component.

Module 1 Literary Analysis Build the close-reading and critical vocabulary needed to analyse poetry, prose and drama throughout the course. 7 lessons

Imagery
The Sounds of Language
Characters
Descriptive Writing
Point of View
Tone of Voice
Feelings

Module 2 Love Poetry through the Ages: Pre-1900 Explore changing representations of love through poetry, imagery, desire, relationships and literary form. 5 lessons

Three Poems Dependent on Images
Problematic Partners
Hearts’ Desires
Brief Encounters
The Garden of Love

Module 3 Love through the Ages Trace literary representations of love from the Middle Ages through Shakespeare, the Romantics and modern writing. 11 lessons

Module Introduction
The Middle Ages and the Invention of Love
Chaucer on Love
Shakespeare on Love
The Sonnet
John Donne and the Metaphysicals
Wordsworth’s Natural Love
John Keats: A Romantic on Love
The Rise of the Novel
From Jane Austen to Mills & Boon
Twentieth-Century Poetry and Song

Module 4 Shakespeare: Othello Study the historical setting, characterisation, language, dramatic form and structure of Shakespeare’s tragedy. 4 lessons

Shakespeare: Historical and Social Background
Introduction to Othello
Character, Language and Style in Othello
Form and Structure in Othello

Module 5 Charlotte Brontë: Jane Eyre Examine the novel’s context, relationships, romantic traditions and opportunities for literary comparison. 4 lessons

Jane Eyre in Context
Jane and Rochester
Jane Eyre and Romances
Comparisons with Jane Eyre

Module 6 Owen Sheers: Skirrid Hill Study Sheers’ poetry in context, exploring individual poems, recurring themes and poetic techniques. 4 lessons

Sheers’ Life and Work in Context
‘Last Act’ to ‘Intermission’
‘Y Gaer’ to ‘The Wake’
‘Skirrid Fawr’: Themes and Techniques

Module 7 Michael Frayn: Spies Explore the novel’s structure, narrative perspective, characters, themes and post-war context. 5 lessons

Spies: Overview
Spies: Chapters 1–2
Spies: Chapters 3–6
Spies: Chapters 7–11
Spies: Themes and Characters

Module 8 Tennessee Williams: A Streetcar Named Desire Study Williams’ drama in context before comparing its themes and methods with other post-war writing. 4 lessons

Williams and American Drama: Scenes 1–3
Scenes 4–7
Scenes 8–11
Themes and Comparisons

Module 9 Jane Austen: Mansfield Park and Coursework Study Austen’s novel before developing an independent comparative essay involving a second literary text. 4 lessons

The Themes of Mansfield Park
Narrative Technique and the Minor Characters
The Major Characters
Comparing Mansfield Park with a Second Text

Practice A-level Examination Paper Independent Critical Study Preparation

Read ahead wherever possible

The modules are intended to be studied in sequence, but students should obtain the set texts early and read them from beginning to end before beginning detailed study. The source materials recommend reading each principal text at least twice and preferably three times during the course.

Exams and assessment

How the course is assessed

A-level English Literature is assessed through two written examination papers and a compulsory non-exam assessment. The examinations test close reading, comparison, contextual understanding and critical interpretation, while the coursework allows you to undertake an extended comparative study of two texts.

Both written papers must be taken in the same examination series. The non-exam assessment must be supervised, authenticated and completed in time for submission before the written examinations.

Love through the Ages

Paper 1

3 hours Exam duration

75 marks Available marks

40% Of the qualification

Paper 1 assesses Shakespeare, unseen poetry and comparison of prose and poetry texts linked by the theme of love.

Texts in Shared Contexts

Paper 2

2 hours 30 minutes Exam duration

75 marks Available marks

40% Of the qualification

The course follows Option 2B, Modern Times: Literature from 1945 to the present day, including set-text study, an unseen extract and contextual comparison.

Non-exam assessment

Independent Critical Study

2,500 words Maximum word count

50 marks Available marks

20% Of the qualification

Produce a comparative critical study of two texts by different authors. At least one text must have been written before 1900.

Paper 1

Partly open book

Only Section C is open book. Copies of the prose and poetry texts may be used but must not contain annotations or additional material.

Paper 2

Open-book examination

Paper 2 is open book and assesses the course’s selected Modern Times option rather than the First World War option.

Coursework supervision

Authentication is required

Your tutor must be able to confirm that the essay represents your own reading, research, argument and written work.

Grading

Grades A*–E

The full A-level is graded from A* to E, with A* representing the highest level of achievement.

Arranging your assessment

Written examinations are hosted by a local centre

Home-educated students normally sit the two written papers at an approved local examination centre. Examination entry and centre fees are arranged separately from the course subscription.

If Oxford Home Schooling is to act as your entering centre and authenticate your coursework, you must meet the tuition and tutor-marked assignment requirements before the submission deadline.

Learn about exam entry

Support & add-ons

Add extra English Literature support when you need it

Your course subscription provides the structured online materials needed for independent study. Additional tutor support, essay marking, coursework guidance and printed materials can be purchased separately whenever they would be useful.

Written feedback

Assignment marking

Submit individual course assignments for marking and receive detailed tutor feedback on interpretation, textual evidence, essay structure, comparison and written argument.

Assignment marking bundle£152.85

Exam preparation

Mock exam marking

Complete examination-style essays and receive feedback on planning, timing, close analysis, comparison and how effectively your response addresses the assessment objectives.

Mock examination marking bundle£57.00

Ongoing guidance

Email Tutor Support

Ask subject questions by email while working through the course and receive help when a text, interpretation or literary concept needs further explanation.

Email Tutor Support£10.00 / month

Live tuition

One-to-one tutorials

Book an individual online session with a tutor to discuss set texts, practise essay planning, prepare for examinations or develop your comparative coursework.

Tutorial time Purchased separately

Printed materials

English Literature course pack

Add a printed, spiral-bound copy of the course materials if you prefer to study, annotate and revise away from the screen.

Printed course materials£50.00

Coursework support

Plan authentication early

Students who want Oxford Home Schooling to authenticate their coursework and act as their entering centre must purchase at least three hours of tuition and marking for at least six tutor-marked assignments.

A-level English Literature support

See all available English Literature support

Prospective students can compare the available support services. Existing students can purchase English Literature marking, tutorials and other course-specific add-ons through their account as their study and coursework needs develop.

View support options My Course Add-ons

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the A-level English Literature course

Find answers about starting the course, reading the set texts, examinations, coursework, books and the additional tutor support available.

Can I start the English Literature course at any time?

Yes. There are no fixed term dates, so you can enrol and begin studying when it suits you. You should, however, plan around your intended examination year and the earlier deadline for submitting authenticated coursework.

How long does the course take to complete?

We recommend allowing approximately 700 hours of study and normally completing the course over two years. This provides time for reading, rereading, lesson study, essay practice, revision and supervised coursework.

Which examination specification does the course cover?

The course prepares students for AQA A-level English Literature A specification 7712.

How is English Literature different from English Language?

English Literature focuses on the close study and comparison of poetry, prose and drama. English Language examines how spoken, written and digital language operates across different contexts and communities.

Which Paper 2 option does the course cover?

The course covers Option 2B, Modern Times: Literature from 1945 to the present day. It does not provide teaching for Option 2A, the First World War and its aftermath.

Does A-level English Literature include coursework?

Yes. The compulsory non-exam assessment is worth 20% of the A-level. It consists of a comparative critical study of two texts by different authors, with at least one text written before 1900. The maximum word count is 2,500 words, excluding quotations.

When must the coursework be completed?

Students should plan to complete their coursework by the end of March in the year of their written examinations. Time is needed before this for wider reading, title approval, tuition, drafting, tutor feedback, authentication and final submission.

Can Oxford Home Schooling authenticate my coursework?

Yes, provided the required supervision arrangements are followed. If Oxford Home Schooling is to authenticate your coursework and act as your entering centre, you must book at least three hours of tuition and pay for the marking of at least six tutor-marked assignments.

Do I need to buy the set texts?

Yes. You will need access to the principal poetry, prose and drama texts studied by the course. Exact editions are not always essential, although using the recommended editions can make lesson page references easier to follow.

Can I take books into the examinations?

Paper 1 is open book only in Section C, where permitted prose and poetry texts may be used. Paper 2 is open book. Any texts taken into an examination must not contain annotations, notes or additional material.

Is tutor marking included in the course subscription?

No. The course contains activities, assignments and suggested answers for independent study, but individual tutor marking is purchased separately. You can pay for selected assignments or purchase a marking bundle.

Can I get help from an English Literature tutor?

Yes. Optional support includes assignment marking, Email Tutor Support and one-to-one online tutorials. Tutorials can be used to discuss set texts, essay technique, examination preparation and the supervised coursework process.

Should I study the modules in order?

We recommend working through the modules in sequence because the literary-analysis skills developed at the start are used throughout the later text-based modules. You should nevertheless obtain and begin reading the set texts as early as possible.