IGCSE English Literature Course

The IGCSE English Literature Distance Learning Course is Ideal for anyone wishing to gain knowledge and understanding of this subject.  You will be able to cover Poetry, Modern Prose, Drama and Literary texts.

This course is useful for anyone who wants to carry on learning at A’ Level and if you are looking for a progression through training whilst employed.

igcse-english-literature

Enrolment Fee:

£395.00

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Description

The IGCSE English Literature course is a fantastic subject. It introduces students to many literary works from different times and cultures. Its main aim is to help students become more confident in reading, understanding, and thoughtfully evaluating texts.

The IGCSE English Literature curriculum is more than just reading stories or poems. This course helps students appreciate literature and its ongoing impact on the world.

You will learn new skills as you go. This includes analytical skills. You will understand why and how writers use language, structure, and form. These elements help convey meaning and impact the reader.

We will encourage you to form your own opinions and share your ideas. You will also learn to support your thoughts with evidence and examples.

Whether you choose the Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel exam boards, students explore texts from different cultures and times. This helps them understand the world and the human experience better.


Should I choose Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel English Literature?


Often, the choice comes down to what course materials appeal to you most; between the two choices, the texts are different. Another reason to choose one exam board over another is the examination centres available to you. It also matters if the exam centres are nearby. To avoid late entry fees, you should look to book your exams four or five months prior to sitting them.

Cambridge Syllabus up to 2027 Exams


Cambridge Course Code(s)

IGCSE Literature in English (9-1): 0992

IGCSE Literature in English (A*-G) : 0475

(Please note, there is no difference in the course teachings for the two specifications.

The only difference is the grade you will receive once you have taken the exams.

0992 is graded 9-1, 9 being the highest.

0475 is graded A* to G, A* being the highest.

Cambridge Exams: June & November

Cambridge Study Hours: 130 Hours


This IGCSE English Literature CAIE Course enables you to read, interpret and evaluate texts through the study of literature in English. You will develop an understanding of literal meaning, relevant contexts and of the deeper themes or attitudes that may be expressed. Through your studies, you will learn to recognise and appreciate the ways in which writers use English to achieve a range of effects, and will be able to present an informed, personal response to the material you have studied.

The syllabus also encourages the exploration of wider and universal issues, promoting better understanding of yourself and of the world around you.


Cambridge IGCSE English Literature Modules


Paper 1: Poetry and prose

One Poetry collection from the list of set texts.

One Prose text from the list of set texts

Paper 2: Drama

Two Drama texts from the list of set text.

Please note that that Cambridge changes their set texts each year.  Please contact us to find out the set texts for your exam series.


What does Cambridge offer for the IGCSE English Literature Course?


Join us on an exciting adventure through the world of English Literature with our CIE Course! You will get to dive into fascinating texts, sharpening your skills in interpreting and understanding their meanings.

As you explore, you will discover insightful themes and context that authors weave into their work. You will also learn to appreciate the beauty of the English language. It can stir emotions and spark ideas.

The Cambridge International GCSE English literature syllabus is all about empowering you to tackle a variety of important, universal topics. Once you enrol, a tutor will support you. They will guide you through interesting assignments and helpful study materials. This design aims to improve your skills and spark your curiosity.

The International GCSE syllabus encourages you to explore important global issues. This helps you understand yourself and the world better.

The IGCSE English Literature syllabus typically covers three main forms of literature: poetry, prose, and drama. Our course offers a flexible option, giving students a choice for each unit studied. Your course tutor will be with you every step of the way as you learn your new skills.

Text choices for the CIE 2025 exam series.

  • Paper One Section A: Poetry – Songs of Ourselves, or Ted Hughes
  • Paper One Section B: Prose – Great Expectations, To Kill a Mockingbird, or Rebecca
  • Paper Two Set Texts – Any two from the following: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Streetcar Named Desire, Antony and Cleopatra, or A Taste of Honey

Text choices for the CIE 2026 exam series.

  • Paper One Section A: Poetry – Songs of Ourselves
  • Paper One Section B: Prose – To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Prejudice, or Hullabaloo
  • Paper Two Set Texts – Any two from the following: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Streetcar Named Desire, Antony and Cleopatra, or A Taste of Honey

Text choices for the CIE 2027 exam series.

  • Paper One Section A: Poetry – Songs of Ourselves
  • Paper One Section B: Prose – To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Prejudice, or Hullabaloo
  • Paper Two Set Texts – Any two from the following: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Streetcar Named Desire, Antony and Cleopatra, or A Taste of Honey

Cambridge Assessment


All Candidates take two exams


Paper 1 Poetry and Prose

1 hour 30 minutes 

50 marks 

Two questions on two texts: one poetry and one prose 

Paper 2 Drama

1 hour 30 minutes 

50 marks 

Two questions on two texts 

Edexcel Syllabus


International GCSE English Literature (9-1): 4ET1

Edexcel Exams: June & November

Edexcel Study Hours: 130 Hours


This IGCSE English Literature Edexcel Course will help you develop the ability to read, understand and respond to a wide range of literary texts from around the world. You will also develop an appreciation of the ways in which writers achieve their literary effects.

You will explore, through literature, the cultures of your own and other societies and find enjoyment in reading literature understanding its influence on individuals and societies. For this specification, grades 9-1 are available.


Edexcel IGCSE English Literature Modules


Component 1: Poetry and Modern Prose

The poetry collection from Part 3 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology.  

  • One modern prose text from the list of set texts in this specification.  
  • Develop skills to analyse unseen poetry.  
  • Develop skills to analyse how language, form, structure and contextual factors can be used to create meanings and effects.  
  • Develop skills to maintain a critical style and informed personal response.  
  • Develop comparison skills.

Component 2: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts

Content overview  

  • One modern drama text from the list of set texts in this specification.  
  • One literary heritage text from the list of set texts in this specification.  
  • Develop skills to analyse how language, form, structure and contextual factors can be used to create meaning and effect.  
  • Develop skills to maintain a critical style and informed personal response.  

What does Pearson Edexcel offer for the IGCSE English Literature Course?


With this IGCSE English Literature online course, you will learn to read and analyse texts. You will explore how language, form, structure, and context create meaning and effect. You will also develop skills to express your thoughts critically and personally.

The IGCSE English Literature syllabus covers Unseen Poetry, Anthology Poetry, Modern Prose, Modern Drama and Literary Heritage texts. Our course offers a flexible option, giving students a choice for each unit studied. Your course tutor will be with you every step of the way as you learn your new skills.

Text choices for the Pearson Edexcel

  • Paper One, Section A – Unseen Poetry
  • Paper One, Section B – Anthology Poetry – Develop skills to compare a range of poetry from Chapter 3 of the Edexcel IGCSE English Literature Textbook.
  • Paper One, Section C – Modern Prose – A Choice of one text from the following: To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, The Joy Luck Club or Things Fall Apart
  • Paper Two, Section A – Modern Drama – A choice of one text from the following: A View from the Bridge, An Inspector Calls or Kindertransport
  • Paper Two, Section B – Literary Heritage – A Choice of one text from the following: Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations or The Scarlet Letter

Edexcel Assessment


All Candidates take two exams 


Paper 1: Poetry and Modern Prose

2 hours 

90 marks 

Section A– Unseen Poetry: one 20-mark essay question exploring the meaning and effects created in an unseen poem. The poem will be reproduced in the question paper.  

Section B– Anthology Poetry: one 30-mark essay question from a choice of two, comparing two poems from Part 3 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology.  

Section C –Modern Prose: one 40-mark essay question from a choice of two on each of the set texts.  

60% of the total International GCSE  

Paper 2: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts

1 hour 30 minutes 

60 marks 

Section A – Modern Drama: one 30-mark essay question from a choice of two on each of the set texts.  

Section B– Literary Heritage Texts: one 30-mark essay question from a choice of two on each of the set texts.  

40% of the total International GCSE  

Q&A

You do not need any prior learning knowledge or experience to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone who wishes to take part in a highly rewarding home study course, although you would be expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy.

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 2 years from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor. You do not have to wait until September, when a traditional school starts. 

Once you enrol, you will be asked to fill in an enrolment form. On the form it will ask when you wish to complete by, so we can ensure you are supported right up to when you take your exams.

Once you enrol, you will have access to our online portal 24/7. Here you will find study materials that have been specially prepared by your tutor, there will be assessments, study notes, eBooks and assignments all relating to your course. Everything in this course is structured to follow the course specification, so all topics and units cover everything you need to learn. Your tutor will mark your work and give you written feedback on areas you need to improve or explain what you have done well. You can also ask your tutor questions if you get stuck on a topic or need something explaining a little more. 

When you approach the exams, your tutor will set you a series of practise exam papers so that you can know what to expect in your exam, and you can go into them feeling confident.

You will be provided with eBooks for this course. If you want to purchase physical books in addition, then we can provide you with the book ISBN numbers.

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations (including any practicals they wish to take) at an approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

All of our IGCSEs are available world wide. Meaning you can study with us from anywhere.

Cambridge, and Edexcel both have international exam centres, so you may be able to take the exams locally to you. Should you need any help finding a centre, then please do get in touch and we can assist you on this. 

We recommend that you are able to dedicate between 120 and 130 hours’ study time, plus additional time for completing assignments.

Yes, you can work at your own pace to complete this course. Despite having 24 months Tutor Support, once you enrol you will be asked when you wish to complete, and your tutor can work along side you to achieve this.

With online learning, having the flexibility is a real advantage. This allows you to set the pace. Take your time or Fast-track, get the qualification when you need it.

Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSEs are international qualifications. Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSEs can be taken worldwide including the United Kingdom. Both exam boards offer a similar specification however different courses can have a different structure. Both the Cambridge and Edexcel courses are full International GCSE qualifications.

It is recommended that you aim to book your examinations 4/6 month prior to sitting them to avoid late entry fee charges.  Additionally, we would advise that you contact a few exam centres and find out the best price, as they can fluctuate greatly. 

You will sit the same exam as thousands of students across the country in an exam centre, and achieve the same qualification as everyone else. IGCSE qualifications are recognised by universities employers, colleges and sixth form colleges, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career.

Just like sitting your IGCSEs in a school, your tutor will be able to provide you with predicted grades, transcripts, certificate of graduation, and references for further education applications. 

Of course, all of our courses are tailored to cover the entire specification and are split into topics. You will have assignments to complete on every topic where your tutor will give you feedback. If you are struggling with an aspect then you can message your tutor and they can provide more information for you.

As your exams approach, your tutor will set a series of exam papers for you to take, so you can get a feel for the real thing.

If you complete all of your assignments, and your practise exam papers then there is no reason why you shouldn’t achieve a top grade. 

What support will I receive?

All International GCSE courses are online and learners will access materials via our learner portal.  The online course includes access and tutor support for two years.  All assignments are marked by one of our professional tutors who will offer regular feedback and guide you through your course. Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from the tutor and you must have access to email in order to contact your Tutor.

Whilst there is a Tutor to guide you, you will also be able to reach out to your Student Liaison Team for help with any other questions you may have. You can be assured that you will receive unlimited support for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.

How do Online International GCSEs work?

Whether you are a learner based within or outside the UK, you can opt for our International GCSE courses with Cambridge International Education (CIE) or Pearson Edexcel. These awarding bodies allow you to sit exams worldwide.

For IGCSEs, you will receive two years access to the learner portal along with tutor support. Marked and graded assignments are included with the course along with practise mock exam papers.

Learners applying to college/university can receive help with references and predicted grades. They are also more than welcome to progress onto our A Level courses.

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