A Level English Literature 2017

This distance learning A Level English Literature course has been designed to the latest specifications. The first available exam dates for this version of the Pearson Edexcel English Literature A Level are in June 2017.

English Literature is a wonderful subject that can open windows into many different areas. A sound knowledge of English Literature is essential if you want to fully understand the history and philosophy of the nation. It can also help to enhance and enrich the reading experience, providing a multi-layered, deeper understanding of the texts we all love.

On this course you will study a variety of prose, poetry and drama, including well known names like Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde and Mary Shelley. All of the authors that appear in the A Level often feature heavily in university curriculums, making it an excellent preparation for higher education.

• Course Length - 24 Months
• Award Received - Edexcel A Level in English Literature
• Course Code: UALV20-2015

In accordance with the latest specifications, this course has been designed to encourage students to:

• Read widely and independently set texts and others that they have selected for themselves
• Engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them
• Develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation
• Explore the contexts of the texts they are reading and others' interpretations of them
• Undertake independent and sustained studies to deepen their appreciation and understanding of English literature, including its changing traditions.

The Pearson Edexcel A Level in English Literature consists of three externally examined papers and one coursework component. The qualification requires the study of eight literary texts plus unseen poetry. This course has been designed to reflect this, and will take students through each component as listed below:

Component 1: Drama

Students will study the following texts:

• William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night
• Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest
• William Shakespeare, Shakespeare: A Critical Anthology - Comedy (This Edexcel publication is only available from your exam centre and you should ask your exams officer to order one in for you when you register for your exams.)

Component 2: Prose

Students will study the following texts:

• Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
• Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale

Component 3: Poetry

Students will study the following texts (and they must study the stated editions):

• T. S. Eliot, Selected Poems (Faber, 2009) ISBN 9780571247059 (This is the 80th Anniversary Edition in an attractive hardcover.)
• William Sieghart, ed., Poems of the Decade: An Anthology of the Forward Books of Poetry 2002–2011 (Faber and Faber, 2015) ISBN 978-0571325405

Coursework Component

Students will study the following texts:

• Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights
• Angela Carter, The Bloody Chamber

Pearson Edexcel A Level in English Literature (9ET0)

In order to attain this qualification you must sit three examinations and submit one piece of coursework. Booking exams is the responsibility of the student. Tutors will be able to authenticate coursework for marking by the exam centre. Any and all exam fees will be paid by the student directly to their chosen exam centre. On purchasing the course UKDLP will provide students with a list of recommended exam centres.

Paper 1: Drama *Paper code: 9ET0/01

Paper 1 covers the two plays, and critical essays on Shakespeare, supported by student's reading of the critical anthology. This is an open book exam, meaning students can take copies of the primary texts into the examination, however the critical anthology must not be taken into the exam.

Details:
Exam Length: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Exam Weighting: 30% of the total qualification
Questions: The paper has two sections, A and B. Students answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied text for both sections A and B.
Marks: 35 for section A/ 25 for section B - 60 marks in total

Paper 2: Prose *Paper code: 9ET0/02

Paper 2 covers the two novels. As with paper 1, this is an open book exam, meaning students can take copies of the primary texts into the examination.

Details:
Exam Length: 1 hour
Exam Weighting: 20% of the total qualification
Questions: Students answer one comparative essay question from a choice of two.
Marks: 40 marks in total

Paper 3: Poetry *Paper code: 9ET0/03

Paper 3 covers a selection of poetry from the two collections studied in the course, as well as some unseen material that will be provided in the exam itself. This is also an open book examination.

Details:
Exam Length: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Exam Weighting: 30% of the total qualification
Questions: The paper has two sections, A and B. In section A students answer one question from a choice of two, comparing an unseen poem with one they have studied. In section B they answer one question from a choice of two on one poet, or poetic movement that they have studied as part of the course
Marks: 30 for section A/ 30 for section B - 60 marks in total

The course comes to you as a paper-based pack delivered by courier.

You will be given guidance through the Study Guide on the nuts and bolts of studying and submitting assignments.

Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from the tutor.


The course contains a number of assignments which your tutor will mark and give you valuable feedback on. We call these Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs). You need only send the TMAs to your tutor for comment, not the self-assessment exercises which are also part of the course to help you gauge your progress.

Exams are taken at a registered exam centre, and we can provide an extensive list of centres for you. Please read our FAQs for further information.


Our A Levels come with tutor support for up to 24 months.


You will have access to a tutor via email who will mark your work and guide you through the course and will assist you with any problems you may have. In addition you will be supplied with a comprehensive Study Guide which will help you through the study and assessment process.

A Level Distance Learning Courses Frequently Asked Questions