A Level English Literature
Course overview
A Level English Literature B is a Level 3 qualification awarded by AQA under specification 7717 (Ofqual QAN 601/5328/3). Study 100% online and at your own pace, then sit the written exams in person at an approved exam centre. Ofqual regulated and awarded by AQA, worth up to 56 UCAS points and a strong foundation for English, law and humanities degrees.
The course is built for adults who want, or need, this qualification without returning to full-time sixth form or college. All teaching material, text guides, model essays and past-paper practice are delivered entirely online, structured around the full AQA specification, so you can study at whatever pace fits your schedule and reading speed.
Who's It For?
- You want a literature A-level that includes a 20% coursework component rather than being 100% examined.
- You can manage a 3-hour open-book Paper 2 — the longest single paper of any A-level on this site.
- You are prepared to know a set Shakespeare text closely, because Paper 1 is closed book across all three sections.
- You can write two independent 1,250–1,500 word essays on self-chosen texts, moderated by AQA, and want that on your record.
- You are applying for English, law, journalism, history or arts degrees where a written-humanities A-level is expected.
- You want to choose your route through the specification: options AA, AB, BA and BB pair tragedy or comedy with crime or political writing.
Job outcomes
- Secondary School English Teacher
- Public Relations Professional
- Arts Officer, Producer or Director
- Librarian or Information Professional
Want to see more job outcomes and how your future could change?
What you'll learn
A Level English Literature develops analytical thinking, close reading and sustained essay writing, and supports progression into English, law, journalism, history and the wider humanities.
- Close textual analysis of poetry, prose and drama, including Shakespeare
- Comparative essay writing across literary genres and periods
- Unseen passage analysis
- Independent critical study and academic essay writing (non-exam assessment)
- Genre study: tragedy, comedy, crime writing, and political and social protest writing
Recognitions
Accredited/ Certified by AQA
Accredited/ Certified by Ofqual
Study method
-
Online Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
-
Blended Blended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
-
In-class In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
-
Virtual Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
coursesonline.co.uk customers are now eligible to apply for an XO Student Discount Card.
Enrol in a course today to unlock exclusive deals.
Duration study load
Typical duration is 12 to 18 months. Start any time — there are no set term dates or cohorts.
Study at your own pace around work and family. Most learners spend a few hours each week, but you can do more or less based on your own pace.
Delivery
100% online study with exams sat in person at an approved exam centre. Log in any time from a phone, tablet or laptop. Exams are held at 10 approved centres run by Tutors and Exams: Birmingham, Bolton, Coventry, Doncaster, High Wycombe, Mitcham, Newcastle, Romford, St Neots and Taunton.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to start this course, but a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Literature or English Language, and confidence with sustained essay writing, is strongly recommended before you begin.
You will need to register separately as a private candidate with an approved exam centre to sit the final written exams and submit your non-exam assessment coursework, usually for a small additional fee payable directly to the centre.
Find out more about the entry requirements for this course
Course features
- Personal named UK subject tutor from day one
- Exam-style practice questions in every unit with individual written feedback within 5–7 working days
- Progress tracking dashboard showing unit scores, topic strengths and areas to revisit
- Optional exam readiness check: timed mock paper and written summary before your exam series
- AI Study Assistant and study support tools
- Learner community forum
- Resubmit work at no extra cost to reach the grade you want
- Optional study planner for structure
- Start any time — no fixed term dates
- 7-day free trial on every sign up; 14-day money-back guarantee
- Phone, email and live chat support
Professional Recognition
Awarded by AQA, an Ofqual-regulated UK awarding body, under specification 7717 (Ofqual QAN 601/5328/3). Listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. Accepted by UK universities, employers and professional bodies. Worth up to 56 UCAS points and recognised by every UK university.
Assessment
A Level English Literature (AQA English Literature A, 7712) is assessed by two written papers plus a non-exam assessment.
- Paper 1: Love through the ages. 3 hours, 75 marks, 40%. Open book in Section C only. Three set texts (one poetry, one prose, one pre-1900, plus Shakespeare) and two unseen poems. Section A: Shakespeare passage plus linked essay (25 marks). Section B: unseen poetry (25 marks). Section C: comparing two texts (25 marks).
- Paper 2: Texts in shared contexts. 2 hours 30 minutes, 75 marks, 40%. Open book. Choice of Option 2A: WW1 and its aftermath, or 2B: Modern times 1945 to the present. Three set texts and an unseen prose extract. Section A: set-text essay (25 marks). Section B: unseen extract (25 marks) plus essay linking two texts (25 marks).
- Non-exam assessment: Independent Critical Study: Texts Across Time. 50 marks, 20%. One 2,500-word essay with a bibliography, comparing two texts (one written before 1900).
Grading: A* to E, with U below E.
Payment options
Course fees:
Study: £509.99 or £49.99 per month
Study + Exams: £917.99 or £89.99 per month
Pay monthly to spread the cost with no interest — cancel any time
Pay annually to save versus monthly
No credit checks and no contract — pause or cancel any time
Employer sponsorship available — funding paperwork can be sent directly to your employer
7-day free trial on every option; nothing is charged during the trial period
14-day money-back guarantee on every enrolment
Two plan options: Study (tuition and tutor marking only; you arrange and pay for your own exams) or +Exams (tuition plus exam entry and centre fees booked and paid by Lift College)
Find out more about the payment options for this course
About Lift College
Job outcomes
- Secondary School English Teacher
- Public Relations Professional
- Arts Officer, Producer or Director
- Librarian or Information Professional
Want to see more job outcomes and how your future could change?
Recognitions
Accredited/ Certified by AQA
Accredited/ Certified by Ofqual
Study method
-
Online Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
-
Blended Blended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
-
In-class In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
-
Virtual Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
coursesonline.co.uk customers are now eligible to apply for an XO Student Discount Card.
Enrol in a course today to unlock exclusive deals.
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