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A-Levels & GCSEs

A-Level English Literature (AQA, Exams Included)

A-Level English Literature is a Level 3 qualification you can study online as an adult, with exams sat at a local centre. It carries full UCAS points for university entry and typically takes around one year of flexible, tutor-supported study.

Study AQA A-Level English Literature online with exam entry included. Earn up to 56 UCAS points.

12–24 monthsDuration
Online & ExamsStudy Method
A-LevelQualification Level
FlexibleStart Date

Is This Course Right For You?

This course is for you if...

  • You are looking for a recognised a level english literature course you can complete online as an adult
  • You want to earn a full AQA A-Level in English Literature with exam entry included
  • You're preparing for university and need a respected humanities A-Level on your UCAS application
  • You're returning to education as an adult and want to study a subject you're passionate about
  • You enjoy analysing poetry, prose, drama, and literary criticism at a high level
  • You need a flexible study schedule that fits around work, family, or other commitments
  • You want to develop strong analytical writing skills valued across all degree disciplines

Your career after this course

  • Apply to university with up to 56 UCAS points from your AQA A-Level grade
  • Progress to an English, Creative Writing, or Journalism degree at university
  • Demonstrate advanced analytical and critical writing skills to employers
  • Combine with other A-Levels to meet entry requirements for law, history, or humanities degrees
  • Pursue a career in teaching, publishing, media, or the creative industries
  • Build a foundation for postgraduate study in literature, cultural studies, or literary theory

About This Course

A-Level English Literature is a Level 3 qualification you can study online as an adult, with exams sat at a local centre. It carries full UCAS points for university entry and typically takes around one year of flexible, tutor-supported study. learndirect also offers A-Level English Language and A-Level History online for adults, and you can browse all subjects on the A-levels and GCSEs hub.

The AQA A-Level English Literature is a full, Ofqual-regulated A-Level qualification that develops your ability to read, interpret, and write critically about literary texts across poetry, prose, and drama. Studied entirely online through learndirect, it includes exam entry with the AQA awarding body, one of the UK's most respected providers of academic qualifications.

The course is structured around three main components. Component 1: Literary Genres asks you to study texts from two different literary genres – tragedy and the gothic, for example – and to compare your set texts and unseen extracts in two separate examination papers. Component 2: Texts and Genres develops your ability to write at length about a single prose text and a pair of poetry texts, applying close reading and contextual understanding in a further examined paper. Component 3: Theory and Independence is the independent coursework element, in which you choose texts that interest you and produce a comparative essay demonstrating independent critical thinking, engagement with literary theory, and your own scholarly voice.

Assessment combines written examinations – worth 80% of your final grade – with non-examined assessment (coursework) worth 20%. Your personal tutor guides you through the full specification, from close reading and contextual analysis to structuring extended critical essays and applying theoretical frameworks such as feminism, Marxism, and ecocriticism. You are assessed at grades A*–E, earning up to 56 UCAS Tariff points at grade A*.

A-Level English Literature is widely valued by universities, employers in the media, law, and public sector, and as a foundation for any career that depends on clear, persuasive written communication. This online course gives you the flexibility to study at your own pace, supported by an experienced tutor, without sacrificing the rigour or recognition of a traditional A-Level.

What You'll Study

The AQA A-Level English Literature specification is structured across three components covering literary genres, comparative study, and independent critical investigation. Your coursework provides an opportunity to study texts of your own choosing.

3 componentsExams + courseworkAQA specificationUp to 56 UCAS pts
1Literary Genres

Explore two prescribed literary genres in depth, studying set texts alongside unseen extracts drawn from the same generic tradition. This component is assessed by two separate written examinations. You develop your ability to analyse the conventions of literary genres – such as tragedy, comedy, satire, and the gothic – and to interpret both familiar and unseen texts within those conventions. The examinations reward close reading, contextual understanding, and the ability to compare and contrast multiple texts in well-structured critical essays.

2Texts and Genres

Study a prose text and a pair of poetry texts in relation to a specified literary genre or period. This component is assessed by a single written examination, in which you write extended responses that demonstrate understanding of the texts in their literary and historical contexts. You practise close analysis of language, structure, and form, and develop the skills to articulate how a writer's choices contribute to meaning, effect, and the concerns of their time. Comparison between texts and genres is central to this component.

3Theory and Independence

Produce an independent critical study comparing two texts of your own choice – at least one of which must be written before 1900. This coursework component is worth 20% of your final grade and gives you the freedom to pursue a literary interest in depth. You apply one or more critical theories – such as feminism, postcolonialism, ecocriticism, or psychoanalysis – as a lens through which to illuminate your chosen texts. Your personal tutor supports you in developing a focused comparative argument, refining your critical voice, and producing an essay that demonstrates genuine scholarly independence.

What You'll Need

Open Entry — No Formal Qualifications Required

This course is suitable for adults and school-age learners who have a good foundation in English at GCSE level. Exam entry is included and arranged through AQA-approved centres.

  • Minimum grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE English Literature or English Language (or equivalent)
  • Aged 16 or over at the time of enrolment
  • Access to a computer or tablet and a reliable internet connection
  • Commitment of approximately 10–14 hours of study per week
  • Ability to access and sit AQA written examinations at an approved centre near you
  • Willingness to read the full prescribed texts on the AQA specification

Not Sure If You Qualify?

Our enrolment advisers assess each application individually. We look at your life experience, motivation, and readiness to study — not just your qualifications.

Speak to our team — we're here to help you find the right course and funding option.

Call 0800 088 5050

How You're Assessed

Assessment combines two written examination papers and a coursework component. All assessments are set and marked by AQA. Your tutor prepares you thoroughly for the examinations and supports your coursework from first draft to submission.

Component 1 assessed by two separate written papers (literary genres) — open book

Component 2 assessed by a single written paper (texts and genres) — closed book

Component 3 assessed by non-examined assessment (coursework) — comparative critical essay

Written examinations are worth 80% of your final A-Level grade

Coursework (NEA) is worth 20% of your final grade, marked internally and moderated by AQA

Grades awarded: A*, A, B, C, D, E — earning up to 56 UCAS Tariff points at A*

Where This Course Can Take You

A English Literature A Level opens doors across multiple sectors. An A-Level in English Literature signals strong analytical thinking, persuasive writing, and the capacity to engage with complex ideas – qualities prized in a wide range of graduate careers. Salary data is indicative and based on 2024–25 national median figures.

University Undergraduate (English or Humanities)

£24,000 – £35,000typical salary range

A-Level English Literature is a standard entry requirement for English, Creative Writing, History, Law, and many humanities degrees at universities across the UK. Graduate starting salaries vary by field.

Journalist or Content Writer

£23,000 – £38,000typical salary range

Strong writing and critical analysis skills from your A-Level provide an excellent foundation for careers in journalism, copywriting, content strategy, and digital publishing.

Teacher of English (Secondary)

£30,000 – £46,000typical salary range

Many secondary English teachers begin with an A-Level in English Literature before completing a degree and PGCE. The A-Level demonstrates the subject passion and academic grounding universities look for.

Paralegal or Legal Assistant

£22,000 – £30,000typical salary range

Law firms value the analytical and writing skills developed through A-Level English Literature. Many paralegals hold humanities A-Levels and progress to a law degree or SQE route.

Marketing or PR Executive

£23,000 – £34,000typical salary range

Communication, persuasion, and an ability to engage audiences are core competencies in marketing and public relations – all of which are strengthened by A-Level English Literature study.

Publishing Editorial Assistant

£21,000 – £26,000typical salary range

Publishing houses seek graduates with a deep love of literature and strong editorial instincts. An English Literature A-Level is frequently the starting point for a career in editorial, rights, or literary agenting.

Ready to Unlock Your University Place?

Graduates of this course go on to universities across the UK, including Russell Group institutions. Enrol today and start your journey.

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All plans include the same full course content, dedicated tutor, and your awarding body certification.

Best Value

Pay in 12

£63.06

per month × 12 months

£63.06 today + £63.06 × 11 = £756.72 total

Includes

  • Just £63.06 today — 1/12 of your fee
  • Pick your first instalment date at checkout (within 30 days)
  • Then 11 monthly payments of £63.06
  • 0% APR · No credit check · Financed by learndirect
  • Full AQA exam entry included in your course fee
  • Dedicated personal tutor and online learning platform
  • Awarding body certification on successful completion

Pay in 6

£145.35

per month × 6 months

£29.99 deposit + £145.35 × 5 = £756.74 total

Includes

  • Pay just £29.99 deposit to enrol
  • Spread the balance over 6 interest-free monthly payments
  • Full AQA exam entry included in your course fee
  • Dedicated personal tutor and online learning platform
  • Awarding body certification on successful completion
Best Value

Pay in Full

£756.79

one-time payment

Total: £756.79

Includes

  • Pay once with no monthly admin
  • Full AQA exam entry included in your course fee
  • Immediate enrolment with access from day one
  • Dedicated personal tutor and online learning platform
  • Awarding body certification on successful completion
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Frequently Asked Questions

A-Level English Literature is a Level 3 qualification you can study online as an adult, with exams sat at a local centre. It carries full UCAS points for university entry and typically takes around one year of flexible, tutor-supported study with learndirect.

Yes — AQA A-Level English Literature is a full, Ofqual-regulated A-Level qualification, identical in content and assessment to the A-Level taken by school and college students in England. It appears on the UCAS Tariff, is accepted by all UK universities, and is recognised by employers across all sectors. AQA is one of the UK's three major A-Level awarding bodies and sets the examinations sat by the majority of English A-Level candidates.

Yes — AQA exam entry is included in the course fee. We arrange your examination registration at an approved AQA exam centre. Examinations are sat during the main June sitting each year, at a centre near you. If you enrol after the January registration deadline, your examinations will be scheduled for the following year's June sitting, giving you additional preparation time.

The AQA specification includes set texts across poetry, prose, and drama, with some choice available depending on the genre options selected. For Component 1 you will study two genre texts (for example, Shakespeare's Othello alongside a further tragedy); for Component 2 you will study a prose novel and two poetry collections; and for Component 3 you choose your own texts, with at least one written before 1900. Your tutor will guide you on text selection and provide a full reading list at enrolment.

Most learners complete the course in 12 to 24 months, studying around 10 to 14 hours per week. The exact duration depends on your starting level, how quickly you work through the materials, and when you sit your examinations. Learners who enrol early in the academic year often complete their first year of study before sitting June examinations, while others take a second year to ensure thorough preparation. There is no penalty for taking longer — your access continues throughout your enrolment period.

We recommend a minimum grade 4 (C) in GCSE English Literature or English Language. This indicates the reading, writing, and analytical foundations you need to engage with A-Level study. If you achieved a grade 3 or studied under an older grading system, please contact our enrolment advisers — we assess each applicant individually and may recommend preparatory work before you begin the full A-Level.

Absolutely — many learndirect learners are adults who are studying A-Levels for the first time or returning to qualifications they didn't complete at school. There is no upper age limit. Adult learners typically bring life experience that enriches their literary analysis, and our tutors are experienced in supporting both school-age and adult learners. The flexible online format means you can study around work, family, and other commitments.

Yes — Component 3 (Theory and Independence) is a non-examined assessment (NEA) component, worth 20% of your final grade. You produce a comparative critical essay of around 2,500–3,000 words, comparing two texts of your own choice and applying a critical theory. Your tutor will support you through every stage: choosing texts, developing your argument, drafting, and refining your final submission. The NEA is internally assessed and then moderated by AQA.

AQA A-Level English Literature is assessed across three components. Component 1 involves two separate written papers testing your knowledge of two literary genres, using both set texts and unseen extracts. Component 2 is a single written paper on your prose and poetry texts, requiring extended essay responses. Both exam components are open book, meaning you may bring clean, unannotated copies of your set texts into the examination. Component 3 is the coursework (NEA) element. The examinations are sat during the June sitting each year.

AQA A-Level English Literature earns UCAS Tariff points on the standard A-Level scale: A* = 56 points, A = 48 points, B = 40 points, C = 32 points, D = 24 points, E = 16 points. These can be combined with other A-Levels or Level 3 qualifications to meet university entry requirements. Most English, History, Law, and humanities degree programmes ask for a minimum of grades BBB to AAA at A-Level.

Yes — many learners study English Literature alongside A-Levels in History, Sociology, Psychology, or English Language, building a portfolio of complementary humanities qualifications. learndirect offers a wide range of A-Level subjects, and your enrolment adviser can help you plan a combination that meets the entry requirements for your chosen university course or career pathway.

Everything Else You Need to Know

Tutor Support & Study Platform

  • Dedicated personal tutor with subject expertise in English Literature
  • Online learning platform accessible 24/7 on any device
  • Structured lesson materials, guided reading tasks, and essay practice
  • Tutor feedback on essay drafts and examination technique
  • Student support team available by phone, email, and live chat
  • Exam preparation support including timed practice papers

Qualification & Recognition

  • AQA A-Level English Literature — full, Ofqual-regulated qualification
  • Exam entry included — arranged at an AQA-approved centre near you
  • Up to 56 UCAS Tariff points (grade A*)
  • Accepted by all UK universities as a standard A-Level
  • Recognised by employers across media, law, education, and public services
  • AQA certificate issued on successful completion

Funding & Finance

  • Monthly payment plans from £86/mo — spread the cost over 11 months
  • Pay-in-full option available — £945.99 total including exam entry
  • No hidden fees — exam entry is included in the course price
  • Enrol with a £9.99 deposit to secure your place immediately
  • 14-day money-back guarantee on all enrolments
  • Our enrolment advisers can help you explore employer sponsorship options

Hear From Our Learners

I left school without finishing my A-Levels and always regretted not studying English Literature properly. The online course let me fit study around my job and I loved every minute — the tutor feedback on my essays was outstanding. I achieved a grade B and am now applying to English degrees.

Priya S.

AQA A-Level English Literature including exams

I needed A-Level English Literature to change careers into teaching. The flexibility to study at evenings and weekends made it possible alongside full-time work. The coursework component was my favourite part — I got to write about texts I'd chosen myself. Highly recommend.

Mark D.

AQA A-Level English Literature including exams

The tutor was genuinely passionate about literature and that came through in every piece of feedback. I'd been nervous about sitting formal exams after 15 years out of education, but the structured exam prep built my confidence step by step. I passed with a grade A.

Natasha W.

AQA A-Level English Literature including exams

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