Course Overview
"If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!"
Discover which iconic protagonist uttered this infamous quote, as you open up a world of literary discovery with our GCSE English Literature course.
Understanding how to analyse a poem like “A Child to his Sick Grandfather” by Joanna Baillie teaches you to appreciate themes of family and compassion. These analytical skills extend to interpreting various written works, from classical literature to modern websites. They will help you to master literary techniques and enhance your critical thinking as you uncover what literature reveals about society and enhance your ability to understand and analyse diverse texts.
From classic to modern texts, this comprehensive GCSE English Literature course covers a wide range of literature types, including poetry, prose and drama. You’ll study key themes, characters and contexts, preparing you for success in exams and fostering a deep appreciation of literature as you look at the written word in greater depth and open up an exciting world of future career opportunities.
Embark on your journey through the world of English literature today.
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100% pass rate in 2024
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Interactive course
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1:1 tutor support
GCSE English Literature at a glance
Our GCSE courses are offered in conjunction with leading UK examination boards and you’ll have to sit exams to get your qualification. Our Exams and Assessment page provides more information on sitting your exams.
Edexcel 1ETO
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
10 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute to your final grade.
Set textbooks:
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Literature ‘Relationships’ Poetry Anthology, Pearson Education Limited (2014)
Included free with your course. A copy will be posted to you.
Exams (two):
61% of marks (2 hours)
39% of marks (1 hour 15 minutes)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
Textbooks (not included in the course fee):
Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, Penguin Classics (2003) (or any equivalent edition)
Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare, Arden Shakespeare edition (2008) (or any addition with numbered lines)
An Inspector Calls, by J.B. Priestly, Heinemann (1992)
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
Edexcel 1ETO
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
Set textbooks:
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Literature ‘Relationships’ Poetry Anthology, Pearson Education Limited (2014)
Included free with your course. A copy will be posted to you.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
10 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute to your final grade.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Textbooks (not included in the course fee):
Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, Penguin Classics (2003) (or any equivalent edition)
Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare, Arden Shakespeare edition (2008) (or any addition with numbered lines)
An Inspector Calls, by J.B. Priestly, Heinemann (1992)
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
Exams (two):
61% of marks (2 hours)
39% of marks (1 hour 15 minutes)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
Edexcel 1ETO
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
10 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute to your final grade.
Set textbooks:
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Literature ‘Relationships’ Poetry Anthology, Pearson Education Limited (2014)
Included free with your course. A copy will be posted to you.
Exams (two):
61% of marks (2 hours)
39% of marks (1 hour 15 minutes)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
Textbooks (not included in the course fee):
Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, Penguin Classics (2003) (or any equivalent edition)
Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare, Arden Shakespeare edition (2008) (or any addition with numbered lines)
An Inspector Calls, by J.B. Priestly, Heinemann (1992)
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
Why study GCSE English Literature
Future opportunities
- Studying English at A level.
- A range of rewarding careers or vocational roles that require a GCSE in English such as nursing, accountancy or teaching.
GCSE English Literature taster
English Literature is a rewarding subject that opens up a range of future career options and deepens your understanding and experience of literature.
This free PDF taster provides an example of a topic from the course.
Download your free taster today, have a look around and contact us if you have any questions about the GCSE English Literature course.
Flexible payments and financial help
- As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
- NEC’s fees for (I)GCSEs offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts and affordable finance options.
- Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
- Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.
Visit our Fee information page or
Study now, pay your way
It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 monthly repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.
To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.
The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and replayment plans see our Fee Information page.
| Course fee | £470 |
| Deposit | £47 |
| Amount of credit | £423 |
| Monthly payment | £35.25 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Total repayment | £470 |
| Cost of credit | £0.00 |
| Rate of interest | 0% APR representative |
Enrolling on more than one GCSE or IGCSE? Use voucher code GCSEMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.
Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor
You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.
MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS“I am lead tutor for NEC’s English courses and have written many course modules for NEC. I have a degree and MA in English Literature from the University of Leeds and am a senior examiner and exam moderator, Head of English at a Leeds sixth form college and a schools’ advisor for English. Oxford University Press has published a variety of texts I have written for students including Love Through the Ages (2009, with Helen Ince) and More Love Through the Ages (2012, with Anna Merrick).”
Additional support for under 18s
We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.
Talk to one of our course advisors
Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.
NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.
Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.
Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.
Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.
We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.
Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.
Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.
Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.
If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!
If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.
Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!
If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.
Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.
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