English Literature AS Level Course

The English Literature AS Level Course is an excellent way to introduce yourself to a wide range of works of drama, poetry and prose. The course is designed to encourage candidates in developing further interest and enjoyment in literary studies by reading widely, critically and independently and to also introduce candidates to the traditions of English Literature.

This home study course follows the new linear English Literature AS Level syllabus. Students wanting to complete a full A Level should purchase a course from the A Level Course section of our website.

Each lesson begins with a set of clearly stated objectives and an explanation of its place in the overall programme of study. Effective learning is encouraged through frequent activities and self- assessment questions. There are 10 Tutor-Marked Assignments (known as TMAs).

Students can study for the AQA English Literature 7711 AS Level Specification sitting exams in Summer 2025 or later years.

Please Note: The closing date for learners aiming for Summer 2025 exams is 13 November 2024.

The AS level specification is assessed by two written papers:

• Paper 1: Love Through the Ages (1 Hour 30 Minutes) is 50 marks in total (50% of AS level).
• Paper 2: Texts in Shared Contexts (1 Hour 30 Minutes) is 50 marks in total (50% of AS level).

The course will examine literature from a historical perspective to encourage independent study of a range of texts within a shared context.

We will admit Candidates for AS Level Courses who have a minimum of 4 GCSE’s at grade C and above on the older grading system or 4 or above on the new grading system. For English Literature this should include a grade C/4 in English Language or English Literature.

Please Note: We cannot accept students who are under 16 years old on this course and all applications are subject to acceptance from the course advisory team.

The following books are required to work alongside your course materials:

• Othello
• Jane Eyre
• Tess of the d'Urbervilles

The course materials are supplied in a hard-copy format (paper-based) and learners can also receive access to the course notes online through a course portal at no additional charge. 

Learners often find hard-copy materials easier to work through and bookmark but the online access allows additional features such as direct links to YouTube Videos and online quizzes so having both versions available allows the learner the convenience and flexibility of both options. 

There are a set number of tutor-marked assignments (TMA's) in every course. These are designed to help the student to consolidate their learning and prepare for examinations.

Students will be supported until their chosen examination window. Every student will have access to a course tutor with whom they should keep in regular contact. All tutors are fully qualified experienced teachers holding either a Postgraduate Certificate in Education or a degree in education. Most work from home and are able to offer flexible contact times. The tutor will contact students with an introductory letter and a telephone call to help decide on a study plan. They will also let the student know the best ways and times they can be contacted.

There is no limit on how often you can contact a tutor. The advice and encouragement that tutors provide is an important part of your learning experience. You can contact your tutor by Phone, Email or Post. All tutors have a Freephone 0800 telephone number and most will have Skype capabilities. Whilst you are still actively submitting assignments, you should expect to be in contact with your tutor regularly. Remember, to get the most out of your tutor, you will need to tell them when you need assistance.

All AQA specification AS Level Exams must be taken at a registered examination centre as a private candidate. We offer course materials and tutor support although we don't offer the examinations. An Examinations Officer can assist any registered student with finding centres and dealing with coursework forms, but we do not book exams on behalf of students and it is the students responsibility to book their own exams. Private Candidates cannot complete AQA Specification Exams outside of the UK.

Students are contacted in December/January prior to their examination window and advised to start arranging their examinations. AQA have over 300 examination centres in the UK. If you would like to research exam centres prior to enrolment then you can visit the AQA page for private candidates which shows a selection of centres set out geographically.

Examination Dates and Exam fees:

AS Level exams are only available in the Summer examination window (May/June) and examination fees need to be paid direct to your chosen examination centre. Prices for exams will vary depending on the centre's administration costs.

Students can decide to study over a one year or two year period (providing the specification and exams are available over that duration). Each AS Level Course will take approximately 350 hours of study to complete so if you are unsure that you can complete the course prior to the next available exam window then we recommend studying the course over a 2-year period. You can sign up for a course at any time although course tutors set closing dates for students aiming for each examination window.

Please Note - Closing Dates for 2025 Examination Window:

• The closing date set by tutors for learners aiming towards Summer 2025 exams will be 13 November 2024.

The closing dates are set by tutors based on when they think it is reasonable for learners to be aiming for a particular examination window whilst taking into consideration the impact on student support. Once closing dates have passed, we can only accept learners aiming towards the next stated examination window e.g. Summer 2026, or if more time is needed, learners can choose to aim for the next available exam window e.g. Summer 2027 providing the specification is still available. All learners are required to choose their intended exam window as part of their course application.

• Summer 2025 A Level and AS Level Exam Timetable
• Summer 2026 A Level and AS Level Exam Timetable (Not Yet Available)
• Information for Private Candidates
• Booking A Level Exams

Predicted Grades without a reference can be offered free of charge to learners providing they have completed a suitable amount of work to judge their levels.

Tutors can also support registered students with their University application but this should be arranged in the previous year to sitting exams and prior to the below dates:

• 1st August for Oxford or Cambridge
• 1st December for all other Universities

There is a charge of £100.00 for supporting your UCAS application and providing predicted grades and a well-rounded reference which will incorporate something from each of your tutors and be specific to your application. The payment will be made before the required dates and any reference requests received after this date will incur an additional £50.00 penalty payment.

In order that your tutor has something on which to base a reference and/or predicted grade, you need to have done a MINIMUM of six assignments in each subject you are studying. More is better! Your tutor will want you to succeed so talk to them about your plans; it will help with your application if they know something about you.

If you are at school and are doing an A level as an addition to your school studies, then you will need to check with your school to make sure they will accept a predicted grade or some input into the reference that they are doing for you.