English Literature · XET01 / YET01

How International A level English Literature works

Start here: the units, their exam codes and when you can sit them for Pearson Edexcel International AS and A level English Literature.

Two qualifications in one course

International A level English Literature is modular: you sit it unit by unit.

The International AS (cash-in code XET01) is Unit 1, Unit 2. It is a qualification on its own.
The full International A level (cash-in code YET01) is all 4 units: the AS units plus Unit 3, Unit 4.

You can bank AS results in Year 12 and add the A2 units in Year 13.

The units

Each unit has its own exam code. These are the codes your exams officer uses to enter you.

Unit	Code	Title	Level	Exam series 2026/27
Unit 1	WET01	Post-2000 Poetry and Prose	AS	January and June only
Unit 2	WET02	Drama	AS	January and June only
Unit 3	WET03	Poetry and Prose	A2	January and June only
Unit 4	WET04	Shakespeare and Pre-1900 Poetry	A2	January and June only

Source: Pearson Information Manual 2026/2027, International A level

When you can sit them

Pearson runs International A level exams in January, May to June and October, but not every unit is offered in every series. Plan your units with your teacher, and always confirm entries with your exams officer: Pearson updates the manual every year.

Worked example

You finish Year 12 having sat the AS units in English Literature. What can you claim?

The AS units are Unit 1, Unit 2.
Together they give the International AS (XET01).

Answer: The International AS in English Literature (XET01); add the A2 units in Year 13 for the full A level (YET01).

Key idea: International AS English Literature = Unit 1, Unit 2 (XET01). Full International A level = all 4 units (YET01). Not every unit is offered in October.

Check yourself

What is the cash-in code for the full International A level in English Literature?
- XET01
- YET01
- ZET01
- WET01
Show answer
YET01. YET01 is the full International A level; XET01 is the International AS.
Which code is the International AS in English Literature?
- YET01
- WET01
- QET01
- XET01
Show answer
XET01. XET01 is the International AS cash-in code.
How many units make up the full International A level in English Literature?
Show answer
4. The full A level is 4 units: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4.
In 2026/27, in which exam series can you sit English Literature Unit 1 (Post-2000 Poetry and Prose)?
- October, January and June
- June only
- January and June only
- January only
Show answer
January and June only. Pearson's 2026/27 manual lists Unit 1 as available in: January and June only.
Which English Literature unit has the code WET02?
- Unit 2
- Unit 1
- Unit 3
- Unit 4
Show answer
Unit 2. WET02 is Unit 2: Drama.

Practise with instant feedback

Sources

Last updated 7 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email alevel@lifereadysociety.com.