What Is IGCSE World Literature?

If you enjoy literature and you’re choosing your IGCSEs, you might think that IGCSE English Literature is your only option. There’s actually another: IGCSE World Literature.

Currently only offered by Cambridge International Education (CIE), IGCSE World Literature encourages you to explore literary texts from different countries and cultures.

This article guides you what the course is, how it’s structured, and where it can lead.

Key Takeaways

• CIE is currently the only exam board offering IGCSE World Literature

• The course includes novels, poems and plays from around the world

• Assessment consists of three components, one of which is coursework

• IGCSE World Literature is ideal for A Level English Literature, literature-related degrees, and careers in law, journalism and publishing

What is IGCSE World Literature?

IGCSE World Literature is a two-year CIE course that teaches you to read, analyse and write about literary texts from across the globe.

It’s a linear qualification, which means you’ll take your exams at the end of Year 11. There’s also a coursework component.

Which exam board offers IGCSE World Literature?

CIE is currently the only exam board offering IGCSE World Literature.

What do you study in IGCSE World Literature?

You’ll be given set texts in prose, poetry (in addition to unseen poetry) and drama. Here are some examples of the set texts for each genre:

Prose

• A Man of the People by Chinua Achebe (for exams in 2027, 2028 and 2029)

• Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata (for exams in 2028, 2029 and 2030)

Poetry

• Follower by Seamus Heaney (for exams in 2027)

• Leaving Fingerprints by Imtiaz Dharker (for exams in 2028, 2029 and 2030)

Drama

• The Little Foxes by by Lillian Hellman (for exams in 2027)

• The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov (for exams in 2027)

The full lists of set texts are available on the 2025-27 syllabus (opens in a new tab) and the 2028-30 syllabus (opens in a new tab).

How is IGCSE World Literature assessed?

The table below outlines what each IGCSE World Literature component involves:

How is IGCSE World Literature different from IGCSE English Literature?

Here are the key differences between CIE IGCSE World Literature and CIE IGCSE English Literature (opens in a new tab):

CIE IGCSE World Literature includes literary texts either written in English originally or translated into English. It has a broader focus on authors from around the world. Assessment is the same for all students and includes a compulsory coursework component.

CIE IGCSE English Literature only includes literary texts written in English originally. While it does include some texts from different countries and cultures, it’s more focused on traditional texts from authors such as Jane Austen or William Shakespeare. Assessment involves different routes; some students take a coursework component, while others only take written exams.

Is IGCSE World Literature hard?

Though it’s generally not listed among the hardest IGCSEs, some students find IGCSE World Literature challenging.

The extensive reading can be difficult, as you’ll need to know novels, poems and plays well enough to analyse them in-depth.

While some enjoy the independence and creativity of the coursework component, some students find extended writing challenging. You’ll need careful planning and multiple drafts.

If you enjoy reading widely and writing essays, you'll find the course challenging but ultimately rewarding. Our guide on how to revise for IGCSE English Literature also applies to IGCSE World Literature.

What can you do with IGCSE World Literature?

Here are just some of the pathways IGCSE World Literature can open up:

Further Study

• A Level English Literature

• Degrees in World Literature or joint honours, such as English and World Literature

Careers

• Law, as you’ll develop the ability to craft an evidence-based argument

• Journalism, as you’ll learn develop strong writing skills

• Publishing, as you’ll be well-versed in a range of literary texts

Frequently Asked Questions

Does IGCSE World Literature have coursework?

Yes. Component 1 requires you to submit two written assignments: one critical essay (800-1200 words) and one empathic response (600-1000 words). 

Are the texts in English or in translation?

Both. Every text is either written in English originally or translated into English, so you don’t need to know any additional languages.

How many texts will I study?

It depends on which year you're taking the exam and which texts your school has chosen. Generally, you’ll study at least one prose text or 10 short stories, 14-15 poems, and two different drama texts for coursework. Check with your teacher to be sure.

Can I take IGCSE World Literature alongside IGCSE Literature in English?

Most students don't, because the two courses overlap heavily and your school timetable rarely allows both. If you're keen on literature, your school will usually advise picking one and choosing a different humanities subject (like IGCSE History) alongside it. If you do want to take both, discuss it with your teacher.

If you want a literature course with a global focus, IGCSE World Literature is an ideal choice. Consider the best IGCSE subject combinations to help you make an informed decision about your IGCSE options.