What grade do I need in IB English A: Literature HL for Western University?

You need a minimum grade of 5/7 in IB English A: Literature HL to receive transfer credit at Western University.

How much can I save with IB English A: Literature HL at Western University?

By transferring IB English A: Literature HL credits to Western University, you can save approximately $1440 CAD in tuition costs (6 credits at ~$240/credit).

Does Western University give transfer credit for IB English A: Literature HL?

London, ON

Faculty: General Admission

Yes, Transfer Credit Available!

Minimum Grade Required

5or higher

Credit Granted

English 1020E (1.0 credit)

💡Expert's Take

This is a named, full 1.0-credit English course that clears the first-year prerequisite for upper-year English study, but there is an important structural caveat worth knowing before assuming it satisfies Western's graduation requirements. Western awards English 1020E (Understanding Literature Today), a year-long, essay-designated course, for IB English A HL (both Language and Literature and Literature variants appear under the same "HL English A" entry in Western's transfer credit table). While English 1020E carries the "E" suffix marking it as an essay course, Western's graduation policy specifies that essay-designated courses must be completed at Western, IB and AP transfer credits do not satisfy the 2.0 essay-course graduation requirement.

English 1020E satisfies the prerequisite for many upper-year English courses, which commonly require at least 60% in 1.0 of English 1020-1999 for registration, though exact prerequisites vary by course. For students planning to pursue an English module, which requires at least 1.0 credit from English 1020-1999 with a minimum 60%, the IB credit likely satisfies this component, but since IB transfer credits are not awarded a percentage grade in the same way as a completed course, students should confirm how the credit is recorded with a Western Launch advisor once their transfer credit assessment is finalized.

It is also worth noting that Western's IB table applies the same English 1020E credit to both IB English A variants, Language and Literature and Literature, with no distinction. IB English B, however, is listed as not eligible for any transfer credit at Western.

What to watch for:

The enriched track (English 1022E) is closed. English 1022E, the enriched introduction to English literature, which requires a minimum of 85% in Grade 12U English, is listed as an antirequisite to English 1020E. Once a student holds English 1020E credit, they cannot also take 1022E for credit. Students who had intended to pursue the enriched track should discuss this with an advisor before their credit assessment is finalized.
The essay-course graduation requirement must be completed at Western. Although English 1020E is an essay-designated course (E suffix), Western's policy explicitly states that the 2.0 essay-course graduation requirement must be fulfilled through courses completed at Western, IB and AP transfer credits do not count toward it. Students will need to complete all 2.0 essay credits (at least 1.0 at the 2000-level or above) through Western coursework regardless of this IB credit.
Transfer credit is assessed after offer acceptance. For Ontario applicants, Western evaluates IB credit after the student accepts their offer. Plan first-year registration with that timing in mind and confirm the credit with Western Launch once the assessment is complete.

Students who receive this credit and are interested in English can redirect their first year toward 2000-level English courses, breadth requirements, or courses that build toward their intended module, rather than repeating first-year content they have already effectively covered. Students who feel their writing skills would benefit from consolidation before moving to upper-year English should be aware that Western's policy states that if a student takes a first-year course at Western for which they have already been granted IB transfer credit, they forfeit that transfer credit and must achieve the required mark in the Western course instead. Repeating 1020E is therefore not a risk-free option, students considering it should discuss the implications with a Western Launch advisor before registering.

Official award line (IB English A: Literature HL):
Minimum score: 5 or higher
Credit granted: English 1020E, 1.0 credit
Western's transfer credit table lists both IB English A HL variants (Literature; Language and Literature) under a single "HL English A" entry, both produce the same outcome.
Requires full IB Diploma (HL individual certificates are not eligible).

Western University, International Baccalaureate transfer credit table

Need help preparing for IB English A: Literature HL?

📖 Complete IB English Guide 💡 IB English Literature Guide

Your Potential Savings

Min Grade

5/7

Credit Granted

ENGL 1XX (0.5 units) — Elective credit

(1 credit)

Est. Savings

$450

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Tip: Different provinces have different tuition rates. Use these comparisons to find the best value for your residency status.

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Data Disclaimer

This information is compiled from Western University official sources and verified community reports. It is NOT a substitute for official academic advising. Always confirm with your advisor before making decisions.

✓Official University Website

Last updated: December 2025

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