History (A-Level)

Outline

The course explores significant periods of British, European and American history, allowing you to investigate political, social and cultural change while developing your skills as an independent historian.

Unit 1 – The Tudors, 1485–1603

Explore the reigns of the Tudor monarchs, examining royal power, rebellion, religion and the major political and social changes that transformed England.

Unit 2 – Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945

Discover the challenges faced by the Weimar Republic, the rise of Hitler and the Nazis, and how dictatorship, war and persecution transformed German society.

Unit 3 – Coursework: Civil Rights in America, 1866–1970

Investigate the long struggle for African American civil rights, exploring key individuals, movements and turning points.

This unit will also develop your independent research and historical analysis skills as you complete your coursework.

Enrichment opportunities

Your study of History will extend beyond the classroom through opportunities including:

• Educational visits to London and Europe
• Guest speakers from prestigious universities
• Wider reading opportunities
• Historical research
• Expert support with your independent coursework

These experiences will help bring the people, places and events you study to life while further developing your research and academic skills.

Progression

A-Level History develops highly transferable skills and can support progression to university, higher and degree apprenticeships or employment.

Law and Public Service

Potential career areas include:

• Solicitor
• Barrister
• Civil Service

The ability to analyse evidence, construct arguments and communicate confidently provides valuable preparation for careers in law and public service.

Journalism, Education and Museums

You could also progress towards careers including:

• Journalism
• Teaching
• Museums

These areas make use of the research, writing and analytical skills developed throughout the course.

Higher Education

Potential university degree areas include:

• History
• Law
• Politics
• International Relations
• Journalism
• Education
• Social Sciences

Assessment

A-Level History is assessed through a combination of written examinations and coursework.

Written Examinations – 80%

Examinations account for 80% of your overall qualification and assess your historical knowledge alongside your ability to analyse, evaluate and construct well-supported arguments.

Coursework – 20%

Coursework accounts for the remaining 20% of your qualification.

Your independent coursework focuses on Civil Rights in America, 1866–1970, requiring you to use research and historical analysis to investigate the long struggle for African American civil rights.

Throughout the course, you will develop critical thinking, analysis and evaluation, research, academic writing, communication, debate and independent learning skills.

Entry Requirements

A combination of 5 Grade 4’s and 5’s or above at GCSE (including maths and English). * One Vocational Qualification in a related subject area will be considered in place of a GCSE. Subject Specific Entry Requirements: GCSE English Language and GCSE History (if studied) at Grade 5.

* Fees

Don’t let the cost of studying put you off – most of our students study for FREE, and those who don’t qualify for funding are very often eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Eligibility depends on both the course you have chosen to study and your individual circumstances.

Apply

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