A Level: History

Course title: Advanced GCE in History

Exam board: AQA

Subject specific entry criteria: Grade 7 in GCSE History.

Course overview

Unit 1: Breadth Study

Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964

This option allows students to address the following key questions:

  • How was Russia governed and how did political authority change and develop?
  • Why did opposition develop and how effective was it?
  • How and with what results did the economy develop and change?
  • What was the extent of social and cultural change?
  • How important were ideas and ideology?
  • How important was the role of individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?

Unit 2: Depth Study 

The Making of Modern Britain, 1951-1997 

This option provides for the study in depth of the key political, economic, social and international changes which helped to mould Britain in the second half of the 20th century. It explores concepts such as government and opposition, class, social division and cultural change. It encourages students to reflect on Britain’s changing place in the world as well as the interrelationship between political policies, economic developments and political survival. 

Unit 3: Historical Enquiry NEA

  • A personal study based on the Crusades. This should take the form of a question in the context of c.100 years.
  • 3000-3500 words
Assessment overview

Unit 1: written exam:

  • 2 hours 30 minutes
  •  40% of A Level

Unit 2: written exam:

  • 2 hours 30 minutes
  • 40% of A Level

Unit 3: Marked by teachers and moderated by AQA

  • 20% of A Level
Future progression

History can be studied at university in its own right, as well as in combination with other subjects such as Languages, Politics or Economics. There are also a range of related degrees such as International Relations or American Studies.

Potential careers

The majority of students who take History degrees do not enter a field connected to History. Those who do can be teachers, archaeologists, archivists or professional historians. Others enter a wide range of professions including the law, marketing, journalism, the armed forces, and management roles to name just a few. In fact, many of the skills you develop make it an ideal training for almost any profession. It is a highly regarded subject.

How to succeed in History

You will need a genuine interest in the subject and a passion for debate and argument. You should be prepared to work hard and to read and to read and write extensively.

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