History (AQA)

About this course

History is the study of past events, with an emphasis on the human experience and how societies have evolved over time. It provides context for understanding the present and predicting the future, based on a thorough awareness of the human condition. It will help you to develop your critical thinking and analytical skills and provide a framework for interpreting patterns of change, understating different cultures and belief systems. It will also help you to appreciate the complexity and diversity of situations, events and ways of thinking.

A level History is highly recommended for further study in Humanities, Languages, Education and Social Science.

It can be combined with English Literature, Politics and Sociology for entry to a broad range of humanities and social science subjects.

It develops your analytical, research and communications skills ensuring self-discipline, self-direction and initiative.

What you will study/learn

A level in History offers a broad range of options in the following areas:

  • Component 1:

    The Age of the Crusades, c1071–1204, Spain in the Age of Discovery, 1469–1598, The Tudors: England, 1485–1603, Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603–1702, Russia in the Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment, 1682–1796, Industrialisation and the people: Britain, c1783–1885, Challenge and transformation: Britain, c1851–1964, Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964, The British Empire, c1857–1967, The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975, The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991

  • Component 2:

    Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216, The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499, The Reformation in Europe, c1500–1564, Religious conflict and the Church in England, c1529–c1570, The English Revolution, 1625–1660, The Sun King: Louis XIV, France and Europe, 1643–1715, The Birth of the USA, 1760–1801, France in Revolution, 1774–1815, America: A Nation Divided, International Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941, Italy and Fascism, c1900–1945, Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906–1957, Revolution and dictatorship: Russia, 1917–1953, Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945, The Transformation of China, 1936–1997, The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945–1980, The Cold War, c1945–1991, The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007, The Crisis of Communism: The USSR and the Soviet Empire, 1953–2000

  • Component 3:

    Historical investigation

Assessment:

The AQA A Level in History assessment strategy has three components:

  • Component 1 assesses understanding of breadth and of historical interpretations. - 40% of A level
  • Component 2 assesses understanding of depth and of the value of primary sources. - 40% of A level
  • Component 3 is a Historical Investigation (non-exam assessment). - 20% of A level

Entry requirements

Students applying for A Level programmes must have the equivalent of 4 GCSEs with a grade 5-8 (A-C grade) or better, or have taken A Levels previously, with unsatisfactory results, and level B2 English according to the CEFR for Languages; either IELTS 5.0 or better, or Cambridge FCE Grade C or above (this only applies to applicants whose first language is not English).

Students may also apply for A Level programmes if they have a satisfactory high school leaving certificate, or secondary school exit qualification, which is not equivalent to the A Level for UCAS purposes.

There are no specific previous learning requirements for AQA History. However, we recommend that students should have the skills and knowledge associated with a GCSE History or equivalent.

Awarding Body

AQA

Career Prospects and further study

Students with an A level in History can pursue further study and careers in education, journalism, politics, government and in museums and national archives.