History A Level

The syllabus focus is on historical change. The first year concentrates upon European History, looking at the decline of Tsarist Russia from 1855 to the Bolshevik revolution in 1917 and the unification of Italy from 1848-1871. The second year examines British History in the reigns of Edward VI, Mary and Elizabeth from 1547-1603 and a piece of coursework is undertaken on a topic of the students' own choosing.

History develops important transferrable skills such as critical analysis and writing skills which are highly valued by universities and employers. Successful students in History are inquisitive, read extensively, and excel at arguing.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 40 points for your average GCSE score, Mathematics and English Language and at least three other GCSEs from our specified range of GCSE subjects at grades A*-C and a satisfactory reference.

International Entry Requirements
IELTS 5.5, High School Certificate Grade C or above (or equivalent)

Content and Assessment

Unit 1 covers Russia 1855–1917 from the Crimean War to the revolutions of 1917. Russia changed a great deal in this period and students will consider the nature and pace of change, forces for and against it and debate interpretations of events in the period. Unit 2 covers the road to the unification of Italy 1848-71. Students analyse the reasons why Italy evolved into a unified state, including the importance of individuals like Cavour, Garibaldi, Mazzini and Louis Napoleon. The second year looks at sixteenth century England, as described above, and students devise a 4,000 word extended essay for their coursework.

Coursework

There is no coursework in the first year. Unit four in the second year is coursework and is 40% of the A2 marks.

Course Duration

The A level qualification is a full-time course achieved over a two year period. In the first year you study the AS modules and in the second year you will study the A2 modules. The year begins in September and runs through to the beginning of July.

Progression

History is a well respected A level. A good grade shows universities that you have honed your analytical skills and it will broaden your opportunities in Higher Education.

Additional Information

You may want to have your own copies of key textbooks but they are often inexpensive. The course will include visits to conferences and the National Archive at Kew.