Level 3
History A Level
A Level History covers depth and breadth studies of periods of time to develop your understanding of society and the world, as well as valuable skills for life including analysis, research, communication and problem-solving.
Quick info
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Course overview
A Level History covers depth and breadth studies of periods of time to develop your understanding of society and the world, as well as valuable skills for life including analysis, research, communication and problem-solving.
How to apply
Find out more about our A Level pathways and how to apply
Who is this course for?
This course is for students who are interested in History.
What you’ll learn
- Component 1 – Tsarist and Communist Russia 1855 – 1964
This is a breadth study which examines political, economic, social and cultural change in Russia over a long period of time. It takes us from the Russia of the Tsars, to the dramatic revolutions of 1905 and 1917 which topple the autocracy amidst the destruction of WWI.
We then look at the attempts to build a communist society under Lenin and the Bolsheviks and how these early utopian aspirations are crushed as Stalin consolidates his grip on power. Finally, we look at how Stalin was able to defeat the attack on Russia by Nazi Germany in WWII and then how Krushchev sought to reform the Soviet system during the Cold War.
This unit has a focus on historical interpretations – the differing judgements that historians draw about the past. For this unit, you will have a two-hour and thirty-minute long examination, making up 40% of your overall A Level grade.
- Component 2 – The Making of Modern Britain 1951 – 2007
Component 2 explores the making of Modern Britain 1951 – 2007. This is an in-depth study that takes a detailed look at Britain’s post-war history, focusing on political, economic, social and cultural events, in addition to British foreign policy. This unit focuses on how historians use contemporary sources to build their understanding of the past.
- Component 3 – Assessment and Essay
Component 3 is a non-examined assessment: a 3500-word essay on a topic of your choosing.
This requires you to independently research and then write an extended essay about an issue or development that takes place over roughly one hundred years.
Entry requirements
5 x GCSEs at grade 4 and above including GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 and above with a grade 6 in History or English language.
We will invite you to a Course information meeting event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
You will provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support to be able to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference / school report.
At Course information meeting you will be able to discuss the Pathways for A-levels and look at combinations. We will ensure you are of the specific entry requirements at GCSE grade per A-level subject as some subjects will require higher than grade 5
Future career and study
Universities recognise A Level History as a good academic qualification. It provides valuable preparation for degrees in History, Law and many others.
Additional costs
This course is free to anyone aged 16-18. There is no formal list of additional costs. However, if you are on a limited income, you may be eligible to receive help with these costs from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.