Course information
The History A level is studied over a total of five modules: two at AS level and a further three at A level.
At AS level, you will learn about the transition Britain underwent in the Victorian and Edwardian periods between the mid-19th century and the beginning of the First World War. You’ll then study the events and people shaping the USA from the end of the Second World War, up to the assassination of John F Kennedy in 1963.
At A level, you will take what you have learned further by studying Britain from 1914 to 1964, exploring how two World Wars impacted society and politics in the United Kingdom. Next, you will shift focus again to the USA as the Civil Rights Movement, Reaganism and the Cold War left their marks between 1963 and 1980.
The final module is a unit of coursework on Black American Inequality in the USA, focusing on the period of American slavery, emancipation and abolition between 1780 and 1900.
The History A level course is arranged around the themes of Challenge and Transformation (British modules), and The American Dream (USA). Throughout the course you will gain a balanced overview of how modern history developed on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as the interplay between the fortunes of Britain and the USA.
As you progress through the modules, you will complete tutor-marked assignments and receive valuable feedback, support and insights into each era you study from your tutor.
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Examining board and exams
The course has been written to prepare you for the AQA exam board’s History A level qualification, with the following syllabus codes:
The course is assessed by two 90-minute exams at AS level and two 2.5-hour exams at A level, as well as a unit of NEA (coursework).
In order to do the NEA, you will need to be able to follow the rules for authentication. They can be found here.
What can I do with a History A level?
Studying history teaches students an important set of skills that can be applied in many different situations. You will learn to critically examine material, questioning its reliability and usefulness for a specific purpose. You’ll develop the ability to look at issues through a range of different cultural lenses, and gain confidence in independently researching topics.
Many people study history because they are interested in a particular era, event or theme that they want to delve deeper into when they progress to Higher Education. You may want to study the impacts of trade throughout the ages, or the long-term effects of the Napoleonic Wars on the present day. History is a never-ending subject, and whatever your passion is, you’ll find others in Higher Education who share it and can help you study it in greater depth.
History graduates often pursue academic positions such as researchers, professors, lecturers and university librarians. They may also want to work with museums and galleries all over the country as curators, archivists, assistants and educators.
However, history jobs aren’t always in the academic sphere. A good understanding of history can be a great asset for a role in journalism and media, and in politics and local government.
The critical thinking skills that help you analyse information, and use it to formulate an argument can be useful in fields as diverse as marketing, law and business. A history qualification normally indicates that you are good at communicating your ideas in writing.
Jobs where history qualifications are an asset may be found in:
- Museums and galleries
- Universities and schools
- Newspapers and magazines
- Marketing and advertising firms
- Civil service and local government
- Legal firms
How much does it cost?
Our History A level course fee is £525 with a £105 deposit, payable in eight instalments of £52.50.
You will receive support from a fully-qualified tutor holding either a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a degree in education. This support includes:
- Marking all assignments for the course
- Written answers to specific study problems
- Tutor contact via telephone, email and skype
- Marking and moderation of your NEA project
When you begin this course, you will agree on an examination date or dates with your Student Adviser. Your support period lasts up to this examination date.
Prerequisites
Normally we expect students to have at least four good GCSEs to begin the History A level, ideally including a grade C or above in English GCSE/IGCSE or equivalent. However, a History GCSE is not necessary.
If you believe you have other relevant qualifications or experience which would allow you to start a History A level course, please contact one of our student advisers on 0800 975 75 75.
Due to the stringent NEA requirements, the last application date for this course’s summer 2023 exams is the 30th September 2022
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Books
History, more than any other A level, requires you to read around the subject you are studying. The books below are a good start and individual modules will mention each of them. Each module will also recommend other texts you might wish to read. If you can’t get hold of the exact text mentioned in the course, don’t worry, your tutor will be able to recommend other texts and resources.
