About this course
This course is ideal for students who are fascinated by how societies change over time and want to understand the events, individuals and ideas that have shaped the modern world. A Level History encourages students to investigate political systems, social developments, conflict and the causes and consequences of major historical events.
Throughout the course, you will explore significant periods of modern history, including the development and collapse of Soviet Russia, the rise and fall of Communist rule in East Germany and the changing nature of British warfare from 1790 to 1918. You will examine how governments gained and maintained power, how societies responded to change and how historians interpret the past in different ways.
Students will develop the ability to analyse evidence, evaluate competing historical interpretations and construct well-supported arguments. The coursework element provides an opportunity to conduct independent research into a historical debate of your choice, developing skills that are highly valued in higher education.
This course is ideal for learners who enjoy reading, questioning ideas and debating different viewpoints. History develops valuable skills for a wide range of future pathways, including law, politics, journalism, education, research and many other careers requiring strong communication and analytical abilities.
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What will you learn?
Throughout the course, you will study major political, social and military developments across the modern period. The course combines detailed historical knowledge with analysis of evidence, interpretations and debates between historians.
Topics include:
Russia 1917–1991
The leadership of Russia from 1917 to 1985.
The policies of leaders including Lenin, Stalin, Khrushchev and Brezhnev.
The impact of government policies on:
Politics and systems of control
The economy
Social developments
Russian society
The use of propaganda, arts, culture and the secret police to influence and control the population.
The reasons for the decline and collapse of the Soviet Union between 1985 and 1991.
German Democratic Republic (GDR) 1949–1990
The creation and development of East Germany following Soviet occupation.
The structure and control of the Communist state.
Social, political and economic challenges facing the GDR.
Growing opposition and the collapse of Communist rule across Eastern Europe.
British Experience of Warfare 1790–1918
Changes in military organisation, leadership and roles.
British and French Wars.
The Crimean War.
The Second Boer War.
World War One.
How warfare transformed British society and the armed forces.
Historical Coursework
Independent research into a historical debate.
Analysis of historians’ interpretations.
Producing a 4,000-word essay evaluating which interpretation is most convincing.
Students will also develop an understanding of how historians use evidence, debate interpretations and construct arguments about the past.
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is aimed at students who enjoy exploring the past, questioning why events happened and understanding how individuals and societies have shaped the modern world. It is suitable for learners who are interested in politics, conflict, social change and the development of different societies.
Students do not need to have studied History at GCSE, but they should have a genuine interest in historical events and be prepared to complete regular reading and research. The course is ideal for students who enjoy debating ideas, analysing evidence and forming reasoned arguments.
History is an excellent choice for students considering higher education, particularly in subjects such as History, Politics, Law, International Relations, English or Sociology. It also develops skills valued across many careers, including teaching, journalism, heritage, research, management and public service.
Students should have achieved GCSE Grade 5 in English Language and Grade 5 in History (if taken) with an average GCSE points score of 4.2 or above. This course is best suited to students with a strong interest in modern history, a willingness to undertake extensive reading and a commitment to developing research, analytical and evaluative skills. Students should enjoy exploring different interpretations of historical events and forming their own evidence-based judgements.
Assessment takes place through three written examinations at the end of the second year, lasting between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 15 minutes. Students will also complete a 4,000-word coursework essay based on an independently researched historical debate. Throughout the course, learners will complete regular assessments, including source analysis questions, essay practice and topic tests to develop exam technique and historical understanding.
Students will develop skills in:
Historical and Analytical Skills
Evaluating historical evidence
Analysing interpretations
Building reasoned arguments
Making informed judgements
Understanding cause, consequence and change over time
Research and Academic Skills
Independent research
Source analysis
Academic writing
Using historical terminology
Developing essay technique
Personal and Professional Skills
Communication
Time management
Organisation
Self-confidence
Decision-making
Teamwork
Self-motivation
Focus and responsibility
These transferable skills are highly valued by universities and employers across a wide range of sectors.
Progression routes
A Level History provides an excellent foundation for higher education, apprenticeships and careers that require strong research, communication and analytical skills.
Possible progression routes include careers in:
History and Historical Research
Teaching and Education
Museums and Heritage
Archives and Libraries
Journalism
International Relations
Politics and Public Service
Law
Research and Analysis
Human Resources
Students may progress to degree courses in History, Politics, International Relations, Law, Archaeology, Sociology or related subjects. The ability to analyse information, evaluate evidence and communicate complex ideas effectively makes History a highly respected qualification for a wide range of academic and professional pathways.
Related Courses
Looking for something that works well with this course? Here are some related courses to consider.
English Literature
Geography
