History A Level [Y1]

You can only apply for one course type on an application.

Applying for A-Levels and/or V-Levels? You can choose to study three A-Levels or create a mixed programme combining A-Levels with other qualifications, including the new V-Levels. You will select the courses from a list of relevant subjects when you apply.

Applying for T-Levels? T-Levels are full-time courses that allow you to focus on one subject.

Applying for Vocational courses? Our technical and professional vocational courses are full-time programmes focusing on one subject. You can apply for up to two courses in the same application.

We accept applications to more than one campus; however once you have attended an interview session and received an offer from us, you will need to confirm your first-choice course and the campus you want to study at.

Our History A-Level is an exciting, engaging and rewarding subject. You will explore many topics, including the development and changes of modern Communist states in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and develop key skills such as critical thinking and analytical writing.

Over the next two years, you will explore a range of topics that will increase your knowledge base and develop a range of highly transferable skills. One of the major topics you will study during the course is Communist regimes. This includes the regime in the USSR between the Revolution of 1917 right up until the end of the Cold War in 1991 and the regime in Communist China under Chairman Mao. You will be studying challenging historical controversies, such as the reasons for the fall of the USSR or the rapid and tragic transformation of Chinese society during the 1950s and 60s. There is one coursework unit when you will use secondary sources to examine the reasons behind Stalin's rise to power - when nobody else expected he would become leader. You will also have the opportunity to explore the development of a democratic system of government in Britain in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. You will be looking at the forward-thinking Chartist movement and the radical Suffragettes, as well as considering the impact of the Trade Union Movement and the rise of the Labour Party.

Your History A-Level will be assessed through three exams at the end of your second year. Paper 1 will focus on Russia from 1917-1991: from Lenin to Yeltsin and will be worth 60 marks. Paper 2 will focus on Mao’s China from 1949-1976 and will be worth 40 marks. Paper 3 will focus on Parliamentary agitation and protest of 1780-1928 and will be worth 60 marks. In addition, you will complete one piece of coursework marked out of 40 and is worth 20% of your final grade.

Our general entry criteria to study 3 A-Levels is: Minimum five GCSEs grade 4-9 with English Language or Maths at grade 5. For a mixed Level 3 programme the criteria are: Minimum five GCSEs grade 4-9 with English Language or Maths at grade 4. Subject specific entry criteria apply:A GCSE grade 5 in English Language.

As a facilitating subject, History combines well with other A-Levels, including Politics, Philosophy, English Literature, and Sociology, as well as modern languages. History is a sought after A-Level and can provide a pathway to most university courses and can provide a great range of skills for any career.