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A Level History Online Course CIE

The A Level History Online course with Learn Now follows the CIE (9489) specification and is equivalent to the qualification you would achieve if attending mainstream college. Once completed, you will obtain UCAS points which will support progression to university in degrees such as Ancient History, English, Philosophy and Law. Going down the History route? Some Universities will allow you to specialise in topics later on (modern, medieval political, global etc).

This course would suit adult learners returning to education, students resitting exams or studying alongside other commitments, and learners looking to be accepted into University.

Please note that the Cambridge specification is 100% exam based which is why we offer this course to learners. You won’t need to worry about the extra costs for coursework when booking exams (also referred to as a non-examined assessment NEA).

From 2027, this syllabus will not be available to learners in the USA. If you are planning to sit exams within the USA, please ask us about alternative routes.

Enrol Anytime | Enrolment Fee £395

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A Level

IAS or IA2

Syllabus

This A Level History Course will help you understand the significance of historical events, the role of individuals in history and the nature of change over time. You will gain a deeper understanding of the past through political, social, economic and cultural perspectives. The engaging topics available will provide you with the knowledge and skills you require to succeed as AS and A-level historians.

The emphasis is on both historical knowledge and on the skills required for historical research. Learners develop an understanding of cause and effect, continuity and change, similarity and difference, and use historical evidence as part of their studies.

The Full A Level History course has three modules you will need to cover which is split into IAS and IA2. The IAS Level has one module and all of these are listed below.

IAS Modules

For Papers 1 and 2, candidates study one of the following options:

European option: Modern Europe, 1774–1924

During 1774 and 1924, Europe went through drastic changes in how countries were ruled. Most countries were ruled by kings and emperors who made sole decisions and ordinary people had little say. Over time, many people felt this was unfair as they would face high taxes, poverty and food shortages.

Citizens felt they should have basic rights and others who shared a common culture wanted to be ruled together as one country rather than being split into small states. During this period, industrialisation increased and many workers demanded better pay and living conditions. This led to further pressure on the governments.

Changes led to revolutions, reforms and wars in several European countries. In this topic, you will cover:

France, 1774–1814
Liberalism and nationalism in Germany, 1815–71
Russia from autocracy to revolution, 1881–1924

OR

International option: International history, 1870–1939

During 1870 and 1939, the world became more connected. However, countries also became more tense and unstable. Europe, Japan and the US completed for land and resources outside of their own borders. European countries invaded large parts of Africa. They claimed that they were helping local people but their intentions were to gain wealth and power for themselves.

Following the First World War, the League of Nations was implemented to help keep peace, however many countries were unhappy with the peace settlements. Economics problems and fear for what the future may hold caused extreme governments to gain power in the 1930s. These tensions led to the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.

Imperialism and the emergence of world powers, c.1870–1918
International relations, 1919–29: conflict and cooperation
International history, 1929–39: the rise of extremism and the road to war

IA2 Modules

For paper 3, learners will study the following option:

Topic 2: The Holocaust

This topic will explore how the Holocaust happened and who was responsible for it. During the Second World War, six million Jews were murdered along with millions of other victims by Nazi Germany.

This topic will consider the role of the perpetrators and ask the question ‘why did so many people take part?’ By comparing different interpretations, learners will see that the Holocaust was the result of multiple causes rather than a single decision or individual. Here are the learning modules:

The background of European and German anti- Semitism and racist theories
Nazi anti-Semitism and persecution of the Jews, 1933–41
The impact of war on Nazi policy towards the Jews
Ghettoisation and Jewish responses to the Holocaust
The development of Nazi extermination policies towards Jews and other minorities
Contemporary reactions to the Holocaust

For Paper 4, learners will study the following option:

European option: European history, 1919–41

Following the First World War, many people faced unemployment, poverty and disappointment with weak governments. This gave the opportunity for strong leaders to rise to power such as Mussolini (Italy), Stalin (Soviet Union) and Hitler (Germany).

This topic explores how the leaders below gained control and turned their countries into dictatorship where opposition was limited or destroyed.

This topic will also look at the lives of women, young people and workers as well as how minorities were treated.

Mussolini’s Italy, 1919–41
Stalin’s Russia, 1924–41
Hitler’s Germany, 1929–41

What can I do with an A Level in History?

This qualification will give you knowledge and skills which will prepare you for higher education, and which are also useful in any career. Students who specialise in history can go on to become historical researchers, work in heritage organisations or become teachers.

History will also support other career paths such as journalism, politics, law, social work and public services.

Previous Knowledge Required

There are no previous entry requirements for this course, however students are expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy.

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 24 months from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor.

Enrolment Fees

Our Enrolment fee for this course is noted at the top of this page where you can enrol directly onto the course. This fee includes access to your course including tutor support for 2 years.

Our enrolment fee includes:

All study materials covering the full specification.
Full support where you can also message your tutor as many times as you need to.
Access to our online Library with a full range of eBooks.
Help completing university applications including UCAS and The Common Application.
Reference and predicted grade for University.
Assignment marking and feedback
Marked and graded practise examination papers
Eligibility for a Totum Card if you reside within the UK
Fast Track A Level if required and flexible learning from home 24/7.

The only other fee you will need to pay is for your exams which is due approximately six months prior and this will be paid directly to the exam centre.

Assessments

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations at a CIE approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

Please note: from 2027 this syllabus is not available to learners within the USA. If you require an A Level in History and want to sit exams within the USA, please contact us for other options.

A Level Exams
There are four exams for the full A Level qualification. The length of each exam is as follows:

Paper 1 – 1 hour 15 min
Paper 2 – 1 hour 45 min
Paper 3 – 1 hour 15 min
Paper 4 – 1 hour 45 min

AS Level Exams
There are two exams for the AS Level qualification. The length of each exam is as follows:

Paper 1 – 1 hour 15 min
Paper 2 – 1 hour 45 min

For Cambridge International AS & A Level History, learners can:

take Papers 1 and 2 only (for the Cambridge International AS Level qualification) or
follow a staged assessment route by taking Papers 1 and 2 (for the Cambridge International AS Level qualification) in one series, then Papers 3 and 4 (for the Cambridge International A Level qualification) in a later series or
take Papers 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the same examination series, leading to the full Cambridge International A Level.

A Level History Online Course Outcome

On successful completion of all your exams, you will be awarded one of the following qualifications:

International A Level in History with CIE | International AS Level in History with CIE

Click here for more information on CIE and to be taken to their official website

FAQs

Still unsure? See below for more information on A Level History

Will I find this course hard?

For A Level History, learners must be able to carry out research on events and be ok with reading and writing essays. Some learners may struggle at first because answers must be analytical rather than descriptive but completing assignments will help with this.

If you like to understand why things happened years ago and are willing to practise essay skills, this course could be for you.

Will I need to buy any books?

You will not be required to purchase any books with this course. We automatically include logins to our online e-Library which includes access to following eBook(s):

Cambridge International AS Level History – International History, 1870-1945

Wadsworth, Phil, Walsh-Atkins, Patrick

Not see the book you are looking for? Ask us and we will let you know if we have it!

Which subjects should I study alongside A Level History?

Good subject combinations to take alongside History include:

A Level English Literature – Both English and History are essay-based subjects that build on analysis, argument and writing skills. Learners could progress onto pathways in Law, Journalism, Teaching or Humanities.
A Level Politics (UK learners only) – History provides context and Politics would explain how systems work today. These subjects would work well for Law, International Relations and the Civil Service.

Can I study this course from outside the UK?

Cambridge International A Level History can be taken outside the UK as well as within the UK. Cambridge provide global recognition for their A Level qualifications and are recognised by universities.

At the end of this course you will receive an Internationally recognised qualification which will allow you to apply a university situated anywhere in the world.

What is the difference between AS and A Level?

AS and A levels are standalone qualifications, however the Full A Level carries more UCAS points than the AS Level. It also requires more study hours as follows:

AS Level = 180 hours
A Level = 360 hours

You will see the difference in the content above under ‘syllabus’ but you can also refer to our article on ‘what is as level’ for more information.

How long does the course take?

You will receive access and support for two years, however you can complete it much sooner if you want to. Exams for this subject fall in May/June and October/November each year and therefore you are able to choose which exam sitting you want to apply for. We have more information on exam timetables here.

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