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
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.
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:
OR
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
AS Level Exams
There are two exams for the AS Level qualification. The length of each exam is as follows:
For Cambridge International AS & A Level History, learners can:
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
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.
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
Cambridge International AS Level History International History 1870–1939 – Etty, John, Walsh-Atkins, Patrick
Not see the book you are looking for? Ask us and we will let you know if we have it!
Good subject combinations to take alongside History include:
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.
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:
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.
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.
