A Level History
Enrol Anytime | Enrolment Fee £445
Open the door to a career in history by exploring key events, people and ideas that have shaped our world. Gain a solid foundation in historical analysis, research, communication and evaluation techniques helping you to secure a spot in higher education or the workplace.
- Awarding Bodies: Cambridge
- Learning Hours: Full A Level: 360 Study Hours
- Flexible Fast Track Available
- Full A Level Qualification
Overview
Would you like to progress your education through distance learning? An online A Level History course can open doors to a rewarding career in arts, humanities and heritage. The programme with Learn Now provides the same fully recognised qualification you would achieve if attending mainstream college but giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
If you are an adult learner, a student resitting exams, or someone juggling studies with work and family, this could work perfectly. The course is designed to suit many lifestyles and upon successful completion, you will earn up to 56 UCAS points to support your progression to university. This qualification will provide a stepping stone for highly sought-after degree programmes, such as History, Archaeology, Politics, Law, International Relations, Journalism, and Education.
Choose Your Specification
Whether you are based inside or outside the UK, we can offer the following specification to all learners.
- Cambridge International CIE (9489) (UK and International Learners)
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.
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Enrol Anytime | Enrolment Fee £445
Select your course type from the dropdown below. Choose A Level if you are studying the full two-year syllabus. Alternatively, select IAS or IA2 either just the first or second years content.
Cambridge A Level History
Specification Code: 9489
This Cambridge Specification 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 in the course.
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 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.
Year One Content
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
Year Two Content
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
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.
A Level Exams
There are four exams for the full Advanced 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 Advanced Subsidiary qualification. The length of each exam is as follows:- Paper 1 – 1 hour 15 min
- Paper 2 – 1 hour 45 min
For Cambridge, learners can:
- take Papers 1 and 2 only (for the Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary qualification) or
- follow a staged assessment route by taking Papers 1 and 2 (for the Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary qualification) in one series, then Papers 3 and 4 (for the Cambridge International Advanced 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 Advanced Level.
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
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(s) 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 to the exam series and this will be paid directly to the exam centre. Please see our private candidate exam guide for more information.
Request More Information about A Level History
FAQs
Will I find this course hard?
For 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 eBooks such as:
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!
Which subjects should I study alongside this course?
There are many subjects you can pair with History and here are just a few examples:
- 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.
- 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?
Both UK and International learners can take Cambridge which offer exam centres worldwide.
AQA,Cambridge (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel provide global recognition for their qualifications and are recognised by universities.At the end of the course you will receive an internationally recognised qualification which will allow you to apply to most universities 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 as follows:
- Cambridge (CIE) – May/June or October/November
We have more information on Exam Timetables here.
What can I do with A Level 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
- public services.