Skip to content ↓

History (A Level)

Course Overview

History is a good foundation subject for many degree courses across a wide range of subjects including Law, Business Studies, Economics, Social Policy, Philosophy, Social Sciences and Educational Studies. A History degree is good preparation for a wide range of occupations; for example, journalism, marketing, personnel, public service, law, advertising, insurance, teaching or museum work.

We have good links to the University’s History Department and this allows us to engage with a range of enrichment activities through them. We offer a study visit to Berlin in the summer term of Year 12.

Entry Requirements

6 in History and 6 in English Language.

Qualities Required

A genuine love of History, an enquiring mind and good literacy skills.

Links with Other Subjects

History combines well with any subject, but especially English, Economics, Geography, Politics, Sociology and Languages. It also makes an excellent contrast with Mathematics and Science subjects.

Exam Board

OCR

Method of Assessment

A Level –all examined papers taken at the end of Year 13. Paper 1 – 25% (1 hour 30 minute exam),  Paper 2 – 15% (1 hour exam),  Paper 3 – 40% (2 hour 30 exam),  Topic based essay (coursework) – 20% (completed during Year 13).  

Unit 1 - England 1547-1603

  • The later Tudors Enquiry topic: Mid Tudor Crisis, 1547-1558 
  • The stability of the monarchy – Edward VI and Mary 
  • Religious changes 
  • Rebellion and unrest British period study 
  • Elizabeth and religion 
  • The nature of Elizabethan monarchy; Government and Parliament 
  • Elizabeth’s management of financial, economic and social affairs 
  • Elizabeth’s later years, 1588-1603

Unit 2: Non-British Period Study Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany 1919–1963 

  • The establishment and development of the Weimar Republic: 1919–Jan 1933 
  • The establishment of the Nazi Dictatorship and its domestic policies Feb 1933–1939 
  • The impact of war and defeat on Germany: 1939–1949 
  • Divided Germany: The Federal Republic and the DDR 1949–1963.

Unit 3: Thematic Study and historical interpretations Civil Rights in the USA 1865–1992 

  • African Americans 
  • Trade Union and Labour rights 
  • Native American Indians 2 History 
  • Women Depth Studies 
  • Civil rights in the ‘Gilded Age’ c.1875–c.1895 
  • The New Deal and civil rights 
  • Malcolm X and Black Power.
 

Cookie Policy