The A Level course in History is made up of four units. In unit 1, you will study modern British history 1930-1997, with a focus on Churchill’s impact on British social, political and economic history. You will also explore British Political History and will be taught the fundamental skills of an historian such as analysing historical sources and answering historical questions. In unit 2, you will study Russian History between 1894-1941, examining the reign of Tsar Nicholas II, the revolutions of 1917 and Bolshevik rule under Lenin and Stalin. In unit 3, you will study the Challenge of German Nationalism 1789 to 1919, following a thematic approach, focusing on the 1848 revolutions, the unification of Germany and the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II, including the causes of the First World War. In unit 4, you will produce a topic based essay of 3-4000 words on a topic of your choice. The A level course is assessed through a combination of three written examinations, set and marked by OCR and one centre – marked piece of coursework.
Students will need a range of skills including independent learning and time-management, the ability to research and prioritise information and form a convincing argument and judgement. You will also need to be able to analyse sources and critically evaluate historians’ interpretations. This helps you to build an important skillset needed for progression into university or a career.
“Choosing history has enabled me to learn about the fascinating events and people of the past, enabling me to make sense of the world in which we live today.”
A level History can lead to many jobs and careers which involve the skills of communication, analysing evidence, research, problem-solving, making arguments and essay writing. The most directly linked careers include teaching, law, journalism and policing. With their critical thinking, analytical and communication skills, History graduates are also attractive to employers outside these sectors in areas such as politics and marketing. The A level History course has elements of politics, law and sociology that complement studies in humanities and the skills developed are transferable to a wide range of courses and careers.
