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A Level History

Course outline

Global history is filled with the fascinating, the gory, the unbelievable and the unthinkable. In this course you’ll look back at some of the major events and personalities which helped to shape the world we know today.

You’ll analyse sources, and debate and discuss them with your fellow course mates. This course is perfect for people who enjoy finding out more about the past and are interested in how global societies have changed and evolved over the centuries.

This subject builds on the skills and knowledge you gained at school.

Topics include:

  • A Breadth Study: Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855-1964 (1855-1917 for AS Level)
  • A Depth Study: The English Revolution, 1625-1660 (1625-1642 for AS Level).

Both topics are assessed by exams which are made up of a combination of source-based questions and essays. You will also undertake a historical investigation into any aspect of history that interests you, which carries 20% of the overall A Level marks.

You will study this course alongside 2 or 3 other A Levels and you will be able to select your chosen subjects when you apply online.

Depending on your interests and your intended career, a history A Level could be combined with Politics, Sociology, Geography, Law, Philosophy or Economics to provide you with a solid foundation for a careers in international relations, international development, humanitarian organisations, politics, economics, social science and much more. A history A Level will particularly develop your communications and debate skills, analytical skills, writing skills and of course will offer you a developed insight into the world around us and the challenges we face.

How to apply for this course

Apply now to study an A Level Programme in 2025/26

You will select your individual subjects when you complete the application.

Want to find out more first?

Get in touch by hitting the button below and filling out our enquiry form.

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Location Date
High Pavement Sixth Form
Chaucer Street
Nottingham
NG1 5LP

Start: Monday 1st September 2025

Course code: C000450 / Q000516

Qualification

A level History
Duration

2 years
Level Level 3
Entry requirements

2 year A Level Programme:

  • To study 3 A Levels you’ll need at least 5 GCSE’s at grades 9-4 including GCSE English at grade 5 or above and Maths at grade 4 or above, as well as GCSE History at grade 5 or above
  • To study 4 A Levels you’ll need at least 6 GCSE’s at grades 9-6 including GCSE English at grade 5 or above and Maths at grade 4 or above, as well as GCSE History at grade 5 or above

The programme of study is for 2 years, and you will be expected to be achieving a minimum of grade D in all subject assessments by the end of year 1 to progress to your 2nd year.

Applicants with predicted GCSE grades 1 or 2 points below the entry requirement for an A Level:

If your predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements for either 1 or 2 of your chosen A Level subject choices, don’t worry we will still make you a conditional offer. We advise that you think about a second choice of course as a back-up plan. You can meet with us for a supportive, friendly and impartial discussion to look at other courses that Nottingham College has to offer. For more information contact High Pavement Sixth Form admissions by telephone on 0115 9100 100 or email at feadmissions@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk

Applicants who choose 4 subjects but only have the entry requirements to study 3:

If your predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements to study 4 A Level subjects, don’t worry we will still make you a conditional offer for all 4. At your ‘Get Ready for College’ day you will undertake tasters in your subjects and at this point you can discuss your options with subject staff at the event, to help you finalise your subject choices. Final A Level choices however will be made at enrolment in August when your GCSE results are confirmed.

Teaching & assessment

You’ll undertake examinations and coursework:
A Level: two 150 minute exam papers, each worth 40% of the marks; and a 3,000-3,500 word historical investigation worth 20% of the marks.
Progression

History A Level can lead to higher education in a wide range of subjects and is particularly useful for related subjects such as history, politics, law or teaching. History is a highly regarded academic subject which develops skills valued by employers and universities.

A Level History can lead into a variety of careers such as; researcher, museum curator, teaching, government officer and many more.
Additional information

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.