A Level History

Course Content:
The AS and A Level specifications offer students the opportunity to study themes in History in depth.

The course will be divded into two units for AS, and a further two units for the full A LEvel course.  At AS, both units are assessed by exam, and the units covered are:

• Unit 1 - Historial Themes in Breadth
  Russian Revolution, 1881 - 1924 and Stalin's Russia 1924 - 1953. 
  Assessment:  written examination, 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Unit 2 - British History Depth Study
  The Changing Position of Women and Suffrage Question
  Assessment - written examination, 1 hour 20 minutes

For the full A Level, one unit will be assessed by exam, and one by coursework.  The units covered are:

• Unit 3 - Depth Studies and Associated Historial Controversies.
  From Kaiser to Fuhrer, Germany 1900-1945
  Written examination, 2 hours
• Unit 4 - Historial Enquiry
  Extended Essay.  Options include:  The Making of Modern Italy, The Making of Modern Russia, The Changing Nature of Warfare or Britain and India 1845 - 1947

For many there is a belief that the only reason for studying History at AS and A Level is if you hope to teach History.  This is as far from the truth as it could be, because History requires the student to utilise a number of valuable skills and traits.  These include:

• the ability to carry out research
• the ability to select information for specific purposes
• communicate ideas and opinions coherently
• use a variety of sources to come to logical and supported conclusions

History should also bring independence of mind and a clear understanding of history issues and concepts.  As such, it is widely recognised as a worthwhile and demanding area of study, preparing students for a wide variety of university courses, or any challengng field of study of work.  For many university lecturers and employers, the skills that History equips its students with are an essential requirement for success.

Common careers for History Graduates include:  lawyers, doctors, journalists, administration and management, personnel, teaching, lecturing, museum and art galleries, social welfare and much more.