A Level History

Sandbach College

Why study this course?

History isn't just about the past—it's about understanding the world you live in today. Why do revolutions happen? How do leaders gain and lose power? Why do societies change? A Level History challenges you to explore these questions while developing the analytical, research and communication skills that universities and employers value highly. Whether you aspire to study History, Law, Politics, Journalism or another subject, History A Level will equip you with the confidence to evaluate evidence, construct persuasive arguments and think independently.

History is a subject for students who are curious about the world and want to understand how the past continues to shape the present. It develops the ability to analyse evidence, construct well-supported arguments and think critically about complex issues—skills that are highly valued by universities and employers alike.

At A Level, you will investigate two fascinating periods of history that span over 450 years and cover both British and international history. You will explore how monarchs secured power in Tudor England and how revolution transformed Russia into one of the world's most powerful dictatorships. Alongside your studies, you will complete an independent historical investigation, allowing you to research a topic that interests you in greater depth.

Whether you are considering a degree in History or simply enjoy asking challenging questions about people, power and society, A Level History provides an academically rigorous and rewarding course that develops valuable lifelong skills.

What will I learn on this course?

The Tudors: England, 1485–1603 (AQA 1C)

This breadth study examines one of the most significant periods in British history. Beginning with the accession of Henry VII after the Wars of the Roses, students explore how the Tudor monarchs established and maintained their authority during a period of enormous political, religious and social change.

Topics include:

Henry VII and the establishment of the Tudor dynasty.
Henry VIII, the English Reformation and the break with Rome.
Edward VI, Mary I and the changing religious landscape.
Elizabeth I and the challenges of government, rebellion and foreign policy.
Society, economy and culture during the Tudor period.
The development of Parliament, royal authority and religious conflict.

Students investigate how different monarchs responded to the challenges they faced and assess the extent to which England was transformed during the Tudor era.

Revolution and Dictatorship: Russia, 1917–1953 (AQA 2N)

This depth study explores one of the most dramatic periods of modern history, following Russia from revolution through civil war to the emergence of Stalin's dictatorship.

Topics include:

The collapse of Tsarist Russia and the 1917 Revolutions.
Lenin's leadership and the establishment of the Bolshevik state.
The Civil War and the consolidation of communist rule.
Stalin's rise to power and the creation of a totalitarian state.
Collectivisation, industrialisation and economic transformation.
The Great Terror, propaganda and political repression.
The Great Patriotic War and its impact on the Soviet Union.
Stalin's final years and the nature of his dictatorship.

Students evaluate historical interpretations, analyse primary source material and consider why historians continue to debate key events and individuals.

Historical Investigation (Coursework)

Students also complete a 4,500-word independent historical investigation on a topic of their choice, developing advanced research, analysis and academic writing skills. This provides an excellent preparation for university-level study.

Examinations & Coursework

Assessment is through a combination of examinations and coursework.

Paper 1 – The Tudors: England, 1485–1603

2 hours 30 minutes
40% of the A Level
Interpretation analysis and essay questions

Paper 2 – Revolution and Dictatorship: Russia, 1917–1953

2 hours 30 minutes
40% of the A Level
Source analysis and essay questions

Historical Investigation (Coursework)

20% of the A Level
Approximately 4,500 words
Independently researched historical enquiry

Throughout the course students receive extensive support in developing essay writing, source evaluation and examination technique to prepare them for success.

Potential career paths

A Level History is one of the most highly regarded facilitating subjects and is respected by universities and employers across a wide range of professions.

History students develop transferable skills including:

Critical thinking
Research and investigation
Analytical reasoning
Written communication
Independent learning
Evaluation of evidence
Constructing persuasive arguments

These skills provide excellent preparation for careers including:

Law
Teaching and Education
Journalism
Politics and Civil Service
International Relations
Business and Management
Marketing and Public Relations
Archaeology and Heritage
Museums and Archives
Police and Public Services
Publishing
Research and Academia

Many students also progress to degree courses in History, Politics, Law, International Relations, Economics and a wide range of humanities and social sciences.

Enrichment opportunities

Students are encouraged to extend their learning beyond the classroom through a variety of enrichment opportunities.

These may include:

Overnight visits to Edinburgh as well as other museums and exhibitions.
Lectures and conferences delivered by university academics and historians.
Opportunities to hear from guest speakers and subject specialists.
Wider reading through books, journals and historical articles.
Support with university applications, including Oxbridge preparation where appropriate.
Development of independent research skills through the Historical Investigation.

We also encourage students to engage with historical documentaries, podcasts, debates and current affairs, helping them to make connections between the past and the world today.

Studying History at A Level is about far more than learning dates and events—it is about understanding people, evaluating evidence and developing the confidence to question, analyse and communicate complex ideas.