History
AS / A2 History
History is concerned with trying to reconstruct events and understand the actions of people in the past. By studying History you will be finding out what has happened in certain periods in the past and WHY things happened in the way that they did. At the end of the course you will have developed skills in the following areas : the evaluation and analysis of information, the ability to weigh up evidence and to communicate complex ideas effectively.
AS - Course Content And Assessment
You will study two units at AS. The first unit is entitled Communism and Democracy in the Twentieth Century; this will include a study of Civil Rights in the USA 1945-68 and also Russia in Revolution 1881-1924.
The second unit encompasses an in depth study of the impact of War on Britain, looking at the Crimean War, the Boer War and World War One.
Both units will be assessed by external examinations.
A2 - Course Content And Assessment
Two units will also be covered at A2. The first unit comprises an analysis of the conflicting historical debates surrounding Nazi Germany. This unit will be assessed by a written examination.
A2 will also incorporate an historical enquiry into modern Irish History from a range of options.
Subject Combinations
History is a versatile subject which combines well with many other subjects. It combines well with Maths and Science subjects to create an attractive portfolio of qualifications, enabling students to move on to university based science courses. Combined with English and Modern Languages it would provide a good basis for an arts or languages- based degree. It also combines well with other Humanities.
What Can I Do With An AS/A Level In History?
Students who study AS or A level History have access to a wide range of career and higher education opportunities. Many recent students have gone on to study History degrees at universities such as Cambridge, Durham, York and Lancaster. History AS/A level also provides an excellent foundation for a number of popular careers including law, journalism, teaching and business.
What Are The Entry Requirements?
It is not a requirement that you have studied History at GCSE in order to take an AS or A2 level course. It is more important that you have an enquiring mind, an interest in the past and its relevance to current affairs and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively. Those students who have studied History GCSE will find that the skills they have learned will form a solid foundation for study at A level.
