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Our A-level History qualification is designed to help students understand the significance of historical events, the role of individuals in history and the nature of change over time. 

Studying History will help you develop your analytical skills and ability to construct an argument as well as giving you an understanding of how events have shaped Britain in the last century and a knowledge of the wider world. The course will help you develop your own opinions and to formulate well-reasoned arguments. You will learn how to critically appraise a historical source and will be able to research an area of History which you have an interest in. With an emphasis on written communication, personal research and discussion, History A Level will help you develop a range of important skills for the future. 

Students will cover a variety of units in Component 1 and Component 2 which will add breadth and depth to their knowledge base.

Course Content 

Component 1: Breadth Study 1C The Tudors: England 1485-1603 (40%)

This option allows students to study in breath issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in this period through the following questions:

• How did the Tudors restore and develop the powers of the monarchy?

• How effectively was England governed at this time?

• How did English society and economy change at this time and with what effects?

• How far did religious and intellectual ideas change and develop?

• How important was the role of key individuals and groups?

Component 2: Depth Study 2R The Cold War, c1945–1991 (40%)

• The Origins of the Cold War, c1945–1949 – From the Atomic Bomb

• The Widening of the Cold War, 1949–1955 – Including the Korean War

• The Global War, 1955–1963 – Including the Berlin Wall and the Space Race

• Confrontation and cooperation, c1963–1972 – Including the Vietnam War

• The Brezhnev era, 1972–1985 – Including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

• The ending of the Cold War, 1985–1991 – The collapse of Communism.

Component 3: Historical investigation (20%)

Students will be required to submit a Historical Investigation of their choice based on a development or issue which has been subject to different historical interpretations. 3500-4500 words. Centre assessed by your teacher.

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Assessment

Component 1: Breadth Study 1C The Tudors: England 1485-1603 (40 %):  Exam – 2 hours and 30 minutes

Component 2: Depth Study 2R The Cold War, c1945–1991 (40%):  Exam – 2 hours and 30 minutes

Component 3: Historical investigation (20%): Assessed internally by your teacher

Progression

There is a vast amount of undergraduate courses available to students who study A Level History, for example;

• Ancient History BA (Hons) - University of Kent

• History and Politics BA (Hons) - University of Loughborough

• Classical and Archaeological Studies BA (Hons) - University of Kent

• History and International Relations  BA (Hons) - University of Loughborough

• History, Literature and Culture BA (Hons) - University of Brighton

• History with English BA (Hons) - University of Plymouth 

• Military History BA (Hons) - University of Kent

Jobs available to those with a History degree may include

• Academic researcher

• Archivist

• Heritage manager

• Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer

• Museum education officer

• Museum/gallery curator

• Museum/gallery exhibitions officer

• Secondary school teacher

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Academic librarian

• Archaeologist

• Broadcast journalist

• Civil Service administrator

• Editorial assistant

• Human resources officer

• Information officer

• Marketing executive

• Policy officer

• Politician's assistant

• Solicitor

• Talent agent

History graduates are employed by a wide range of organisations including heritage organisations, museums and libraries. Other typical employers include:

• accountancy firms

• archive and records offices

• banks

• charities

• higher education institutions (HEIs)

• international development organisations

• law firms

• management consultancies

• publishing companies

• retailers

• schools

• television and radio broadcasters

National and local government and the public services also attract history graduates, particularly the civil service (with some graduates applying to the Civil Service Fast Stream), NHS management, the police and armed services.

Entry Requirements

In order to attend Meopham Sixth Form the minimum entry requirement is 5 level 4 GCSEs, including English and Maths.

To study A Level History students are required to achieve a minimum of a Level 6 in GSCE History.

Each application for the courses will be assessed on an individual basis, we encourage applicants who are predicted a level 5 to still apply.