Courses / A-level / A-level History

A-level History

AQA
One of the most respected arts subjects, A–level History will boost your communication, analysis and critical thinking skills
Trustpilot
Enrol on 3 A-levels and we will fund £300 towards your course fees! USE CODE: GET3 Find out more.
Fast Track
In a rush? You can complete this course in under a year at no extra charge.
98% Pass Rate
Students have enjoyed a 98% pass rate.
Exam Pass Guarantee
If you don't pass the first time, we'll support you for free until your next exams.
Online Learning
Study on your own terms with our award-winning online learning portal, MyOxbridge.
Unlimited Tutor Support
Get as much or as little help as you want for your expert personal tutor.

A-level History AQA online course

Are you fascinated by the past and the power it holds to help us understand the present? Then you’ll enjoy delving into some of the most fascinating periods of British and American history when you study A-level History online.

You’ll explore the USA from 1865 to 1975, the compelling period between the end of the American Civil War and World War Two and how the USA came to be the superpower it is today. Moving on, you’ll examine one of the most tumultuous periods in British history, the Wars of the Roses, before undertaking your own independent historical research on a subject of your choosing.

What you will learn

  1. Unit 1 - The Making of a Superpower Part 1: From Civil War to World War

    • The Era of Reconstruction
    • The weaknesses of the Federal Government
    • Political corruption in the Gilded Age
    • Social, regional and ethnic divisions
    • Economic growth and the rise of corporations
    • Laissez Faire Dominance and Consequences
    • Foreign affairs and Isolationism
    • Populism, Progressivism and Imperialism, 1890–1920

  2. Unit 2 - The Wars of the Roses Part 1: The Fall of the House of Lancaster

    • The origins of the conflict, 1450-1459
    • The War of the Barons, 1459-1461
    • The Triumph of the Yorkists, 1461-1471

  3. Unit 3 - The Making of a Superpower Part 2: Crises and the Rise to World Power

    • Domestic Politics in the 1920s
    • Underlying economic problems
    • Government response to The Great Depression
    • Social change and development
    • The War and new opportunities
    • International Relations 1920-45
    • Crisis of identity, 1920–1945
    • The Superpower, 1945–1975
    • Domestic Politics, 1945-60
    • Domestic Politics, 1961-74
    • Economic Change & Developments, 1945-75
    • The USA and International Relations

  4. Unit 4 - The Wars of the Roses Part 2: The Fall of the House of York

    • ‘The Sun in Splendour’: The Reign of Edward IV, 1471–1483
    • The Downfall of the Yorkist Monarchy, 1483–1486
    • The End of the Yorkist Dynasty, 1486–1499

  5. Preparation for Paper 1K

    • Component One: Breadth Study
    • Component Two: Depth Study
    • Component Three: Historical Investigation

Awarding Body

AQA Logo

AQA qualifications are internationally recognised and taught in 30 countries around the world, highly valued by employers and universities and enable young people to progress to the next stage of their lives. AQA qualifications suit a range of abilities and include GCSE courses, IGCSE courses and A-level courses.

View our other AQA qualifications.

Endorsed by

UCAS Logo

This course carries UCAS points. This means that it can be used to gain direct access to university courses and other higher education qualifications, through the UCAS system.

Visit our other UCAS endorsed products

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive an A-level in History, issued by AQA. Your certificate is identical to that issued to students at any other school, college or university.

Oxbridge has chosen this syllabus (7042) because it is the best suited to online learning and we believe it provides the best chance of success.

How is this course assessed or examined?

You’ll be required to complete three assessments as part of this course:

Written Exams:

  • Paper 1: 2 hours 30 minutes, 40% of A-level, 80 marks
  • Paper 2: 2 hours 30 minutes, 40% of A-level, 80 marks

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA)

  • Coursework Task 1: 3,500-4,500 words, 20% of A-level, 40 marks

The exams contain questions linked to primary sources given and sources relevant to the period studied. The coursework is a personal study based on a topic of the student’s choice to be completed in their own time. Coursework is marked by a tutor and moderated by AQA.

Entry requirements

A GCSE or equivalent in History is recommended for this course. This History A-level syllabus is a difficulty level three: the equivalent difficulty of an A-level or BTEC, which is usually suitable for most learners of all ages.

Course code: X913

A-level History

Course
Include exams (+£810)

Find out more about the exams.

All done through MyOxbridge

Get a printed version delivered to you.

Pay £ by card or mobile payment

from £/month with OmniCapital

Enrol on 3 A-levels and we will fund £300 towards your course fees! USE CODE: GET3 Find out more.
Funding is limited - offer ends when the funding runs out.
Add to basket 
Omni Capital

Trustpilot

Courses Taught by Experts

Laura

Health care

For 10+ years, my passion for helping learners develop and grow has driven my career as a teacher. To help me progress even further, I am currently studying to achieve the IQA award. I love reading and I’m a self-professed Harry Potter fan. Talk to me about all things history, rock music, tattoos and true crime podcasts. 

Laura, tutor

Kelly

Counselling and Psychology

I always knew that a career focused around helping people achieve their goals was perfect for me. That’s why I became a tutor. I love to see my student’s confidence flourish as they progress through their courses. It’s important to help them fit their learning goals around their personal commitments so they have the best chance of success! 

Kelly, tutor

Faye

Early Years

Beginning my career as an early years practitioner inspired me to step into the world of teaching. I have since elevated my skillset through a range of qualifications including L3 in Assessing Vocational Achievement, L3 in Education & Training and L4 in Internal Quality Assurance. I’m a big kid at heart; I love Disney movies and also dabble in photography.  

faye-h_compressed

Penny

STEM and History of Art

Marine biology, jellyfish conservationist, hairdresser, fitness instructor… I have an eclectic backstory! Art is my passion and one of my proudest moments was achieving my Masters in Fine Art. I then requalified as an Art teacher to share my knowledge with my students. For most of my career, I’ve supported vulnerable students with additional needs such as SEMH and SEN.

penny-tc_compressed

Sarah

Education and Childcare

My 30-year stride in education started with childminding, to working with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I then tutored in a national reading programme and went on to become a Higher-Level TA. I’m elated to say I graduated with a First-Class BA Honours Degree when I was 50 – living proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams!

Sarah

Frequently Asked Questions

Searching now...

No answers found, but we might still be able to help

What is A-level History?

A-level History delves into significant historical events that helped shape the world as we know it. It covers topics the compelling period between the end of the American Civil War and World War Two. Analyse historical sources, develop critical thinking skills and understand the complexities of historical causation, continuity, and change over time.

Can I do A-level History online?

Yes! With Oxbridge, you can study online, at home, at a suitable pace. You will have unlimited tutor support to help you throughout your studies. 

Is there coursework involved for A-level History?

You must complete one coursework task with this A-level History course. It makes up 20% of your final grade. 

Do universities like history A-level?

Yes! Both universities and employers highly respect an A-level history qualification.

What career can I have with an A-level History qualification?

You can head down various career paths with a qualification in A-level History. Including: 
  • Journalism 
  • Archaeology  
  • Research 
  • Teaching 

Is it worth studying A-level History?

Yes! You will learn about the most fascinating periods of British and American history. This course provides a deep understanding of historical events, trends, and movements, helping you understand how the past shapes the present and future. Delve into historical events such as the American Civil War and World War Two and discover more about some of the most tumultuous periods in history. 

Do I need to study GCSE History to study A-level History?

You do not need to have studied GCSE or IGCSE History to study History at A-level. If you have a strong interest in and willingness to do well in history, you can achieve a respectable grade.

Do you have past papers that I can use to practice for my exams?

Yes! We have GCSE and A-Level past papers. Our past papers cover a variety of subjects and awarding bodies. We are adding more papers all the time.

Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

Can you provide a reference for my UCAS application?

Oxbridge is able to provide an academic reference for you however, we cannot provide a personal reference as this needs to be someone who knows you personally.

Can I get predicted grades for my UCAS application?

Absolutely! We can process a predicted grade for you once you have completed a total of four assignments - this can be sent over to you via email or letter which can then be passed on to UCAS for your application.

Exam Results: I need to resit my exams, can I enrol with Oxbridge?

At Oxbridge, we take enrolments all year round. Once you're enrolled, you'll be able to get started right away. Studying online means your work and revision fit around you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a part-time job or need to study alongside other subjects, you'll be able to find time to fit our online courses into your schedule. Enjoy flexible, convenient, affordable learning, fully supported by expert tutors who are passionate about their subjects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our course tutors and know that they hold the key to success. Whatever your goals, dreams or aspirations, Oxbridge is here to help you facilitate them.

Exam Results: When will I receive my certificate?

Oxbridge students who sat their exams through our partnership exam centres will usually receive their certificates in November. Certificates will be sent out by recorded delivery.
Wondering what to do next? There are so many options available, it's important to get the right advice. Whether your choice is to continue onto further education, go into job training or get an apprenticeship and whether your grades are high or low - there are always options! Speak to an adviser today to see how we can support you on your next steps...

Exam Results: I didn't pass English or Maths, what do I do next?

First of all, don't worry - everything will be okay. Unfortunately, if you didn't get a grade 4 or higher (equivalent to a C or above) in your English and Maths, you will have to re-take it in order to pass. Oxbridge is ready and available to support you with this. Get in touch via live chat, phone or email.

Exam Results: I have individual unit marks, but no overall grade. What should I do?

Check for a cash-in code on your statement of entry. If there isn't one, cash-in may not have been applied for. Cash-in can be applied for retrospectively from your exam centre and once entered you can expect an overall grade in one week.

Exam Results: I haven't done as well as I expected in my exams. Is there anything I can do?

Yes! There are a number of post-result services available. Your entering centre will be able to provide you with further information and will process any requests for you. If you're not sure where to turn, our friendly learning advisers are on hand and ready to help you.

What can I do with my A-levels?

A-levels are a universal way to demonstrate academic competency in a multitude of disciplines. A-levels are subject-based qualifications that lead to either university, further study, training, or work. A-levels serve as a standardised way to demonstrate your academic ability and are very common entry requirements to most higher-level courses.

Why study an online A-level course from home?

A-levels can be studied from home with Oxbridge, using our online platform. On average we find that students receive 20% higher grades and pass around 30% more quickly than in a traditional college.

How many UCAS points is an A-level course?

A-levels are the most common way to access university in the UK. The system in which this is done is called UCAS. This stands for: “the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service”. See the A-level UCAS tariff points breakdown below:
  • A* - 56
  • A - 48
  • B - 40
  • C - 32
  • D - 24
  • E - 16

What A-Level courses should I take?

If you’re planning on going on to a degree, your chosen university will usually publish their entry requirements for each course on their website. See how these subjects feel and decide if you would enjoy them as they will form much of the base knowledge for your degree. If you’re not entirely sure what to study, there are some standard subjects that many students choose to help them secure a place at a prestigious university, such as one of the Russell Group universities. These courses are known as the ‘facilitating courses’ and include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths, Further Maths, Modern Languages and Classical Languages. Generally speaking, taking two facilitating subjects will allow you to keep your progression options open. For further help and guidance, we have written a detailed guide on How to Choose A-Levels.

How long does it take to study an A-level?

It’s possible to study an A-level course both full-time and part-time. Normally students would study for two years, but with Oxbridge, you can also fast-track your course to complete it in one year.

What are A-Levels?

A-levels (also known as Advanced level qualifications) entail in-depth study of a chosen subject in order to open doors to further study including University, training, and work. A-levels courses tend to focus on specific academic subjects such as Mathematics, English and the Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course material and the exams you take will be the same everywhere.

Why study History A-level online?

This distance learning history course follows the AQA A-level History syllabus and has been designed specifically to be studied online in your own time and space. You’ll have unlimited tutor support, a clear induction and well-structured assignments to help you to develop the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for the exam. You’ll also have guaranteed access to one of our exam centres if you sit your final A-level examinations in the UK.

What will I learn in A-level History?

As you study, you’ll gain priceless skills in communication, critical thinking and analysis and expand your vocabulary of historical terms and concepts. A-level History is a well-respected subject, recognised as a mark of significant achievement and valued by universities and employers alike.

Will I have assignments for this course?

Yes, you’ll be required to complete various assignments during your course. These do not contribute to your final grade but provide you with an opportunity to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to monitor your progress and will be used to produce predicted grades if needed. You will also have one non-exam assessment (NEA). This will be 3500–4500 words, 20% of A-level, 40 marks. This coursework is completed during your learning and sent to your exam centre for marking. You’ll be given more details once you’re enrolled.

How much do exams cost?

Many of our courses do not require exams however, A-levels, GCSEs and some other courses do require exams to complete the qualification. Exam fees are additional to the cost of the course and prices vary depending on the course and where you sit them - find out more. Planning on studying A-levels or GCSEs with us? We can add your exams during enrolment and blend them into your monthly payment plan if you wish. If you're not ready to book your exam(s) yet, you can book them at a later date - all of the information is available on MyOxbridge under NEAS and Exams.