History IGCSE

Delve into the past and the power it holds to help us understand the present with our fascinating, dynamic History IGCSE course

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Overview

Through the study of some of the most intriguing and tumultuous periods in human history, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of key events, people, and societies, and learn how to ask relevant questions about the past. Essential for anyone who wishes to study history at A-level at university, this course has been created by subject specialists to equip you with key skills such as critical thinking, essay writing, and analysis.

Delve into the past and the power it holds to help us understand the present with our fascinating, dynamic History IGCSE course

You’ll begin by studying Germany between 1918 and 1945, exploring the development and collapse of democracy, and the rise and fall of Nazism, and discovering how Hitler & the Nazis used a variety of factors to take complete control of the country. Moving on, you’ll delve into the conflict and tension of the interwar years, discovering the events which led to the start of the Second World War.

Next, you’ll immerse yourself in the Cold War, one of the most dangerous times in recent history You’ll explore the difference between capitalism and communism and how this is at the root of the standoff between the USA and USSR. You’ll go on to study the changes in medicine between 1848 and 1948, exploring how our understanding of and attitudes towards public health developed over this century, and how this, along with the rapid development of technologies made medical treatments and diagnoses more effective.

Finally, you’ll undertake a historical investigation that looks at the origins and the course of the First World War, learning about the system of alliances before 1914 and the key issues that pushed Europe to war, ultimately exploring how Germany was defeated

What you'll learn

Unit 1 - Section 1: Germany development of a dictatorship, 1918 – 1945

Unit 1: The Weimar Republic 1918 – 1929

  • The early problems of the Weimar Republic 1919 -1920
  • The rise of Hitler and the Nazis 1920 – 1922
  • The Challenges of 1923
  • The recovery of the Weimar Republic 1924 – 1929
  • The lean years of the Nazi party 1923 – 1929

Unit 2: The rise of the Nazis and the establishment of the Third Reich

  • How did Hitler gain and consolidate his power 1932 – 1934
  • How did the Nazis change the economy and lives of workers?
  • Nazi racial polices
  • Nazi polices towards Women and the Young
  • Nazi control through propaganda and terror
  • Nazi policies towards Jews
  • Growth of opposition towards the Nazis
  • The impact of World War II and Reasons behind the downfall of the Third Reich
Unit 2 - Section 2: A world divided: Superpower relations (USA and USSR), 1943 – 1972

Unit 1: The beginnings of the Cold War

  • The main aims and beliefs of Stalin and Truman
  • Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam.
  • The dropping of the atomic bomb 1945
  • Recap what started the Cold war

Unit 2: The Building of tension and influence between the Superpowers

  • Soviet expansion into Eastern Europe
  • Churchill’s Iron curtain speech
  • Truman doctrine and the Cominform
  • Marshall Plan and the Comecon
  • The Berlin blockade
  • NATO and the Warsaw Pact
  • Impact of the Korean War on superpower relations
  • Khrushchev and Eisenhower: profile and main aims
  • The Hungarian uprising
  • The arms race
  • Space race
  • Thaw 1956 – 1960

Unit 3 : Escalation of conflict

  • The U2 crisis and Paris peace Summit
  • President Kennedy: profile and main aims
  • The Berlin wall
  • The Bay of Pigs invasion
  • The Cuban missile Crisis
  • Why did World War III not take place 1961 -1962?
Unit 3 - Section 3: Changes in medicine 1848 – 1948

Unit 1: 19th century Public health and ideas about the cause of disease

  • Florence Nightingale changes to hospital care
  • Mary Seacole
  • Elizabeth Garret
  • Pasteur development of germ theory
  • Robert Koch’s work on microbes and bacteriology
  • Pasteur’s vaccination
  • Public health of industrial towns
  • Chadwick’s report
  • 1848 public health act
  • The work of John Snow
  • 1875 public health act

Unit 2: 19th century surgery and anatomy
Dangers in surgery:

  • Development of anaesthetics
  • Development of antiseptics
  • Development of X rays

Unit 3: 20th century Public health

  • Problems which remain with public health in the 20th century
  • The Boer war and the Liberal reforms
  • First world war and the first aid nursing yeomanry
  • Impact of the second world war on public health
  • Beveridge report
  • Creation of the NHS

Unit 4: 20th century: New medical developments and progress in surgery and anatomy

  • Development of x-rays and blood transfusions
  • Marie curie and radioactivity
  • Importance of the first world war for Plastic and Brain surgery
  • Importance of the Second world war for Skin crafts and Blood plasma
  • Changing role of nurses in the second world war
  • Discovery and development of penicillin
Unit 4 - Section 4: The origins and course of the First World War, 1905 – 18

Unit 5 The alliance system and international rivalry, 1905–14
The system of alliances and ententes before 1914, including the Triple Alliance and the formation of the Triple Entente. Economic, imperial and military causes of international rivalry.

Unit 6: The growth of tension in Europe, 1905–14
The key issues in the Balkans and their significance for international relations, including Balkan nationalism and Austro-Serbian rivalry. The features and impact of the Bosnian Crisis (1908–09) and the Balkan Wars (1912–13).
The features and significance of Anglo-German rivalry, including the naval race and the Moroccan Crises of 1905–06 and 1911. The assassination at Sarajevo and its consequences. The events leading to the outbreak of war, including the part played by international agreements and the roles of the great powers.

Unit 7: The Schlieffen Plan and deadlock on the Western Front
The Schlieffen Plan and reasons for its failure. The trench system, life in the trenches, new weapons and methods. Reasons for deadlock. Key features of Somme and Passchendaele. Successes and failures on the Western Front, including the responsibility of Haig.

Unit 8: The war at sea and Gallipoli
German threat to Britain in North Sea. German raids, Heligoland Bight, Dogger Bank and Jutland. The U-boat threat, the Lusitania and anti-U-boat measures. Reasons for, and key features of, the Gallipoli campaign. Evacuation and effects of campaign.

Unit 9: The defeat of Germany
The significance of the US entry into the war. Key features of the Ludendorff spring offensive (1918). The Allied drive to victory (July–November 1918) and reasons for German defeat.

Extra info

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Fast Track - In a rush? You'll have the option to complete this course within a year.
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Awarding Body

edexcel

Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and workplaces in the UK and abroad. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body covering A-Level Courses and GCSE Courses.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this History distance learning course, you will receive a GCSE certificate in History, issued by Edexcel. This syllabus (4HI1) has been chosen specifically because it is best suited to distance learning.

How is this course assessed or examined?

You can enrol now for History IGCSE Summer 2024 examinations.

You’ll be required to complete the two IGCSE standard written exams:

  • Paper 1: 1 hour 30 minutes, written exam, 50% of your IGCSE, 60 marks.
    • Germany: development of dictatorship, 1918–45
    • A world divided: superpower relations, 1943–72
  • Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes, written exam, 50% of your IGCSE, 60 marks.
    • The origins and course of the First World War, 1905–18
    • Changes in medicine, c1848–c1948

We provide a guaranteed exam space in one of our partner exam centres around the UK. Check where your closest exam centre is.

During your course, you will also be required to complete various assignments. These do not contribute towards your final grade but provide you with an opportunity to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to gauge your progress as you work through the course. There is no coursework to complete.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this Edexcel IGCSE History course, however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write in English.

FAQs

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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…

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Do Universities prefer IGCSEs or GCSEs?

Universities prefer neither iGCSEs or GCSEs. Universities recognise both iGCSEs and GCSEs and treat them equally.

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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.

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How long does it take to gain a GCSE as an adult?

GCSEs are typically studied across a period of 2 years however, our fast-track GCSE option enables you to complete and qualify for your chosen GCSEs within a year.

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Can GCSEs help you get a place at university?

Gaining GCSEs is the first step toward sitting a uni degree. You’ll need GCSE courses or IGCSE courses to progress to A-level courses, which remain the most prevalent means of accessing higher education.

At Oxbridge, we offer both GCSE and IGCSE courses, which are qualifications of equal merit with the added benefit of being internationally recognised. Both GCSEs and IGCSEs can be studied by adults online.

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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.

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How do I choose what GCSEs to take?

Selecting GCSEs is a highly personal decision that will be influenced by factors such as your educational and career goals, your skills and strengths, and the subjects you enjoy (or don’t enjoy). To help you decide on the right GCSEs for you and your future, we’ve written a detailed guide on choosing GCSE subjects.

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Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

International General Certificate of Secondary Education courses (ICGSEs) cover some of the same subjects as GCSE’s such as GeographyEnglish Language and the sciences, but they are recognised internationally. The level of difficulty is equal to a GCSE course, and universities view both qualifications as equal.

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Can Adults take GCSE Courses?

It’s never too late to gain a GCSE qualification. Oxbridge teach thousands of adult GCSE courses every year. So, whether there’s a specific career you’ve always been interested in but couldn’t pursue because you didn’t have the right qualifications, or you want to take up a college or university course, an online General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) course can help get you there. The same can be said for our adult A-level courses too.

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Why study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses with Oxbridge?

When you enrol on a course with us, you’re really enrolling into a partnership. We set up our online learning platform to help people achieve the grades and qualifications they need to realise their aspirations. We do everything we can to help make our students’ dreams come true.

Our learning platform is award-winning, and our course content is written by Oxbridge subject experts and delivered by tutors who are just as passionate about their teaching as they are in helping you succeed.

On average, by studying Oxbridge online GCSE courses, we find that our students get grades that are 20% higher and pass around 30% quicker than students in traditional colleges. We’d love to help you do the same!

If you aren’t sure which course is right for you, speak to one of our learning advisers, they’d be more than happy to help you find the right path.

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Why Study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses online?

GCSEs remain a basic requirement for further education and some workplaces, so adding them or an IGCSE equivalent to your CV can be essential for personal success.

Studying these GCSE qualifications online has opened up a world of possibilities for people who haven’t been able to learn around their jobs or family commitments before.

If traditional education has held you back long enough, take the reins and build a future you’re proud of.

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What does GCSE stand for?

GCSE stands for: General Certificate of Secondary Education and IGCSE stands for ‘International General Certificate of Secondary Education’.

Whatever your aspirations and goals for the future, you’ll most likely need GCSEs to get there. Introduced in 1988, the General Certificate of Secondary Education remains the UK’s primary recognised certificate of foundation-level education and is viewed by employers, colleges and universities as the minimum expected standard for prospective candidates.

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Why study GCSE History online?

This distance learning course follows the AQA GCSE History syllabus and has been designed specifically to be studied online, in your own time, at your own pace. You’ll have access to a personal tutor who will mark your assignments and guide you through the course to help you prepare for your examinations.

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