History IGCSE
Delve into the past and the power it holds to help us understand the present with our fascinating, dynamic History IGCSE course.
- Unlimited Tutor Support
- Get as much help as you want from your expert personal tutor
- Fast Track
- In a rush? You can complete this course 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 first time, we'll support you for free until your next exams
- Online Learning
- Study on your own terms with our our learning platform, MyOxbridge
Course Introduction
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 or at university, this course has been created by subject specialists to equip you with key skills such as critical thinking, essay writing, and analysis. We offer various online courses that are both enriching and fascinating to study.
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.
Course Info
- Duration
- Study Hours
- Difficulty
- Outcome
- Syllabus Code
- Units
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9–24 months
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150
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Level 2
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Edexcel IGCSE
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4HI1
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4 units (view units)
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.
What you will learn
Below is an outline of the course material you will study:
Unit 1: Germany: development of dictatorship, 1918–45
- The establishment of the Weimar Republic and its early problems
- The recovery of Germany, 1924–29
- The rise of Hitler and the Nazis to January 1933
- Nazi Germany 1933–39
- Germany and the occupied territories during the Second World War
Unit 2: A world divided: superpower relations, 1943–72
- Reasons for the Cold War
- Early developments in the Cold War, 1945–49
- The Cold War in the 1950s
- Three crises: Berlin, Cuba and Czechoslovakia
- The Thaw and moves towards Détente, 1963–72
Unit 3: Changes in medicine, c1848–c1948
- Changes in medical treatment and in understanding the cause of illness
- Improvements in public health provision
- Changes in surgery
- The changing role of women in medicine
- The impact of war and science and technology on medicine.
Unit 4: The origins and course of the First World War, 1905–18
- The alliance system and international rivalry, 1905–14
- The growth of tension in Europe, 1905–14
- The Schlieffen Plan and deadlock on the Western Front
- The war at sea and Gallipoli
- The defeat of Germany
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.
Progression Routes
Studying IGCSE History will enable you to progress onto higher education, using skills gained from this course to help you. You can study A-levels such as Politics, Religious Studies, and History of Art.
Examinations and Assessments
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.
Exam FAQs
Are exams required to pass the course?
For A-levels and GCSEs you will need to sit an exam. You can purchase your exams when you enrol on a course, or you can book them later via MyOxbridge. Either way, once you're on board with us, your tutor will guide you through the process.
Where are the exams held?
Exams will require attendance at a physical exam centre, with detailed information available on our Exam Centres page. We offer guaranteed exam spaces at our partnership centres across the UK, or you can register as a private candidate at a centre of your choice, keeping in mind that fees may vary by location.
When do exams take place - are there set dates?
Exam dates are set nationally and cannot be changed, so it's important to plan accordingly. They are usually late spring to early summer. For example, forthcoming A-level exams are scheduled from 1st March to 31st May 2025, while GCSE exams will run from 5th May to 25th June 2025.
Can exams be taken online?
For A-level and GCSE courses, exams must be taken in person at a designated exam centre.
Are mock exams available? Are they compulsory?
Yes, we offer both compulsory Internal Mocks in the autumn (included in your course fees and delivered online) and optional External Mocks in the spring (for an additional fee, taken at an exam centre). Mock exams are a great way to prepare for the real thing, and we encourage you to take advantage of them.
How and when do I register for exams?
Exam registration opens in the autumn before the summer exam period, so if you plan to take exams next summer, you should register by November of the preceding year. You can complete the exam registration form in your student portal, and our Student Support team is available to help with the process.
Can you take exams outside of the UK?
While our MyOxbridge learning portal is accessible worldwide, most exams must be taken within the UK. Check with us for specific exam requirements to avoid any surprises.
Do I have to buy the exam from Oxbridge in order to study with you?
No, you are not obligated to purchase your exam through Oxbridge. You can either book your own exam centre independently, or take advantage of our partnerships with exam centres for a more streamlined process.
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.