History
A-level
One-year AS/two-year A-level
Today’s society is shaped by history. Historians try to make sense of significant events that have changed society in order to find a shared viewpoint on the past. This course will develop your understanding of the past, encourage debate and discussion and extend your research, analytical and communication skills.
Required qualifications
Five or more A*-C grades at GCSE including English language.
What will I study?
The course will focus on:
- the civil rights movement in the US, 1945-1968
- the role of US in Asia, 1950-1973
- Charles I, the English civil wars and the British Republic
- Henry VIII, the Protestant Reformation, the changing nature of government and relationships with other European countries.
On the course you will:
- develop and understand historical terms and concepts
- explore the significance of events, individuals, issues and societies in history
- understand the nature of historical evidence
- learn the methods used by historians in analysis and evaluation
- develop an understanding of how the past has been interpreted and represented
- participate in group workshops with professional practitioners.
Method of assessment
You will be assessed by coursework and examinations. In the second year you will have the opportunity to undertake a historical enquiry and will be required to write two extended essays.
What will I be able to progress to?
A variety of options will be open to you after completing this subject. You can apply for degree courses in humanities, arts or social sciences and in particular the study of history and law. History can lead to a number of career options in the civil service, the NHS, local government, personnel, law and journalism. Alison Mckenzie (ex-Connaught School for Girls) studied this subject as one of her A-levels and achieved a grade A. She is now studying law at Brunel University.