History A Level (AQA)

Applications Open: 13 November 2025

Applications Close: tbc

Entry Requirements Applicants must achieve a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature, and Mathematics, in addition to the minimum requirements in their chosen subjects.

How to Apply Please apply via KentChoices or email T6signup@turnerschools.com

History offers an exciting mix of time periods and issues to study. The first part of this course allows you to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in Stuart Britain between 1603 and 1702, through the following key questions: How far did the monarchy change? To what extent and why was power more widely shared during this period? Why and with what results were there disputes over religion? How effective was opposition? How important were ideas and ideology? How important was the role of key individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?

The second part provides for the study in depth of a period of German history during which a newly developed democratic form of government gave way to a dictatorial Nazi regime. It explores political concepts such as ‘right’ and ‘left’, nationalism and liberalism as well as ideological concepts such as racialism, anti- Semitism and Social Darwinism. It also encourages your reflection on how governments work and the problems of democratic states as well as consideration of what creates and sustains a dictatorship.

Finally, the purpose of the Historical Investigation is to enable you to develop the skills, knowledge and historical understanding acquired through the study of the first two elements. Through undertaking the Historical Investigation you will develop an understanding of the nature and purpose of history as a discipline and how historians work.

Unit 1 (M)

The course comprises of 3 units :

Title - Breadth study: Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603-1702

Weighting 40%

Unit 2 (M)

Title - Depth study: democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918-1933.

Weighting 40%

Unit 3 (M)

Title - Historical investigation: a personal study based on Russian history 1855-1955

Weighting 20%

GCSE at Grade 6+ in History as well as 5+in English. Candidates without a Level 2 qualification in History will be considered through interview.

This course has been designed to help you understand the value and significance of world events in the past. In the process you’ll gain a deeper understanding of social, cultural, religious and ethnic diversity. Knowing how people lived in the past helps to understand why people act like they do today.

This subject gives you knowledge and skills which will prepare you for higher education, and which are also useful in any career. Students who specialise in history can go on to become historical researchers, work in heritage organisations or become teachers. But history also supports other career paths, like journalism, politics, law, social work and public services.