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History A Level

Overview

IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.

This course can be studied alongside 2 A Levels or 1 A Level and 1 vocational course (as part of our 2+1 offer).

A better knowledge and understanding of the past is an excellent way to get a clearer view of today events. This is what makes our A Level History course such a compelling area of study. You will tackle a wide range of British, European and world history events, allowing you to understand how modern society and government has been influenced and shaped by the past. You will learn how important history is in determining modern identity, culture and lifestyle.

What does it combine with?

What our students say

Evie talks to us about the exciting opportunities studying A Levels with us has presented her, including how it differs from school, using the West Notts Travel Pass, and her plans to progress onto university.

What will I study?

The examining body for the History A Level is AQA. First year modules include USA: 1865-1920 and modern Britain: 1951-1979, and second year modules include an independent coursework investigation, USA: 1920-80 and modern Britain: 1979-2007.

Topics covered in the USA module include:

  • The Civil War and reconstruction
  • Western expansion
  • The rise of big business and tycoons such as Rockefeller, Carnegie, Morgan and Ford
  • The impact of immigration
  • America's emerging role on the world stage
  • The Roaring Twenties
  • The Depression
  • The Cold War
  • Vietnam
  • Watergate.

Topics covered in the Modern Britain module include:

  • The impact of World War Two
  • The Suez Crisis and de-colonisation
  • Teddy Boys, Mods and Rockers
  • The Hippy Movement
  • The age of consumerism
  • The Swinging Sixties
  • Music, film and television
  • Race and immigration
  • Europe
  • The crisis of the seventies
  • Thatcher, Major and Blair.

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