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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?

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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.
  • Entry requirements
    • Five GCSEs grade 4-9 including GCSE English Language
    • An overall average of a grade 4*.

    Following your application you will normally be offered a place subject to achieving the entry requirements and attending a welcome taster.

    *To work out your grade average, add all of your grades together and divide by the number of GCSEs you've taken. If you need help, please contact our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • Assessment

    This course is assessed primarily by examination scheduled for May/June at the end of the second year with some additional coursework assessment.

  • Progression

    Further study at university-level* in courses such as history, archaeology, English, politics, philosophy and economics, international studies, media and communications, and journalism.

    *To find out how many UCAS points this course carries, and to receive advice on your Higher Education options, please contact the college’s enquiries team on 0808 100 3626 and ask to be transferred to the Head of Department for this subject area. They can provide the most up-to-date information.

    As a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may also be eligible for a range of benefits if you choose to progress to NTU after completing your course. For more information, please visit Progress NTU. 

  • Careers

    Careers are often pursued as a researcher, museum curator, government officer, author and more.

  • Qualifications gained
    • GCE A Level in History
    • AQA
  • Studying A Levels at West Notts College

    Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.

    You can also browse galleries and get a real feel for college life before you apply.

    Visit the subject area page

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

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