a level history coursework topics

A Level History Topics

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• Post date October 9, 2021
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The following list of A Level History topics will help you to understand exactly which topics you are studying and how your course is broken down in terms of assessment. This post covers all the three main exam boards of AQA, Edexcel and OCR.

No matter which exam board and modules you are studying in order to get your best result at A Level History you will need to learn and improve certain techniques.

Pass A Level History – is our sister site, which shows you step by step, how to most effectively answer any A Level History extract, source or essay question. Please click the following link to visit the site and get access to your free preview lesson. www.passalevelhistory.co.uk

AQA Assessment Breakdown

Historical Investigation (Coursework) – 20% of final grade

Breadth Study (Exam) – 40% of final grade

Depth Study (Exam) – 40% of final grade

AQA A Level History Topics

Component 1: Breadth study

1A The Age of the Crusades, c1071–1204

1B Spain in the Age of Discovery, 1469–1598

1C The Tudors: England, 1485–1603

1D Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603–1702

1E Russia in the Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment, 1682–1796

1F Industrialisation and the people: Britain, c1783–1885

1G Challenge and transformation: Britain, c1851–1964

1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964

1J The British Empire, c1857–1967

1K The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975

1L The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991

Component 2: Depth study

2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216

2B The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499

2C The Reformation in Europe, c1500–1564

2D Religious conflict and the Church in England, c1529–c1570

2E The English Revolution, 1625–1660

2F The Sun King: Louis XIV, France and Europe, 1643–1715

2G The Birth of the USA, 1760–1801

2H France in Revolution, 1774–1815

2J America: A Nation Divided, c1845–1877

2K International Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941

2L Italy and Fascism, c1900–1945

2M Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906–1957

Edexcel Assessment Breakdown

Research Enquiry (Coursework) – 20% of grade

Breadth Study with Interpretations (Exam) – 30% of grade

Depth Study (Exam) – 20% of grade

Themes in Breadth + Aspects in Depth (Exam) 30% of grade

Ed Excel A Level History Topics

Breadth study with interpretations

1A: The crusades, c1095–1204

1B: England, 1509–1603: authority, nation and religion

1C: Britain, 1625–1701: conflict, revolution and settlement

1D: Britain, c1785–c1870: democracy, protest and reform

1E: Russia, 1917–91: from Lenin to Yeltsin

1F: In search of the American Dream: the USA, c1917–96

1G: Germany and West Germany, 1918–89

1H: Britain transformed, 1918–97

Depth study

2A.1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Anglo-Norman Kingdom, c1053–1106

2A.2: England and the Angevin Empire in the reign of Henry II, 1154–89

2B.1: Luther and the German Reformation, c1515–55

2B.2: The Dutch Revolt, c1563–1609

2C.1: France in revolution, 1774–99

2C.2: Russia in revolution, 1894–1924

2D.1: The unification of Italy, c1830–70

2D.2: The unification of Germany, c1840–71

2E.1: Mao’s China, 1949–76

2E.2: The German Democratic Republic, 1949–90

2F.1: India, c1914–48: the road to independence

2F.2: South Africa, 1948–94: from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’

2G.1: The rise and fall of fascism in Italy, c1911–46

2G.2: Spain, 1930–78: republicanism, Francoism and the re-establishment of democracy

2H.1: The USA, c1920–55: boom, bust and recovery

Themes in breadth with aspects in depth

30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509

31: Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485–1603

32: The Golden Age of Spain, 1474–1598

33: The witch craze in Britain, Europe and North America, c1580–c1750

34.1: Industrialisation and social change in Britain, 1759–1928: forging a new society

34.2: Poverty, public health and the state in Britain, c1780–1939

35.1: Britain: losing and gaining an empire, 1763–1914

35.2: The British experience of warfare, c1790–1918

36.1: Protest, agitation and parliamentary reform in Britain, c1780–1928

36.2: Ireland and the Union, c1774–1923

37.1: The changing nature of warfare, 1859–1991: perception and reality

37.2: Germany, 1871–1990: united, divided and reunited

38.1: The making of modern Russia, 1855–1991

38.2: The making of modern China, 1860–1997

39.1: Civil rights and race relations in the USA, 1850–2009

39.2: Mass media and social change in Britain, 1882–2004

OCR Assessment Breakdown

Topic Based Essay (Coursework) – 20% of grade

British Period Study and Enquiry (Exam) – 25% of grade

Non-British Period Study (Exam) – 15% of grade

Thematic Study and Interpretations (Exam) – 40% of grade

OCR A Level History Topics

British Period Study and Enquiry

Alfred and the making of England 871—1016

Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest 1035—1107

England 1199—1272

England 1377—1455

England 1445—1509: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII

England 1485—1558: the early Tudors

England 1547—1603: the late Tudors

The early Stuarts and the origins of the Civil War 1603—1660

The making of Georgian Britain 1678 — c. 1760

From Pitt to Peel: Britain 1783—1853

Liberals, Conservatives and the rise of Labour 1846—1918

Britain 1900—1951

Britain 1930—1997

Non-British Period Study

The rise of Islam c. 550 — 750

Charlemagne 768—814

The Crusades and the crusader states 1095—1192

Genghis Khan and the explosion from the Steppes c. 1167 — 1405

Exploration, Encounters and Empire 1445—1570

Spain 1469—1556

The German Reformation and the rule of Charles V 1500—1559

Philip II 1556—1598

African kingdoms c. 1400 — c. 1800: four case studies

Russia 1645—1741

The rise and decline of the Mughal Empire in India 1526—1739

The American Revolution 1740—1796

The French Revolution and the rule of Napoleon 1774—1815

France 1814—1870

Italy and unification 1789—1896

The USA in the 19th Century: Westward expansion and Civil War 1803 — c. 1890

Japan 1853—1937

International relations 1890—1941

Russia 1894—1941

Italy 1896—1943

Democracy and dictatorships in Germany 1919—1963

The Cold War in Asia 1945—1993

The Cold War in Europe 1941—1995

Apartheid and reconciliation: South African politics 1948—1999

Thematic Study and Historical Interpretations

The early Anglo-Saxons c. 400 — 800

The Viking age c. 790 — 1066

English government and the Church 1066—1216

The Church and medieval heresy c. 1100 — 1437

The Renaissance c. 1400 — c. 1600

Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors 1485—1603

Tudor foreign policy 1485—1603

The Catholic Reformation 1492—1610

The ascendancy of the Ottoman Empire 1453—1606

The development of the nation state: France 1498—1610

The origins and growth of the British Empire 1558—1783

Popular culture and the witchcraze of the 16th and 17th centuries

The ascendancy of France 1610—1715

The challenge of German nationalism 1789—1919

The changing nature of warfare 1792—1945

Britain and Ireland 1791—1921

China and its rulers 1839—1989

Russia and its rulers 1855—1964

Civil Rights in the USA 1865—1992

From colonialism to independence: The British Empire 1857—1965

How To Improve at A Level History

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History Coursework: how to Choose the Best Question

• Dr Janet Rose
• June 13, 2020

So, just when you thought your first A-level History year was over and you could relax before tackling next year, you have to think about your history coursework. This will be the non-exam assessment (NEA) or Historical Investigation.  It can cause a lot of angst amongst students but taking some time and thinking it through carefully before you start can make the world of difference.

1. Choose to study something interesting for your history coursework

If you have the chance to choose whichever topic you like for your history coursework and set your own question, or if you are given a list of different topics, choose one you are genuinely interested in. You will be working on this piece for months, so it makes sense to choose something that will hold your interest.

2. Make sure there are no clashes with your other topics

In practice, there are constraints set by the various exam boards to make sure that your topic does not overlap with the components you are already studying for your A level or Pre U. Your exam centre (school, college or independent centre) will need to have your question approved by the exam board and they will not approve a topic with an obvious overlap. For example, if you are already studying the Tudors for AQA, it is unlikely that you can  study a topic set in England between 1485 to 1603. Therefore, if you are setting your own question, ask yourself if it overlaps in date or topic with one of your components. If it does, you will need to find an alternative. Each exam board has slightly different rules, so check on their website to see what the rules are for your exam board.

3. Find your source material early

For your history coursework, you will need to find two types of source material – primary and secondary:

P rimary sources are those that were written at the time and you will also need to find a range of these to support your investigation. To achieve high marks you should look for a variety of primary sources, for example, a letter, a report, a painting, a speech etc.

Secondary sources are scholarly books or articles by historians, or what the a-level exam boards call ‘interpretations.’ this means that your investigation will only be viable if historians have written about the topic and, preferably, argued over it. you will need to understand the arguments that provide a framework for your chosen topic. historians call this the historiography..

Therefore, the question you set yourself will only be able to achieve high marks if you make sure there are both secondary sources (scholarly argument) and primary sources (original material) to support your investigation. If you cannot find these, you should re-think your question.

4. Remember you actually have to answer the question!

It sounds really obvious – but remember that you actually have to answer the question you set yourself!  You need to choose something that is achievable in the time frame and gives you a good chance of success. A good question will give you a framework within which to research and write – you are looking for something that is not too vague nor too wide.

You also need something that you can address in the historical time frame (e.g. around 100 years for AQA) and a topic that you can analyse and evaluate in approximately 3, 500 words (check the word limit for your own exam board). In practice, any question that is too wide, too vague or unlikely to be achievable should be vetoed either by your school/college/independent centre or the exam board. However, this will waste your valuable time and is not totally foolproof, so choose an achievable project to give yourself a fighting chance of achieving that elusive A grade.

5. Choose a good format for your history coursework question

The standard ‘for and against’ question format will always be a good choice and will give you a framework within which to set your investigation. There are various ways to word such a question e.g. ‘How far…’, To what extent…’ ‘Within the context of … how important was…’ which will give you a clear framework and a direction for your investigation. Keep it simple is good advice here. Remember, though, to define your framework by including the date range in your question. For example ‘Within the context of 1790 to 1890, how important was…?’

Done well, the NEA or Personal Investigation will teach you a huge amount about how historians work, how sources are used and how to construct an argument. This will help you enormously when you come to the final exams and it can be a very valuable contribution to your qualification. It can also be enjoyable as it is your first chance to ‘do’ some real historical research. Choose your question with care and you automatically give yourself a head start.

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A-Level History Revision Notes

Condensing complex subjects into concise, easily digestible formats, these A-Level History revision notes serve as mini study guides, highlighting key concepts and exam topics. Use these to pinpoint areas where you feel you need to focus and make more effective use of your study sessions. Our History tutors are also on-hand for support if you feel that things are getting on top of you.

How can I revise for the A-Level History exams with so much to cover?

Begin by creating a structured revision plan that allocates specific time slots to different historical periods or topics. Use a variety of study resources such as textbooks, primary sources, and reputable websites. Develop concise, topic-based notes to capture key events, figures, and historical contexts. Engage in active revision by creating timelines, mind maps, or flashcards to visualize connections and themes across different periods.

How can I improve my essay writing skills for the essay-based questions in A-Level History exams?

To enhance your essay writing, focus on constructing clear and structured arguments. Start with a strong introduction that outlines your main thesis and provides a roadmap for your essay. Use the PEEEL method (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Evaluation, Link) to craft each paragraph, ensuring your points are well-supported by historical evidence and critical analysis. Include historical context and diverse interpretations to showcase a deep understanding. Regularly practice timed essays under exam conditions to improve your time management and refine your writing style.

How can I effectively remember key dates, events, and figures for A-Level History exams without getting overwhelmed?

Develop mnemonic techniques or memory aids to remember important details. For example, create acronyms or rhymes that include significant events or timelines. Organize your notes chronologically to establish a clear historical timeline. Additionally, make use of visual aids like timelines, charts, or concept maps to visualize the sequence of events and the relationships between them. Regularly review and quiz yourself on these details to reinforce your memory and recall during the exam.

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AS and A-level History

• Specification
• Planning resources
• Teaching resources
• Assessment resources
• Introduction
• Specification at a glance
• 1A The Age of the Crusades, c1071–1204
• 1B Spain in the Age of Discovery, 1469–1598 (A-level only)
• 1C The Tudors: England, 1485–1603
• 1D Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603–1702
• 1E Russia in the Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment, 1682–1796 (A-level only)
• 1F Industrialisation and the people: Britain, c1783–1885
• 1G Challenge and transformation: Britain, c1851–1964
• 1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964
• 1J The British Empire, c1857–1967
• 1K The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975
• 1L The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991
• 2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216
• 2B The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499
• 2C The Reformation in Europe, c1500–1564 (A-level only)
• 2D Religious conflict and the Church in England, c1529–c1570
• 2E The English Revolution, 1625–1660
• 2F The Sun King: Louis XIV, France and Europe, 1643–1715 (A-level only)
• 2G The Birth of the USA, 1760–1801
• 2H France in Revolution, 1774–1815 (A-level only)
• 2J America: A Nation Divided, c1845–1877
• 2K International Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941 (A-level only)
• 2L Italy and Fascism, c1900–1945
• 2M Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906–1957
• 2N Revolution and dictatorship: Russia, 1917–1953
• 2O Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945
• 2P The Transformation of China, 1936–1997
• 2Q The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945–1980
• 2R The Cold War, c1945–1991
• 2S The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007
• 2T The Crisis of Communism: The USSR and the Soviet Empire, 1953–2000 (A-level only)
• Component 3: Historical investigation (non-exam assessment) (A-level only)
• Scheme of assessment
• Non-exam assessment administration
• General administration

Subject content

The AS component content is designed to be co-teachable with the first part of the corresponding full A-level component content – or it can be taught as a stand-alone course.

The top 10 most popular history topics taught to A-level students – in pictures

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Although modern history is favoured, the Tudors still prove popular, according to new research by the exam group Cambridge Assessment, which looked at what options schools chose from the OCR history course

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All about A level History – course information

What's a level history about.

History is the study of the past. It examines the  political, economic, social and cultural issues of different era and cultures. At its most ambitious, the subject is the study of everything.

Of course, in A level History you won't be expected to learn everything from the Battle of Hastings in 1066 to the Cold War, but you will cover enough in breadth and depth to develop a good understanding of events in their historical context, and to develop an historian's approach to the past. "Why was a particular course of action followed?" is a fundamental question underlying the study of history, and its primary purpose is not to judge but to comprehend.

From an intellectual standpoint, A level History is about the acquisition of vital learning skills: you need to be able  to read and digest large amounts of information and to pick out what is and is not relevant to the question you are dealing with. History will teach you how to analyse, reflect and to argue clearly in class and in writing.

Across all exam boards A level History students study particular events in depth and in broader outline papers: for example the OCR paper on the Early Tudors 1485-1558 also requires the much more focused source-based examination of the 1547-58 Mid Tudor Crisis. Each exam board offers different 'outline' and 'in depth' topics, (see OCR's specification as an example), though your college is likely to have picked the combination of outline and specific topics it will teach you.

The rewards are many! The enjoyment and intellectual stimulation you get when you've securely understood the topic are considerable. This is when arguments can be formed and you can involve yourself in the cut-and-thrust of historical debate. Your ideas will be revived or challenged and you are bound to establish new perspectives.

 What sort of work is involved ?

• Reading around the topics and researching are key elements of A level History.
• Historians need to be effective at making notes: grouping information according to themes and noting different sorts of evidence (dates, statistics and quotes).
• You will learn to evaluate source-material: understanding a document in relation to who wrote it and when it was composed.
• Writing essays is a major part of any History course. Learning how to assemble information into a thematic and analytical response to the specific question posed. Read The Economist   and The Guardian style guide for examples of effective writing.

Your teacher will guide you through the topics and techniques required. You will need to supplement this work through your own  reading and note-taking.

A key feature of most A level History courses in the second year is the 3000-4000 word independently researched assignment. This can often be on a topic of your choosing and needs to be based on primary and secondary material. This is excellent preparation for the skills required at university.

What background do I need ?

History GCSE, although useful, is not essential for the study of History A Level. It is more important that you have or can develop an analytical and precise writing-style. You will also need to assimilate a great deal of information and to assess what is valid for a particular question. History also works well with almost any combination of other A level subjects.

Where can it lead?

History is a highly respected A level and very popular at degree level. Offers from top universities will regularly be AAA or A*AA. The analytical skills required for History A level also make it a natural foundation for anyone wishing to study Law.

A degree in History also leads to many career options: you don’t just have to become a History teacher (nothing wrong with that, of course!). The Historical Association   provides a very useful overview of potential careers.

One year course?

To cover A level History in one year is perfectly manageable. It is hard work, but the skills and content can readily be covered in that time if you are organised and hard-working. History is a subject that requires excellent written skills, and it is the development of your writing skills  as much as the content which will determine how well you cope. The one year course is fast-paced, but it is all the more exciting for that!

History is mainly examined through written exams at the end of the course. It is essential that you become confident in timed conditions, and a good course will ensure that you get lots of practice in writing under limited time. The majority of boards have a coursework component, but this is usually no more than 20%. CIE is the exception to this; all the exams take the form of written exams. To take OCR as an example, you sit three written exams and submit a project. The written exams cover:

• British period study and enquiry 1 hour 30 minute paper 25% of the total
• Non-British period study 30 marks 1 hour paper 15% of the total
• Thematic study and historical interpretations 2 hour 30 minute paper 40% of total

And you will complete a 3000–4000 word essay on a topic of your choice which counts for 20% of the total

The majority of questions are concerned with why events occur - e.g. "How far do you agree that tensions in the Balkans were the most important reason for the outbreak of war in 1914?" There will also be questions that ask you to analyse a source as a piece of evidence - e.g. "How useful is Source A as evidence as to why Henry VIII broke with the Catholic Church?"

This article was written by Robert Heggie Head of History at MPW College London .

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A level History Key Facts

Overview of the History A level course

The History A level course matches the AQA 7042 specification. The A level specification requires students to:

• have a breadth of knowledge over at least a 200 year period
• show a depth of knowledge of a period
• engage fully with primary source materials
• study a broad and coherent curriculum

This has allowed us to develop an exciting and engaging course covering the times and subjects below.

• Specification
• Prerequisites

AS and A level topics

Introductory module:   how to study history at a-level.

Before embarking on your History course, this module will help you consider the role of the historian and the priorities to be adopted as you proceed with your studies.

Module 1 – Challenge and Transformation: Britain, c1851–1964

Allows students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in this period.

Module 2 – Victorian and Edwardian Britain, c1851–1914

Reform and Challenge, c1851–c1886 Challenges to the status quo, c1886–1914

The American Dream: Reality and Illusion, 1945–1980

An in-depth study of the challenges faced by the USA at home and abroad as it emerged from the Second World War as a Superpower.

Prosperity, Inequality and Superpower status, 1945–1963

A level only topics, the world wars and their legacies: britain, 1914–1964.

• The Great War and its impact, 1914–1939
• Transformation and change, 1939–1964

Challenges to the American Dream, 1963–1980

• The Johnson Presidency, 1963–1968
• Republican Reaction: the Nixon Presidency, 1968–1974
• The USA after Nixon, 1974–1980

Coursework Module: Black American Inequality in the United States, c1780-1900

Students will be required to submit a Historical Investigation based on a development or issue which has been subject to different historical interpretations.

The History A level specification

The course has been prepared for the AQA History AS/A level specifications 7041/7042.

The AS Level

Students can sit an AS qualification independently of the full A level. The AS level is assessed by two, one hour thirty minute examinations each worth 50% of the mark. AS results no longer contribute towards the full A level result.

The complete A level

The A level is assessed by:

• Two, two hour thirty minute examinations each worth 40% of the available marks
• One 3000-3500 word Historical Investigation worth 20% of the available marks

Students will be able to achieve grades from A* to E.

Please note that the marking and moderation of NEA (coursework) by OOL tutors is included in the course fees – this is not true of other providers.

In order to study History A level students are expected

•  To have obtained a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade C/4 and above or equivalent
• Or to have other relevant qualifications or experience which would be equivalent to this.  If in doubt as to what level you should be studying, please speak to one of our student advisers on 0800 9757575

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My prime reason for studying the course was to study, academically, a subject I was especially interested in rather than go to a local College. I wanted to work at my own pace with an organisation with specialist tutors who were experienced and sympathetic. Oxford Open Learning provided all of those things for me. My tutor, Nigel, was perfect in his support and motivated me when I was struggling. My student adviser was also always patient and timely with instructions and advice. Ron Wilson History A level

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International History, 1870-1945 for Cambridge International AS Level History

Modern europe 1750-1921 for cambridge international as level history, the history of the usa, 1820-1941 for cambridge international as level history.

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As and a level history a - h105, h505, specification at a glance, assessment overview.

* Indicates inclusion of synoptic assessment.

** Students who are retaking a qualification can choose either to retake the non-exam assessment unit or to carry forward their mark for that unit.

Students must take one unit from each of unit groups 1 to 3 as well as the mandatory non-exam assessment Y100 topic-based essay to be awarded the OCR A Level in History A.

Content overview

Students select a total of three topics in British and non-British history to study in three units, creating a qualification that is both broad and coherent. The topics selected must have a chronological range of at least 200 years.

Unit group 1

Study is source-based and develops different historical approaches. One topic is selected from 13 options available:

• Alfred and the making of England 871—1016
• Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest 1035—1107
• England 1199—1272
• England 1377—1455
• England 1445—1509: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII
• England 1485—1558: the early Tudors
• England 1547—1603: the late Tudors
• The early Stuarts and the origins of the Civil War 1603—1660
• The making of Georgian Britain 1678 — c. 1760
• From Pitt to Peel: Britain 1783—1853
• Liberals, Conservatives and the rise of Labour 1846—1918
• Britain 1900—1951
• Britain 1930—1997

Unit group 2

The 24 topics available in this group focus on non-British history, from the rise of Islam to the end of apartheid in South Africa, emphasising the application of historical knowledge, understanding and judgement. Students select one topic to study:

• The rise of Islam c. 550 — 750
• Charlemagne 768—814
• The Crusades and the crusader states 1095—1192
• Genghis Khan and the explosion from the Steppes c. 1167 — 1405
• Exploration, Encounters and Empire 1445—1570
• Spain 1469—1556
• The German Reformation and the rule of Charles V 1500—1559
• Philip II 1556—1598
• African kingdoms c. 1400 — c. 1800: four case studies
• Russia 1645—1741
• The rise and decline of the Mughal Empire in India 1526—1739
• The American Revolution 1740—1796
• The French Revolution and the rule of Napoleon 1774—1815
• France 1814—1870
• Italy and unification 1789—1896
• The USA in the 19th Century: Westward expansion and Civil War 1803 — c. 1890
• Japan 1853—1937
• International relations 1890—1941
• Russia 1894—1941
• Italy 1896—1943
• Democracy and dictatorships in Germany 1919—1963
• The Cold War in Asia 1945—1993
• The Cold War in Europe 1941—1995
• Apartheid and reconciliation: South African politics 1948—1999

Unit group 3

The topics in this group allow study of change and continuity over a substantial period of time, with in-depth studies focusing on interpretations of significant individuals, events, developments etc. The 21 topic options cover both British and non-British history over a period from the early Anglo-Saxons to the Arab Spring.

• The early Anglo-Saxons c. 400 — 800
• The Viking age c. 790 — 1066
• English government and the Church 1066—1216
• The Church and medieval heresy c. 1100 — 1437
• The Renaissance c. 1400 — c. 1600
• Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors 1485—1603
• Tudor foreign policy 1485—1603
• The Catholic Reformation 1492—1610
• The ascendancy of the Ottoman Empire 1453—1606
• The development of the nation state: France 1498—1610
• The origins and growth of the British Empire 1558—1783
• Popular culture and the witchcraze of the 16th and 17th centuries
• The ascendancy of France 1610—1715
• The challenge of German nationalism 1789—1919
• The changing nature of warfare 1792—1945
• Britain and Ireland 1791—1921
• China and its rulers 1839—1989
• Russia and its rulers 1855—1964
• Civil Rights in the USA 1865—1992
• From colonialism to independence: The British Empire 1857—1965
• The Middle East 1908—2011: Ottomans to Arab Spring

Topic based essay

This is an opportunity for students to bring together many of the skills developed through their work on the topics to an independently researched enquiry of their own choosing.

Both components include synoptic assessment.

Students must take one unit from each of unit groups 1 and 2 to be awarded the OCR AS Level in History A.

Students select one topic in British history and one topic in non-British history to study. There are no restrictions on which topics may or may not be combined.

Study is source-based and develops different historical approaches. One topic is selected from the options available:

• Alfred and the making of England 871—1016 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest 1035—1107 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• England 1199—1272 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• England 1445—1509: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII (being withdrawn from 2018)
• England 1547—1603: the later Tudors
• The making of Georgian Britain 1678 — c. 1760 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• From Pitt to Peel: Britain 1783—1853 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• Liberals, Conservatives and the rise of Labour 1846—1918 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• Britain 1900—1951 (being withdrawn from 2018)

The 24 topics available in this group focus on non-British history, from the crusader states to the end of apartheid in South Africa, emphasising the application of historical knowledge, understanding and judgement. Students select one topic to study:

• The Crusades and the crusader states 1095—1192 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• Genghis Khan and the explosion from the Steppes c. 1167 — 1405 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• The German Reformation and the rule of Charles V 1500—1559 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• Philip II 1556—1598 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• Russia 1645—1741 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• The American Revolution 1740—1796 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• France 1814—1870 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• Italy and unification 1789—1896 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• The USA in the 19th Century: Westward expansion and Civil War 1803 — c. 1890 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• International relations 1890—1941 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• Italy 1896—1943 (being withdrawn from 2018)
• Apartheid and reconciliation: South African politics 1948—1999 (being withdrawn from 2018)