Guide to A Level History
Studying A Level History is a rewarding but rigorous pursuit, valued by universities and employers alike for the skills it nurtures: critical thinking, research, communication, and analysis. Whether you are just beginning your studies or looking for ways to fine-tune your revision strategies, this guide will help you navigate the A Level History syllabus, tackle your coursework and exams, and achieve your best possible grade.
How Hard is A Level History?
A Level History is widely regarded as one of the more demanding subjects. It requires not just memorisation, but sophisticated analysis, evaluation, and essay-writing skills.
However, with the right support and consistent effort, it is absolutely achievable. Many of our students initially find the transition from GCSE History to A Level challenging but go on to achieve top grades with the right strategies and guidance.
What Topics Are Covered in A Level History?
The exact topics vary slightly depending on your exam board, but common themes include:
- Tudor England (1485–1603)
- The British Empire
- Weimar and Nazi Germany
- The Cold War
- American Civil Rights Movement
- Russia from Tsars to Revolution
Exam boards you might encounter include:
- AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)
- Edexcel (Pearson)
- OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA)
- WJEC/Eduqas (Welsh Joint Education Committee)
Each board sets its own specification, so it’s important to check the syllabus carefully and ensure your revision is aligned. You can find links to past papers and specifications directly on the exam board websites.
For a full overview of A Level support across subjects, visit our A Level Tuition page.
How to Revise for A Level History
Successful A Level History students don’t just memorise facts: they understand causes, consequences, interpretations, and historiography. You may refer to SLT’s guide to effective revision techniques here.
Top tips for revision:
- Create a Timeline: Understand how events are linked chronologically.
- Use Past Papers: Practice answering different types of questions and analysing source materials.
- Mind Map Key Themes: Group facts under broad categories such as economic, political, social, and religious change.
- Essay Plans: Practice structuring essays with clear arguments and evidence.
- Flashcards for Key Dates and Figures: Essential for quick recall.
How Hard is A Level History?
A Level History is widely regarded as one of the more demanding subjects. It requires not just memorisation, but sophisticated analysis, evaluation, and essay-writing skills.
However, with the right support and consistent effort, it is absolutely achievable. Many of our students initially find the transition from GCSE History to A Level challenging but go on to achieve top grades with the right strategies and guidance.
How to Get the Best Grade in A Level History
- Understand the Mark Scheme: Study the examiner’s criteria for top-level answers.
- Work on Essay Technique: Focus on planning, argument structure, and integrating evidence.
- Stay Consistent: Set a revision timetable and stick to it.
- Seek Targeted Support: A dedicated A Level History tutor can help tailor your revision.
- Engage With Historiography: Referencing different historians’ views impresses examiners.
Grade Boundaries for A Level History
Grade boundaries vary slightly each year, but to achieve an A*, students typically need around 80% or more overall, and around 70% for an A grade. It’s important to focus on consistent, high-quality work across both coursework and exam papers.
Recommended Reading for A Level History
While your textbooks are essential, wider reading can deepen your understanding and help you stand out.
- “A People’s Tragedy” by Orlando Figes (Russia)
- “The Tudor Age” by Jasper Ridley
- “Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945” by Tony Judt
- “The Origins of the Second World War” by A.J.P. Taylor
- Articles from History Today magazine
What Can You Do with A Level History?
A Level History is highly respected and opens doors to a wide range of university courses and careers. Possible paths include:
- Law
- Journalism
- Politics
- International Relations
- Education
- Business and Consultancy
- Museums and Heritage
The skills you develop such as research, critical thinking, writing are highly transferable and valued by employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is A Level History?
A Level History is challenging because it demands strong analytical skills, essay-writing proficiency, and the ability to interpret sources. However, with consistent effort and good support, it is very manageable.
What are the topics for A Level History?
Common topics include the Tudors, British Empire, Germany 1918–1945, the Cold War, Civil Rights in America, and Russian Revolution. Topics vary by exam board.
What grade is 70% in A Level History?
Around 70% typically equates to an A grade, though exact grade boundaries can change slightly each year.
Do universities like A Level History?
Yes. Universities highly regard A Level History because it demonstrates critical thinking, research skills, and strong written communication.
How Simply Learning Tuition Can Help
Simply Learning Tuition provides expert A Level History tuition tailored to each student’s needs. Our private tutors help students with:
- Structuring and refining essays
- Mastering source analysis and interpretations
- Building effective revision plans
- Preparing for coursework and final exams
- Providing detailed feedback to strengthen exam technique
With our guidance, many students have moved from struggling grades to securing A and A* results, building confidence and ambition along the way.
To find out how we can help your child succeed in A Level History, please contact us today.
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