A Level Modern History
The study of History helps us understand and explain the past and is a fascinating subject. The research, evaluation and analytical skills acquired are desirable in Higher Education and employment. Students will also develop their understanding of major world events.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
In Modern History, you will study the rise and fall of the British Empire 1857 – 1967. This provides an interesting contrast to the second module – the rise and fall of Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918 – 1945. The third module is a Non-Examined Assessment on the USA 1763 – 1865, when the USA won its freedom from Britain then descended into Civil War.
Apply for this course
Start date: 08/09/2025
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Knowledgeable lecturers
respected by universities
transferrable skills
Nazi Germany 1939-45
20% Coursework
Friendly and enthusiastic staff
The History Department is friendly, supportive, experienced, ambitious and hardworking. Achievement in this subject relies heavily on your attendance, punctuality and commitment to learning, both independently and within lectures.
Highly respected subject
Modern History is a highly respected subject by universities and employers due to the transferrable skills gained on the A Level course including research, planning, analysis, evaluation and essay writing. It also complements other subjects such as Politics, Classical Civilisation, English Literature, Geography, Law and Economics.
Non-Examined Assessment (NEA)
Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) accounts for 20% of the A Level. This suits students who don’t always do themselves justice in exams, due to timing issues or stress. The NEA also gives students the opportunity to research an area of interest from the USA 1763-1865, such as the impact of slavery, westward expansion and the Presidency or the causes of the American Civil War.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Unit 1: The British Empire c1857 – 1967.
You will study the British Empire through 6 themes including reasons for growth and contraction, the role of the economy and the response of indigenous peoples to British rule.
Unit 2: Democracy and Nazism: Germany 1918 – 1945.
You will study how a democratic government gave way to a Nazi dictatorship. It explores political concepts such as nationalism and liberalism and ideologies of anti-Semitism and Social Darwinism.
Unit 3: USA 1763 – 1865.
You will learn how American colonies won their independence from Britain, founded the USA, expanded westwards then disintegrated into Civil War. It explores concepts such as abolitionism and social justice.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
A Level History is highly respected by universities and employers. Our students progress to a variety of university courses including Truro College’s FdA History, Heritage and Culture degree.
ASSESSMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Both years are assessed by formal written essays, with examinations assessing two components and one component assessed by coursework. Components 1 and 2 are examined by two 2.5 hour exams. Each of these exams is worth 40% of the A Level. The Historical Investigation (component 3) comprises an essay of 3500 – 4500 words. It is internally assessed and externally moderated. The Historical Investigation is worth 20% of the A Level.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above in appropriate subjects, with a Grade 6 in English Language or English Literature. Where a Grade 6 is not achieved in English; we will accept a Grade 6 or above in History instead. History is available to students who have already studied the subject at GCSE, as well as students who have not studied History at Key Stage 4. Students should be confident readers, able to write fluently and have good factual recall. Students also need to be self-motivated and capable of carrying out independent research. Above all, students should be interested and willing to engage with the subject.
INFORMATION & SUPPORT
All resources, including textbooks and lecture booklets are provided by the College.
Awarding Body: AQA
For further details please contact Fraser McConnell – fraserm@truro-penwith.ac.uk
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.
What you could earn
Potential Salary
£29,114
Entry Level Salary
£9,236
Average Salary
£22,123
Annual openings in Cornwall
8
Potential Salary
£40,318
Entry Level Salary
£15,134
Average Salary
£29,948
Annual openings in Cornwall
8
Potential Salary
£40,575
Entry Level Salary
£22,218
Average Salary
£40,575
Annual openings in Cornwall
5
Potential Salary
£50,769
Entry Level Salary
£17,278
Average Salary
£30,013
Annual openings in Cornwall
7
Potential Salary
£71,640
Entry Level Salary
£24,382
Average Salary
£42,352
Annual openings in Cornwall
13
Potential Salary
£51,259
Entry Level Salary
£21,243
Average Salary
£38,074
Annual openings in Cornwall
27
Potential Salary
£62,130
Entry Level Salary
£20,604
Average Salary
£34,160
Annual openings in Cornwall
1
Potential Salary
£48,863
Entry Level Salary
£19,545
Average Salary
£28,887
Annual openings in Cornwall
