History Fast Track A Level (Full AS+A2) Course

A levels are subject-specific qualifications normally studied after GCSEs or International GCSEs, though they are appropriate at any age to gain a qualification in a subject in which you are interested.

The qualification is made up of two levels: the AS level and the A2 level. The AS level is the first half of a full A level and is a qualification on its own. The A2 level builds on the knowledge gained from both the AS level, as well as the GCSE level. Both the AS and A2 levels and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.

Students usually take 1 year to complete the AS and a further year to complete the A2 - so a full A level usually takes two years. This fast track A level, however, lets you complete the course in half the time (i.e. one year instead of two years). The fast track A level works in exactly the same way and you get the same certificate as you would on the two-year course.

A levels are highly valued by schools, colleges and employers. They are at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework and they carry UCAS points, which will be awarded according to the grade achieved (A = 120, B = 100, C = 80).

Many courses at university or college will require you to take A levels in certain subjects. We recommend you check the requirements for those courses and take the appropriate subject A levels.

About Our A Level History Course

On completion of your two part course you will be able to:

• Recall, select and deploy historical knowledge accurately
• Communicate historical knowledge
• Present historical explanations
• Show understanding of appropriate concepts
• Arrive at substantiated judgements

History, as its name suggests, is a study of the past. It is certainly true to say that in order to understand the conflicts and difficulties of the present world you need to understand what has happened over previous years. Many of today’s politicians and world leaders are well aware of the events of the past and often use them as guidelines in dealing with present problems and crises. History encourages you to absorb and learn key facts and data before analysing which pieces of information are the most important and most significant. A key skill of any historian is to make an informed judgement on an important historical issue having weighed up all of the information and evidence available.

From 2008 onwards, History, like most A-Levels, altered its format and reduced the number of units/modules from 6 to 4. This means that there are two units to be studied at AS Level (1 and 2), and two units to be studies at A2 Level (3 and 4).

All of the information within the units is written in line with the requirements of the Edexcel examination board specification. All units are broken down into clear chronological periods and topics, and students should spend the amount of time studying for each topic as advised by their course tutor.

There are regular short assignments set throughout each unit, along with model/specimen exam questions also. Key words and definitions are also highlighted and explained. At the end of each module there is a formal tutor-marked assessment which, when completed, should be sent to your tutor, via e-mail or conventional post.

This course focuses on 20th century History, specifically in relation to the USA, the Soviet Union and Britain. Key historical figures covered by the course include Churchill, Stalin, Kennedy and Reagan. The AS and A2 modules link together and students are advised to select an A2 coursework option within this 100 year historical period and which complements, but not duplicates, what they have already studied during the course.

AS Level

Historical Themes in Breadth

Unit 1: A World Divided: Communism and Democracy in the 20th Century

Stalin’s Russia 1924-53

Politics, Presidency and Society in the USA, 1968-2001

British History Depth Studies

Unit 2: Britain in the Later 20th Century: Responding to Change

British Political History 1945-90: Consensus and Conflict

A2 Level

Depth Studies and Associated Historical Controversies

Unit 3: War and Peace: 20th Century International Relations

A World Divided: Superpower Relations 1944-90

Unit 4: Coursework

For further information on the course format and assessments, please view the History A Level Syllabus.

Basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.

Getting A levels can provide you with a variety of options, such as work, further study or an apprenticeship.

After successful completion of this course, you could apply to university, a BTEC Higher National, NVQ, a BTEC Apprenticeship or a mixture of these qualifications.

What should I do next? To find out more about this course click the 'Enquire now' button to contact the course provider.