UK · Subject guide
History
A-Level History (AQA 7042), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
01 · Overview
History
A-Level History (AQA 7042), against the DfE/Ofqual subject content.
- Subject guide
- A-Levels
- Topics mapped
- 16
02 · Complete topic map
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
- 01
Component 1: Breadth study (Period studies)
An externally examined study of change and continuity across a span of roughly a century or more, chosen from a set of period options covering British, European and world history.
- 02
1C The Tudors: England, 1485-1603
A breadth option tracing the establishment and consolidation of Tudor monarchy through religious, political, economic and social change across the dynasty.
- 03
1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855-1964
A breadth option examining the development and collapse of autocracy and the rise of the Soviet state across reform, revolution and dictatorship.
- 04
1K The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865-1975
A breadth option following America's transformation from Reconstruction to global superpower through expansion, economic growth and social conflict.
- 05
1L The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871-1991
A breadth option charting Germany's search for stable government from unification through empire, republic, dictatorship and division to reunification.
- 06
Component 2: Depth study (Thematic studies with sources)
An externally examined in-depth study of a shorter period, assessing the analysis and evaluation of primary source material alongside causation and significance.
- 07
2E The English Revolution, 1625-1660
A depth option exploring the breakdown of relations between Crown and Parliament, civil war, regicide and the experiment in republican government.
- 08
2N Revolution and dictatorship: Russia, 1917-1953
A depth option analysing the Bolshevik seizure of power and the consolidation of Communist rule through Lenin's and Stalin's regimes.
- 09
2O Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918-1945
A depth option investigating the fragility of Weimar democracy, the rise of the Nazi Party and the nature of the Nazi state and its impact.
- 10
2Q The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945-1980
A depth option assessing post-war American society, prosperity, civil rights and political turbulence against the ideal of the American Dream.
- 11
2R The Cold War, c1945-1991
A depth option examining the origins, escalation and easing of superpower rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.
- 12
Component 3: Historical investigation (Non-exam assessment)
An independently researched personal study, typically spanning around a hundred years, in which students form a question and reach a substantiated judgement.
- 13
Analysing change and continuity over time
A required skill of identifying and explaining patterns of development, turning points, similarity and difference across the periods studied.
- 14
Causation, consequence and historical significance
A required focus on explaining why events happened, their effects, and assessing the relative importance of factors and developments.
- 15
Analysis and evaluation of primary sources
The skill of weighing the value of contemporary source material with regard to its content, context, provenance, tone and purpose.
- 16
Historical interpretations and historians' debates
The study of how and why the past has been interpreted differently, evaluating differing scholarly arguments and judgements.
03 · Where this subject applies
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Pathways and specifications
AS-Level
Advanced Subsidiary — the first year of A-Level study (standalone or first half of the full A-Level).
A-Level (A2)
The full Advanced Level — AS content plus the second-year A2 content.
Nations and regions
All registered regions
04 · Official sources
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and amendments with your school or college and the appropriate awarding organisation.
2
Public references
UK · EuraStudy Guides
Place this subject inside the complete curriculum.
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy Summa to begin working with the material.