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A Level Modern History
Modern History is a highly respected subject by many universities and employers alike. You will gain an understanding of how historical events have shaped the world we live in today. You will also develop analysis and essay writing skills.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
In Modern History A Level, 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. Whilst studying these modules, you will develop transferrable skills that will carry through to university and employment, particularly research, planning, and evaluation. History also complements many other A Level subjects such as Politics, Classical Civilisation, English Literature, Geography, Law and Economics.
Apply for this course
Start date: 07/09/2023
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
highly sought after by universities
develop research & analysis skills
passionate, knowledgeable tutors
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 transferable 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.
Part coursework assessment
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 students typically progress to a variety of university courses, including the University Centre Truro and Penwith’s FdA History, Heritage and Culture foundation degree. Career opportunities are varied, including careers in business, law, marketing, media, teaching, research, journalism, and politics.
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. 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 a 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.
For further details please contact Fraser McConnell – fraserm@truro-penwith.ac.uk
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