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Component 1 – Tsarist and Communist Russia 1855 – 1964

This is a breadth study which examines political, economic, social and cultural change in Russia over a long period of time. It takes us from the Russia of the Tsars, to the dramatic revolutions of 1905 and 1917 which topple the autocracy amidst the destruction of WWI.

We then look at the attempts to build a communist society under Lenin and the Bolsheviks and how these early utopian aspirations are crushed as Stalin consolidates his grip on power. Finally, we look at how Stalin was able to defeat the attack on Russia by Nazi Germany in WWII and then how Krushchev sought to reform the Soviet system during the Cold War.

This unit has a focus on historical interpretations – the differing judgements that historians draw about the past. For this unit, you will have a two-hour and thirty-minute long examination, making up 40% of your overall A Level grade.

Component 2 – The Making of Modern Britain 1951 – 2007

Component 2 explores the making of Modern Britain 1951 – 2007. This is an in-depth study that takes a detailed look at Britain’s post-war history, focusing on political, economic, social and cultural events, in addition to British foreign policy. This unit focuses on how historians use contemporary sources to build their understanding of the past.

Component 3 – Assessment and Essay

Component 3 is a non-examined assessment: a 3500-word essay on a topic of your choosing.

This requires you to independently research and then write an extended essay about an issue or development that takes place over roughly one hundred years.

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including both Maths and English.

Grade 6 in History or English language.

You will provide a copy of your last school report and/or a reference from an employer or relevant professional, including attendance. This is to ensure that we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.

Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria.

All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence-based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference/school report.

This classroom-based course is assessed by two examinations and one essay.

This course is free to anyone aged 16-18. There is no formal list of additional costs. However, if you are on a limited income, you may be eligible to receive help with these costs from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.