History A-level

Program Overview

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A-level

Award

A level

Course Level

Level 3

Duration

2 years full-time

Entry

September

Fees

View Fees

Department

Department of Sixth Form

Overview

Our sixth form centre is brand-new for the city of Birmingham and the surrounding areas

Access to our vast university e-learning resources to give you the edge when completing your course

Applications for our A-level courses have closed. Sign up for our waiting list.

"Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it." -Edmund Burke****History is a vibrant subject that can teach us much about human social, political and technological development, and can help us make change for the better.**

Events in the past have, after all, changed the make-up of regions and often caused tensions, creating government and societal systems that have lasted generations beyond when they started. And all of it affects each person alive today.

Through the study of A-level History at our sixth form centre, you will explore the achievements and struggles that have led us to the societies in which we now live, developing a wide range of skills including the ability to interpret information, to explore different perspectives and to evaluate historical narratives.

Crucially, your study of history will help you to develop skills including research, communication and data analysis and, on completion, you can go onto a degree course, onto an apprenticeship or go directly into industry in a range of careers.

Why choose A-levels at our sixth form centre?

• PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY AT A UNIVERSITY – We can provide you with relevant work placements, masterclasses, guest speakers, trips and more
• AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT – We have won national awards for our student support, which our sixth form students can tap into, from tailored academic support to financial assistance and health and wellbeing services
• OUTSTANDING LEARNING FACILITIES - We have invested £5.5 million into our brand-new sixth form centre, which includes lecture theatres, classrooms, science and computer labs, practical training facilities and open study spaces
• MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY– Want to keep studying at a higher level? This A-level will support your progression to degree level

Course breakdown

Through the completion of your course, you will have explored a time period of at least two hundred years and will have studied both British history and the history of another country. To achieve your History A-level, you must study the following:

Breadth study

A study of historical developments over a long period of time.

Depth study

An in-depth study of a major historical event, movement or development.

Historical investigation

An individual project.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

• We ask for a minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 5 or higher, including GCSE English Literature or Language and Maths.

Supporting documents required

• School applicants will be required to provide a school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.

Guaranteed progression

Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

You will be assessed through a historical coursework project (worth 20% of the A Level) and written exam papers in the Summer of your second year. These exams will assess:

• your knowledge and understanding of the time periods and events covered
• your ability to analyse and evaluate relevant source material
• your ability to analyse and evaluate different interpretations of past events

Your class work and directed learning are designed to prepare you well for your assessments and to help you to develop a range of skills that will help you in your future studies and work.

Centre of opportunities

Our sixth form centre taps into the wider university's networks to enhance student opportunities and gives you access to world-class university facilities.

What will this course prepare you for?

The skills developed through the study of history prepare you for further study and work in a range of fields including education, law, libraries, journalism and business.

Career options

• Business manager: Average Salary: £50,000
• Journalist: Average Salary: £33,000
• Lawyer: Average Salary: £50,000
• Librarian: Average Salary: £26,000
• Researcher: Average Salary: £39,000

A-levels this goes well with:

• English Literature A-level
• Sociology A-level
• Law A-level
• Business A-level

Program Outline

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History A-level at University College Birmingham

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Degree Overview:

• Prepares students for further study in history at the university level or in other fields.
• Teaches critical thinking and analytical skills applicable to various careers requiring research, communication, and data analysis.

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Outline:

• Covers a time span of at least 200 years, including British and international history.
• Consists of:
• Breadth study: Focus on historical developments over a longer period.
• Depth study: In-depth analysis of a significant historical event, movement, or development.
• Historical investigation: Individual research project.

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Assessment:

• 20% coursework through a historical project.
• 80% assessed through written exams in the second year covering:
• Knowledge and understanding of covered time periods and events.
• Source analysis and evaluation skills.
• Interpretation analysis of historical events.
• Classwork and directed learning prepare students for assessments and develop applicable professional skills.

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Teaching:

• Underpinned by the Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024, emphasizing:
• Active learning through discussion, debate, and collaborative projects.
• Development of research, communication, and critical thinking skills.
• Exposure to diverse historical experiences and perspectives.

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Careers:

• Upon completion, graduates embark on multiple career paths, especially those requiring:
• Research
• Communication
• Data analysis
• Specific examples include careers in:
• Education
• Law
• Libraries
• Journalism
• Business
• Average salaries for jobs potentially suited for graduates:
• Business manager: £50,000
• Journalist: £33,000
• Lawyer: £50,000
• Librarian: £26,000
• Researcher: £39,000
• Support provided through the 'Hired' program helps graduates achieve career goals.

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Other:

• University College Birmingham's multi-million-pound investment enables access to world-class facilities and networks while offering dedicated sixth form centre support.
• This A-Level can serve as a pathway to guaranteed progression (with 56+ UCAS points) into relevant undergraduate programs at University College Birmingham.