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A Level History Coursework Edexcel – A Guide

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• Post date November 16, 2023
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This guide shows you how to plan, research and write A Level History coursework for Edexcel using ideas, resources, examples and structure. This coursework is weighted towards Assessment Objective Three (AO3) 15% and Assessment Objective One (AO1) 5%. This makes it substantially different from coursework assessed under AQA or OCR. For Edexcel coursework, the focus is on differing interpretations of the past and analysis of them, alongside your own view of the events.

A Level History Coursework Edexcel – Ideas, Examples and Resources

Question Format – The question that you decide to answer for the Edexcel Coursework will always use the following template.

• Historians have disagreed about [ the chosen question, problem or issue ].
• What is your view about [ the chosen question, problem or issue ]?

Thus, we can see that there are two parts to this coursework:

• Part 1 – dealing with the historian’s viewpoints which is (AO3) and worth 15%
• Part 2 – your own viewpoint which is (A01) and worth 5%  

Question Ideas, Example and Selection

There are two key points to consider when selecting a question, problem or issue for your coursework.

• Is there enough debate around this question? – There needs to be a scholarly debate around the question or issue. This means differing views on the question from different historians. This makes it easier to select appropriate works to analyse and compare.
• Can you access the appropriate resources? – You must use a minimum of three different key works as well as two supplementary works. Your three key works should hold opposing views about the question or issue. Let’s look at an example question to make this clear:

Historians have disagreed about the extent to which by 1924 the Russian people had exchanged one authoritarian regime for another. What is your view about the extent to which by 1924 the Russian people had exchanged one authoritarian regime for another?

• View 1 – Tsarist Rule was more authoritarian. (C. Hill argues this)
• View 2 – Bolshevik rule was more authoritarian. (R. Service argues this)
• View 3 – The regimes were equally authoritarian. (R. Pipes argues this)

This is the ideal example of having three viewpoints that would be spread across the historiographical spectrum. This helps us to engage with the historical debate and hit the following criteria for the coursework:

• analyse ways in which interpretations of the question or issue differ.
• explain the differences you have identified.
• evaluate the arguments, indicating which you found most persuasive and why.

You would then add to this a minimum of two supplementary works, (more is better) that would assist in helping you form your view and add weight to your analysis and arguments. Critically, you must be able to access all these resources to use them effectively in completing the coursework.  

Coursework Resources

• Library – school, local, college, university – you should be able to borrow appropriate works.
• Teacher – your teacher should be able to provide you with copies of appropriate resources to use.
• JSTOR – www.jstor.org – contains a large collection of journal articles from historical publications covering numerous topics. These will often engage in the historical debate by replying to opposing views.
• Purchase Books – many second-hand books are available to purchase at very cheap prices through Amazon or similar sites.

A Level History Coursework Edexcel – How to Research and Write

Researching the Coursework – When researching our coursework we use the resource record form, which acts as a bibliography to the books, articles and online resources we are using. As we go through these resources we want to make notes that help us to identify the overall argument of the historian. Key quotes or passages should be noted down, alongside a reference. If we then use this material in our write up, we can add the appropriate footnote.

Writing the Coursework – When writing our coursework we need to be aware of the total word count as well as making sure that we hit all the assessment criteria. This means dividing up the 4000 words (maximum word count) effectively between the assessment criteria. An example structure to implement this is shown in the next section.

A Level History Coursework Edexcel – Structure and Planning

First section – introduction to the overall question and key works (c. 1000 words).

Introduction to the overall topic. You need to put the question into context by providing relevant information regarding what was happening at the time. You then need to define any key terms in the question.

Example from our question above – authoritarian regime would be defined as ‘a regime in which power is highly centralised and maintained regardless of popular support, with the use of repression and violence’.

Finally, you need to set out valid criteria by which the question can be judged.

Example from our question and definition above – we need to compare the Tsarist regime to the Bolshevik regime in terms of:

• Centralisation of power .
• Power maintained despite lacking popular support.
• Power maintained through repression and violence.

You should now have a complete introduction to the topic (1 paragraph)

Introduction to the debate by placing each of the key works in the historiographical debate. You can also place your supplementary works on the historiographical line here. (1 paragraph)

Set out the arguments in extended detail from the three key works. What are the historians’ views on this question? (1 paragraph)

Show how the arguments from each of the key works differ or are like one another. (1 paragraph)

Summary of the views of the key works. (1 paragraph)

Second Section – Explaining why the key works differ from one another (c. 1000 words)

Introduction – You need to set out three valid criteria to explain why the key works differ. Why is it that the historians’ arguments differ? There are several different potential criteria that could be used here: When was the work written? What sources and evidence did they use? Have they defined the key terms of the question differently? Have they defined the criteria to answer the question differently? Do they have different scopes of enquiry? What is the purpose of the work? What is the historians background and view?

Example from our question – The historians have defined the key term to answer the question differently – C. Hill has focused on authoritarian being defined as lacking popular support. R. Service is more focused on authoritarian being defined through repression. R. Pipes is mostly focused on authoritarian being defined as a centralisation of power.  

The historians have defined the key term ‘authoritarian’ differently. (1 paragraph)    

Paragraphs – This is where you use the criteria set out from the introduction to this section. You want one paragraph per item of criteria that we are judging the key works on.

Example from our question – one paragraph regarding how the historians have defined the key term ‘authoritarian’ differently.

Then you need to consider the three works in terms of the criteria set out for that paragraph. Show why there are differences in the key works regarding that criteria and how that leads the historian to arrive at their interpretation. Use evidence to support your points. (3 paragraphs – 1 for each criterion)

Conclusion – Brief conclusion that offers a summary of why the key works are different. (1 paragraph)

Third Section – Your own viewpoint on the question (c. 1000 words)

Brief introduction of your own viewpoint and line of argument that will be taken, remembering to re-instate the criteria by which the question can be judged . (1 paragraph)

Paragraphs that set out your own view on the question. This is where you should be using the criteria set out in your introductions. You want one paragraph per item of criteria.

Example from our question – one paragraph regarding ‘centralisation of power’.

Then you need to bring evidence and analysis to assess the criteria being judged. You can also use the key works and the supplementary works in this section to help you. (3 paragraphs – 1 for each criterion)

Conclusion that reaches a judgement on the question and follows your line of argument that has flowed throughout. (1 paragraph)

Fourth Section – Evaluation and Judgement of the key works and of the question (c. 1000 words)

Go through each of the key works and make a judgement on how convincing and valid the arguments from the historians are compared to the criteria. (3 paragraphs – 1 for each key work)

Form an overall judgement on the question and an overall judgement on which of the key works is most convincing. These should broadly align together. (1 paragraph)   

How To Improve Further at A Level History

Pass A Level History – is our sister site, which shows you step by step, how to most effectively answer any A Level History extract, source or essay question. Please click the following link to visit the site and get access to your free preview lesson. www.passalevelhistory.co.uk

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A Level History - Edexcel Coursework A* Exemplar

Subject: History

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A Level History, Edexcel Coursework, exemplar A* grade, 38/40. Route E, ‘Opposition in Nazi Germany’.

• 3,995 word essay on the extent of opposition in Nazi Germany, 1933-1945.
• Resource would be very useful for A Level History candidates undertaking an NEA coursework part of the course, particularly Edexcel.
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‘Historians have disagreed about the extent of opposition towards Hitler and the Nazi regime 1933 – 1945. What is your view about the extent of opposition towards Hitler and the Nazi regime 1933 – 1945?’

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A Level History

Study this A Level History course from home and earn up to 56 UCAS points. We have a 94% pass rate** with our A Levels!

• Gain an official A Level History qualification from Edexcel.

Course duration

Up to two years.

Course outcome

A Level History qualification from Edexcel.

Entry requirements

We recommend that you have a grade 4/C in GCSE History, however, this is not essential.

Three paper-based exams and coursework.

Course Options

Study options.

Get up to £250 off your course for a limited time only, and start on your September goals!

*Pay monthly option available via Snap Finance on payment page in checkout

Course overview

• Achieve up to 56 UCAS points to help you land your dream place at university.
• Nationally recognised accredited A Level qualification that is the same course offered in schools and colleges.
• No waiting around for term to start, you can enrol today and start studying as soon as you are ready.
• Study this online A Level from home at your own pace.
• Benefit from the full support of your personal tutor via email.
• Choose to include exams and save up to £400* .

During this A Level History course, you’ll study the key political, social, and economic features of the communist rule in twentieth-century Russia; the transformation of communist China and the effects on China today; and the relationship between authority and mass agitation in England.

Depending on the degree and future career you aspire to, the A Levels we recommend that you study alongside this course are A Level Philosophy , A Level Politics , and A Level Sociology .

A Level History via distance learning

This A Level History course is exactly the same as an A Level you would study at school or college, meaning you will take the same exams and get the same qualification. The only difference is that our courses are designed to be studied from home at your own pace, and you will receive full tutor support via email.

Course content

Edexcel qualification code: 9HI0

Unit 1 - Russia 1917-1991: from Lenin to Yeltsin

• Communist government in the USSR 19017-1985
• Industrial and agricultural change 1917-1985
• Control of the people 1917-1985
• Social developments 1917-1985
• The fall of the USSR 1985-1991

Unit 2 - Mao’s China 1949-1976

• Establishing communist rule
• Agriculture and industry 1949-1965
• The cultural revolution and its aftermath 1966-1976
• Social and cultural changes 1949-1976

Unit 3 - Protest, agitation and parliamentary reform in Britain 1780-1928

• Radical reformers 1790-1819
• Chartism 1838-1850
• Contagious diseases acts and the campaign for their repeal 1862-1886
• The Women's Social and Political Union 1903-1914
• Trades union militancy 1915-1927

Unit 4 - The Cold War: its development and its demise 1945-1990

Exam details, paper 1: breadth study with interpretations - russia 1917-1991: from lenin to yeltsin (code: 1e).

• Type: written examination
• Duration : 2 hours 15 minutes
• Weighting: 30% of A Level
• Assessment format: three essay questions

Paper 2: depth study - Mao's China 1949-1976 (code: 2E.1)

• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Weighting: 20% of A Level

Paper 3: themes in breadth, with aspects in depth - protest, agitation and parliamentary reform in Britain 1780-1928 (code: 36.1)

• Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Assessment format: two-part question, depth essay and a breadth essay

Coursework: The Cold War, its development and its demise (1945-90) (code: 04)

• Type: coursework
• Assessment format: detailed essay of approximately 3,000-4,000 words

Extra information

You will have two years to complete your A Level History course.

The only deadlines involved in studying this course are concerning the A Level exam timetables. Please see the exams and assessments section for more information on this.

Exams and assessments

To achieve your A Level History qualification, you must complete the exams. There are three written exams and one piece of coursework for this course which will cover the topics studied on this course. A breakdown of the exam papers can be found in the following section.

When you enrol on your course, you will have the option to add your exams and coursework marking to your enrolment, or you can select the course-only option.

Choosing to add the exams package

If you choose to add your exams to your enrolment, all you need to do is contact us when you are ready to sit your exams, we will book and pay for them and your coursework marking on your behalf. Please note that the A Level exam timetable typically takes place during May and June each year. You are advised to contact us well in advance of when you intend to sit your exams so that we can confirm your place with the exam board – cut-off dates apply.

Please note, our A Level exam centre locations for this course are as follows:

• St Neots, Cambridgeshire
• High Wycombe

The course-only option

If you do not add your exams to your enrolment, you will be responsible for booking and paying for your exams and arranging your coursework marking yourself. If you select this option, you must source and liaise with your chosen exam centre in order to book your exams and coursework marking, Open Study College will not be able to book your exams for you. In this instance, you are advised to contact Pearson Edexcel exam centres well in advance of their intended exam dates, as cut-off dates sometimes change.

Study method

This course will be studied entirely via distance learning, meaning you will complete your learning either from home or a place that suits you. Full tutor support will be available via email, so if you have any questions or need some guidance, your tutor will be here to help. Your course materials will include a series of self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked questions to allow both yourself and your tutor to monitor your progress.

The study method you choose depends on your personal learning style. Your options are:

• Study pack: if you choose the study pack option, you will be sent a set of printed course materials.
• Study online: if you choose this option, you will be sent your login details to our online portal through which you will access your course materials digitally. You can access your course via a desktop/laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Upon successful completion of your exams, you will be awarded an A Level History qualification issued by Edexcel . You will also receive UCAS points relevant to the grade you achieved to support your university application.

Degrees this subject could lead to

After completing your History A Level, you could progress to study a degree in subjects such as geography, history, philosophy, sociology, politics, or archaeology.

Future career options

You’ll gain valuable knowledge and skills during your studies that will come in useful for future careers in:

• Public services
• Conservation
• Museum curation

The final grade you achieve in your A Level will be translated into UCAS points. Based on your grade, you will be awarded up to 56 points per A Level which can then be added together to reach the UCAS points you need to be accepted by your chosen university.

To help you achieve the best possible grade from home, we recommend that you complete the tutor-marked assessments included in your course materials. These are designed to provide you with detailed feedback to help you fine-tune your technique before you sit your exam. Completing your tutor-marked assessments will also help your tutor to provide you with a predicted grade if this is required for your UCAS application.

Download our A Level prospectus

To find out more about Open Study College, the A Levels we offer and how they work, download our  A Level prospectus .

Is this A Level the same qualification as an A Level I would achieve at a school or college?

Yes, you will study the same course, take the same exams and get the same qualification. The only difference is that our courses are designed to be studied from home at your own pace, and you will receive full tutor support via email.

What previous knowledge do I need to enrol onto an A Level course?

We recommend that you have at least a grade 4 (equivalent to a grade C) in GCSE History, however, this is not essential.

What is included in the cost of the course?

When you enrol on this A Level course with OSC, you will receive:

• Dedicated personal tutor support with unlimited email access.
• Dedicated learner services from our learner services team.
• Course materials with learning activities.
• Assignment marking and feedback from your personal tutor.
• A predicted grade on completion of your tutor-marked assignments, if required for your university application.
• A free CV critique service and employability guide  if you’re focusing on career advancement.
• A free Student Discounts membership to save you money on your favourite brands.
• A study pack including a pen, study planner, and notebook*.
• If you choose to add exams to your enrolment with an A Level package, then your exam fees and coursework marking will be included. We will also handle the booking on your behalf. Otherwise, you will need to book your exams and coursework marking yourself.

* Not included with the online study option

Is there a required reading list for my A Level course?

We recommend the following textbooks to help you with your studies, however, they are not essential for the completion of the course:

• Edexcel AS/A Level History, Paper 1 and 2: Communist states in the 20th century Student Book + ActiveBook
• Edexcel A Level History, Paper 3: Protest, agitation, and parliamentary reform c1780-1928 Student Book + ActiveBook

Do I have to sit an exam?

Yes, in order to achieve your A Level qualification, you must complete the exams and coursework required by the course’s exam board. A Level exams take place during the summer exam period which typically falls in May and June each year.

You can choose to add your exams to your enrolment with us, in which case we will book and pay for your exams for you when you are ready. Alternatively, if you choose the course-only option, you will be responsible for booking and paying for your exams and coursework marking which can be done directly with your local exam centre.

Please note: if you add on exams you will need to sit these exams in either the Birmingham, Coventry, Doncaster, Bolton, Wimbledon, Taunton, or St Neots (Cambridgeshire) examination centre.

Are there any additional costs?

If you select the course-only option when enrolling on your A Level, you will need to book directly with the exam centre and pay for your exams and coursework marking yourself. We highly recommend researching your options before enrolling as costs can vary between centres. However, if you choose to add the exams package to your enrolment, we will take care of booking and paying for your exams and coursework marking for you when you are ready. You may want to purchase textbooks to supplement your course, but this is entirely optional.

What if I live outside the UK?

You are still able to study our A Level courses abroad, however, you must sit your exams within the UK at an official exam centre.

What happens if I lose my course pack?

It's not a problem. We offer a course replacement service, so if you get into trouble and your course pack is lost or damaged, our Learner Services Team can provide you with a new set of materials for a one-time additional fee.

What if I still have questions?

That's not a problem. We want to make sure you're 100% confident about enrolling on the course and starting your study. So, just give our team of education specialists a call on 03300 563 100 and they'll do their best to help.

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Edexcel GCSE History : Past Papers

Browse our range of Edexcel GCSE History Past Papers and Mark Schemes below. Testing yourself with GCSE History past papers is a great way to identify which topics need more revision, so you can ensure that you are revising as effectively as possible to help you get ready for your GCSE History exam.

Visit all of our Edexcel GCSE Past Papers here .