Course Overview
This course enables you to study a range of historical themes and allows you to gain a thorough understanding of how our society has developed over time.
Examine the past and understand why and how things happened and the motivation of people involved. Using analytical and written work you will develop your own ideas and opinions and be able to explain and justify your conclusions, with relevant evidence from history and from a range of points made by modern historians.
This course is especially appropriate to those who have a keen interest in the past and how it relates to recent and current developments.
It particularly requires the ability to use a range of sources to throw light on an issue and to bring these together to work out a reasoned argument.
You'll need to be prepared to carry out individual reading and research to develop your own ideas and opinions in order to be able to justify your conclusions with relevant evidence.
The ability to communicate effectively in written work is a vital part of the course. History students need to be able to build up a wide perspective on issues, so a genuine interest beyond the confines of the specific periods and issues encountered in the course units is essential to a good understanding and enjoyment of the course.
At Hartpury, we follow the AQA specification for History.
On this course you'll study the following topics over two years.
- Spain in the Age of Discovery 1469-1598
- Students will examine the roots of modern Spain starting with its political and social unification under Ferdinand and Isabella. Key social issues like the role of Catholicism and the Spanish Inquisition will be covered. Spain’s role in the wider world takes in wars of conquest and exploration including the conquistadors in the New World. Relations with the rest of the world notably through Phillip’s marriage with Mary 1 of England sets the scene of the Armada.
- Exam at the end of year 2- evaluates historians
interpretations and essay skills.
- Wars & Welfare Britain in Transition1900-1957
- Welfare reforms, Edwardian crisis encompassing challenges from suffragettes, trade unions & Ireland, two world wars, economic depression, General Strike, nationalisation, creation of NHS, Cold War.
- Exam at the end of year 2- evaluates primary source and essay skills.
The majority of A-level lessons are delivered from the classrooms in our College Learning Centre, providing a modern learning environment, contemporary classrooms with smart boards, well-equipped library and learning resources.
Lessons are delivered in a traditional manner and include individual tasks as well as group work. A-level students will be set regular homework tasks as well as regular assessments throughout the academic year.
A-levels offers a unique timetable facilitating sporting development and extra-curricular activities, and a full enrichment programme to enhance employability skills and the holistic development of all students.
A-level students have access to our equine and sport facilities, animal collection, and our commercial Home Farm.
Students have a pastoral tutor who will support them to succeed in their studies and their enrichment activities. All students have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online. In addition, all students have access to medical professionals on campus.
Exam board: AQA
Assessment is completed by:
- Non Examined Assessment or coursework - US Civil Rights 1865-1992.
- Utilising dissertation type skills answering a question arising from a study based on the evolution and challenges of African American rights from 1865-1992.
To help prepare you for your exams throughout the course, you’ll complete regular end-of-topic assessments, homework tasks and mock exams. These will help track your progress and highlight areas to improve.
An A-level in History can be combined with subjects like English, Psychology, Sociology, Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics or Sciences and can lead to a wide range of exciting progression routes. Students may go on to careers in education, policy, communications, law, government, or digital industries.
Popular combinations include History with English for careers in heritage writing, historical fiction, journalism, marketing or teaching. History with Psychology or Sociology supports progression into law, teaching, youth work, social policy or public services. Pairing History with Business or Economics can lead to roles in corporate communications, brand strategy, or consultancy. Combining History with Mathematics or Science opens up opportunities in cyber industries, analysis and digital communications.
These combinations support national skills priorities in education, public administration, information and communication, defence and professional services. Locally, they align with Gloucestershire’s skills needs in health and social care, tourism, and skills intelligence.
Course Overview
Course information
This course enables you to study a range of historical themes and allows you to gain a thorough understanding of how our society has developed over time.
Examine the past and understand why and how things happened and the motivation of people involved. Using analytical and written work you will develop your own ideas and opinions and be able to explain and justify your conclusions, with relevant evidence from history and from a range of points made by modern historians.
This course is especially appropriate to those who have a keen interest in the past and how it relates to recent and current developments.
It particularly requires the ability to use a range of sources to throw light on an issue and to bring these together to work out a reasoned argument.
You'll need to be prepared to carry out individual reading and research to develop your own ideas and opinions in order to be able to justify your conclusions with relevant evidence.
The ability to communicate effectively in written work is a vital part of the course. History students need to be able to build up a wide perspective on issues, so a genuine interest beyond the confines of the specific periods and issues encountered in the course units is essential to a good understanding and enjoyment of the course.
At Hartpury, we follow the AQA specification for History.
What you’ll learn
On this course you'll study the following topics over two years.
- Spain in the Age of Discovery 1469-1598
- Students will examine the roots of modern Spain starting with its political and social unification under Ferdinand and Isabella. Key social issues like the role of Catholicism and the Spanish Inquisition will be covered. Spain’s role in the wider world takes in wars of conquest and exploration including the conquistadors in the New World. Relations with the rest of the world notably through Phillip’s marriage with Mary 1 of England sets the scene of the Armada.
- Exam at the end of year 2- evaluates historians
interpretations and essay skills.
- Wars & Welfare Britain in Transition1900-1957
- Welfare reforms, Edwardian crisis encompassing challenges from suffragettes, trade unions & Ireland, two world wars, economic depression, General Strike, nationalisation, creation of NHS, Cold War.
- Exam at the end of year 2- evaluates primary source and essay skills.
How you’ll learn
The majority of A-level lessons are delivered from the classrooms in our College Learning Centre, providing a modern learning environment, contemporary classrooms with smart boards, well-equipped library and learning resources.
Lessons are delivered in a traditional manner and include individual tasks as well as group work. A-level students will be set regular homework tasks as well as regular assessments throughout the academic year.
A-levels offers a unique timetable facilitating sporting development and extra-curricular activities, and a full enrichment programme to enhance employability skills and the holistic development of all students.
A-level students have access to our equine and sport facilities, animal collection, and our commercial Home Farm.
Students have a pastoral tutor who will support them to succeed in their studies and their enrichment activities. All students have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online. In addition, all students have access to medical professionals on campus.
How you’ll be assessed
Exam board: AQA
Assessment is completed by:
- Non Examined Assessment or coursework - US Civil Rights 1865-1992.
- Utilising dissertation type skills answering a question arising from a study based on the evolution and challenges of African American rights from 1865-1992.
To help prepare you for your exams throughout the course, you’ll complete regular end-of-topic assessments, homework tasks and mock exams. These will help track your progress and highlight areas to improve.
What can you do after this course?
An A-level in History can be combined with subjects like English, Psychology, Sociology, Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics or Sciences and can lead to a wide range of exciting progression routes. Students may go on to careers in education, policy, communications, law, government, or digital industries.
Popular combinations include History with English for careers in heritage writing, historical fiction, journalism, marketing or teaching. History with Psychology or Sociology supports progression into law, teaching, youth work, social policy or public services. Pairing History with Business or Economics can lead to roles in corporate communications, brand strategy, or consultancy. Combining History with Mathematics or Science opens up opportunities in cyber industries, analysis and digital communications.
These combinations support national skills priorities in education, public administration, information and communication, defence and professional services. Locally, they align with Gloucestershire’s skills needs in health and social care, tourism, and skills intelligence.
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
History at grade 6 or above.
You should expect some small costs for books and stationery. There will also be opportunities to take part in trips related to the topics you are studying. In the past, these have included visits to Alton Towers, the Houses of Parliament, JCB, Uttoxeter, and the Cadbury Factory. These trips incur a charge/are covered by the educational visits fee.
Students are required to pay a non-refundable educational visits fee at enrolment.
Which other A-levels does this work well with?
A-level History typically goes well with: Economics, English Literature and Language, Geography, Psychology, and Sociology.
Can I study A-level History and play in the Sports Academy?
This will depend which other A-levels you are studying. Where possible we try to work academy timetables around academic timetables, however this is not always possible. Please email to discuss your individual circumstances.
Can I bring my horse and study A-levels?
Yes - we provide students with the opportunity to bring their horse (or horses) with them while they study. On-site livery is offered to students on a DIY or full livery basis. This is subject to availability as demand is always high. Fees apply.
How much does the course cost?
If you're a UK student under the age of 19 enrolling in full-time A-level courses at Hartpury College, you typically won't need to pay tuition fees. For further information, details for those over 19 year-of-age and international students, visit: Finance | Hartpury College
Outstanding
Rated 'Ofsted Outstanding in all areas' for academic and curriculum-related provision
99.4% pass-rate
With an A-level pass rate of 99.4% (Hartpury College 2025), our outcomes for students are exceptional.
Living in on-site college accommodation at Hartpury, you’ll be part of a vibrant and international community of students of all ages who share their experience of life at college and university together on one campus.
The Hartpury Certificate is an enrichment programme designed to support our students to grow.
A-levels or a diploma?
Are you unsure about whether A-levels or a BTEC Diploma are the right choice for you? Find out the key differences and which qualification would best suit your learning style and your career and further study ambitions on our dedicated page.
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