A Level in History

General entry requirements:

To study this A Level, you’ll need a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5 or above across your top six subjects with at least a grade 5 or above in Maths and English Language or Literature.

Please note: your GPA average can include English and Maths.


Subject-specific entry requirements:

To study History, you’ll need a grade 5 in at least one other written subject (e.g. English Literature, History, Geography, Drama and Theatre, Business, Religious Studies etc).

Progression to the second year of this A Level course will be dependent on having made satisfactory progress in the first year of the course, including achieving at least an E grade in a formal late spring assessment, as well as the maintenance of a good level of attendance and commitment throughout the year.

You will choose from a list of coursework essay titles to research and write up. Topics offered may include the Reformation, aspects of the Tudors or the European witch-craze.

In the second A Level year, students will complete an extended study in the form of coursework. You will also be assessed via three written exams at the end of the second year.

Exam questions come in the form of either essays where a student must argue a case for or against a key historical issue or questions address the historical skills of source analysis and historical interpretation.

By the end of your course, a diverse range of progression paths will be open to you such as a degree, a high-level apprenticeship or an entry level role in the industry.

History is a highly regarded arts qualification. Teaching and postgraduate research are obvious career options. In addition, many historians go on to train for professions such as the law or accountancy. Companies are often ready to employ people with history qualifications in administrative and managerial roles.

Many of our A Level learners progressed into university. Graham studied A Levels in Business, History and Environmental Science and progressed to University of Winchester to study Archaeology. He commented: “I’ve always dreamed of becoming an archaeologist and I’m thrilled to be starting my journey this September. Ever since I was younger, shows like Time Team have fuelled my passion for archaeology, so it’s exciting to think that A Levels are behind me and I’m about to take my first step into that world.”

There are no fees for this course if you are under 18.

If you are aged 19 or above, please contact us for more information about fees and funding.

Throughout the year, you will take part in regular trips, allowing you to see the application of history in various industries firsthand. You will visit conferences and university departments relevant to the subject and hear from academics and experts from the industry and related fields of study.

You will also have various opportunities to visit universities and attend progression and career fairs hosted by the College.

Choosing EKC Canterbury College for sixth form also means you will be part of the thriving Students’ Union. The Students’ Union (SU) is a group of students dedicated to representing your voice, organising events, and running campaigns to enhance College life. They are also responsible for the College’s clubs and societies, and organise a wide range of exciting trips and events.

To be successful you will need to enjoy reading and have sound written skills. The department has well developed support materials which are available through the college’s virtual learning environment system. There is also an extensive collection of history books in the College Library.

History complements a wide range of essay-based A Level subjects such as English Literature, Politics and Religious Studies, helping you to develop strong analytical, research and written communication skills.

Combining History with subjects like Law or Sociology can support pathways into careers in law, journalism, education, public service and heritage.

It is also an excellent subject to study alongside Classics or Drama, as you can explore past societies, cultures and events, and apply these insights creatively and contextually across your work.