A-Level History including exams

This course includes everything you need to achieve a full AQA A-Level in History: access to all online study materials and tutor support across the four components (Introduction to History, Industrialisation and the People, Democracy and Nazism, and the Historical Investigation NEA), plus AQA exam entry for the two external examination papers. You will not be charged additional fees to sit your AQA exams. You will need to attend an approved AQA exam centre to sit the papers in person – learndirect provides guidance on finding and registering at a centre near you.

Yes. AQA is one of the UK's principal Ofqual-regulated awarding bodies, and AQA A-Level History is recognised and accepted by all UK universities as a Level 3 academic qualification for university entry purposes. It is graded on the standard A*–E scale and earns UCAS points identical to an A-Level taken at a school or sixth form college. History is also classified as a facilitating subject by the Russell Group of research-intensive universities, meaning it is particularly well-regarded for applications to a broad range of degree programmes.

The AQA A-Level History specification studied through learndirect covers: an introductory phase developing core historical skills and source analysis; a breadth study of Industrialisation and the People: Britain, c1783–1885, examining the causes and consequences of industrial transformation and political reform; a depth study of Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945, tracing the collapse of the Weimar Republic, the rise of National Socialism, the nature of the Nazi state, and the course of World War Two in Germany; and a Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) in which you pursue independent historical research on a topic of your choice.

Most learners complete their AQA A-Level History through learndirect within 18 to 24 months, studying at a self-directed pace. The course has no fixed timetable, meaning you can accelerate your study if your circumstances allow or take longer if you need more time. A-Level History requires a substantial commitment of reading, essay writing, and research – particularly for the NEA – and learners who can dedicate regular blocks of study time each week will progress most effectively. You must complete both examined papers and the NEA to be awarded the full A-Level.

Yes. AQA A-Level History requires two external examination papers sat in person at an approved AQA exam centre. The exams cannot be taken online. Approved exam centres are available throughout the UK, including many schools and colleges that accept private candidates. Learndirect provides guidance on identifying and registering at your nearest approved centre when you are ready to sit your examinations. Exam entry fees are included in the course price and you will not be asked to pay separately for examination registration.

The Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) is a Historical Investigation in which you independently research a historical question of your choice and present your findings in an extended piece of analytical writing of approximately 3,500 words. The NEA contributes 20% of the overall A-Level grade and is marked internally by your tutor before being moderated by AQA. Your tutor will support you in choosing a viable question, identifying appropriate primary and secondary sources, structuring your argument, and meeting the AQA assessment criteria. The NEA must cover a topic that is sufficiently distinct from the content of the two examined components.

No prior qualifications in History are required to enrol. The course begins with an introductory phase that develops the core analytical, essay writing, and source evaluation skills needed for A-Level study, making it accessible to learners who did not study History at GCSE or who completed their previous studies some time ago. However, a good standard of written English is important, as A-Level History is a highly literacy-intensive qualification – all assessment, including the external examinations, is in written essay form. GCSE English Language at grade 4 or above is strongly recommended.

Yes – online A-Level study through learndirect is particularly well-suited to adult learners returning to education. There is no upper age limit for enrolment, no minimum attendance requirement, and no fixed study schedule. You study through the online platform at times that fit around work, family, and other commitments. The self-paced model means you can progress as quickly or slowly as your circumstances allow. Many learndirect learners study A-Levels in their twenties, thirties, or beyond, using them to access university as mature students or to demonstrate academic aptitude for career progression purposes.

AQA A-Level History earns UCAS points on the standard A-Level tariff: A* = 56 points, A = 48 points, B = 40 points, C = 32 points, D = 24 points, E = 16 points. These are identical to the UCAS points awarded for an A-Level in History taken at a school or college, and are combined with your other qualifications when UCAS calculates your total tariff score for university applications. History is a widely required or preferred subject for many arts, humanities, and social science degree programmes, and is recognised as a facilitating subject by the Russell Group.

The Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945 depth study is one of the two externally examined components, contributing 40% of the overall A-Level grade. It is examined in Paper 2, a 2-hour 30-minute paper consisting of two sections. Section A requires you to analyse and evaluate two extracts from historical interpretations of the period, demonstrating your ability to engage with historiographical debate. Section B presents a choice of essay questions requiring sustained analytical argument on key aspects of the Weimar Republic and the Nazi state. The component covers the creation and instability of Weimar Germany, the rise of the Nazi Party, the consolidation of power in 1933–34, the ideology and terror of the Third Reich, the conduct of racial policy, and Germany at war.

From the day you enrol, you will be assigned a dedicated personal tutor with expertise in AQA A-Level History. Your tutor marks and provides written feedback on all submitted essays and assignments, advises you on exam technique for the specific question types tested in AQA History papers, and supports you through all stages of your NEA historical investigation – from choosing a topic and question to finalising your submission. The learndirect student support team is also available by phone, email, and live chat throughout your studies. The online learning platform is accessible 24/7 on any device, allowing you to study whenever suits you best.