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A-Levels & GCSEs

GCSE History including exams

Earn a Pearson Edexcel GCSE in History online with exam entry included. Study Britain, America, and the First World War.

12–18 monthsDuration
Online & ExamsStudy Method
GCSE (Level 2)Qualification Level
FlexibleStart Date

Is This Course Right For You?

This course is for you if...

  • You want a recognised GCSE History qualification with full Pearson Edexcel exam entry included
  • You left school without completing your GCSEs and want to improve your academic profile
  • You need GCSE History to meet the entry requirements for an A-Level or college course
  • You're fascinated by British history, American expansion, or the First World War
  • You need flexible online study that fits around work, family, or other commitments
  • You want to develop analytical, research, and written communication skills

Your career after this course

  • Progress to A-Level History or other A-Level subjects at learndirect
  • Meet the entry requirements for college courses, apprenticeships, or vocational qualifications
  • Strengthen your CV with a recognised GCSE qualification
  • Apply for roles in the public sector, heritage, education, or community organisations
  • Continue towards an undergraduate degree in History, Politics, or International Relations
  • Demonstrate the analytical and critical thinking skills valued by all employers

About This Course

The Pearson Edexcel GCSE in History is a full, Ofqual-regulated GCSE qualification offering the same standard of certification achieved by school-age students in England. Delivered online through learndirect with all Pearson Edexcel exam entry included, this course is designed for adult learners who want to gain or improve their GCSE History grade – whether to progress to further study, meet professional entry requirements, or simply to engage with the past in a structured and academically rewarding way.

The Pearson Edexcel GCSE History specification is structured around four thematic and period study units, each exploring distinct eras and questions. You begin with an Introduction to History, developing the skills of historical enquiry, source analysis, and extended writing that underpin all GCSE work. You then move into America, 1840–1895: Expansion and Consolidation, examining the dramatic transformation of the United States through migration, the Plains, and the conflicts that defined the era. Conflict and Tension: The First World War, 1894–1918 explores the causes, conduct, and consequences of the world's first modern industrial war. Finally, Britain: Power and the People c1170 to the present day traces the long arc of British history through key moments of challenge and change, from Magna Carta to the present.

An additional depth study unit on Restoration England, 1660–1685 develops your ability to analyse a specific historical period through primary sources, contemporary perspectives, and the lens of political, social, and cultural change.

Assessment is entirely through written examinations, marked by Pearson Edexcel. Your personal tutor guides you through each unit, providing structured materials, source-based exercises, and essay feedback to ensure you are thoroughly prepared for each examination paper. Grades are awarded on the 1–9 scale, with grade 4 recognised as a standard pass and grade 5 as a strong pass.

What You'll Study

The Pearson Edexcel GCSE History course is structured around five thematic and period study units, assessed across three written examination papers. Each unit develops specific historical enquiry skills alongside subject knowledge.

5 study units3 exam papersPearson Edexcel specGrades 1–9
01Introduction to History

Develop the core skills of historical enquiry that underpin success in every subsequent unit. You learn how to analyse and evaluate primary and secondary sources, construct evidence-based arguments, and write effectively in the extended response formats used across all three examination papers. This foundation unit establishes good habits of historical thinking: distinguishing causation from consequence, evaluating significance, and understanding how historians interpret and debate the past.

02America, 1840–1895: Expansion and Consolidation

Examine the dramatic transformation of the United States during one of the most turbulent half-centuries in its history. You study the causes and consequences of westward migration, the lives and culture of the Plains peoples, the cattle industry and farming frontier, conflicts between settlers and Native American nations, and the consolidation of US federal authority across the continent. This unit develops your ability to interpret sources from the period and to assess the competing interests that shaped American expansion.

03Conflict and Tension: The First World War, 1894–1918

Investigate the causes, conduct, and consequences of the First World War, from the alliance systems and crises of the late nineteenth century through to the armistice of 1918 and its aftermath. You examine the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the rapid escalation to global war, the nature of trench warfare, key battles and turning points, and the role of new weapons and technologies. The unit also explores the experience of the war on the home front and the international search for a lasting peace.

04Britain: Power and the People c1170 to the Present Day

Trace the long history of British political development from the struggles of the medieval period through to the modern era. This thematic study traces recurring tensions between authority and accountability, examining key turning points including Magna Carta, the Civil War and Restoration, the growth of parliamentary democracy, the reform movements of the nineteenth century, and the extension of voting rights in the twentieth century. You develop the ability to assess change and continuity across extended periods of history and to evaluate the relative significance of different events and individuals.

05Restoration England, 1660–1685

Study the fascinating period of English history following the return of Charles II to the throne, examining the political, religious, social, and cultural forces that shaped the Restoration era. You analyse the nature of royal authority, the role of Parliament, the religious controversies of the period, the Popish Plot, and the Exclusion Crisis. This depth study develops your ability to work with contemporary sources, to understand the perspectives of people living through a period of profound political uncertainty, and to construct detailed analytical arguments about a specific historical context.

What You'll Need

Open Entry — No Formal Qualifications Required

No previous experience of studying history is required. This course is designed for adult learners starting from scratch or returning to the subject after a gap in formal education.

  • No prior knowledge of history is required
  • Aged 16 or over at the time of enrolment
  • A minimum of Level 1 literacy — ability to read study materials and write short paragraphs
  • Access to a computer or tablet and a reliable internet connection
  • Commitment of around 8–12 hours of study per week
  • Ability to sit Pearson Edexcel examinations at an approved centre near you

Not Sure If You Qualify?

Our enrolment advisers assess each application individually. We look at your life experience, motivation, and readiness to study — not just your qualifications.

Speak to our team — we're here to help you find the right course and funding option.

Call 0800 088 5050

How You're Assessed

The Pearson Edexcel GCSE History is assessed entirely through three written examination papers. There is no coursework or controlled assessment. Your tutor prepares you thoroughly for every element of each paper.

Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment — 1 hour 15 minutes

Paper 2: Period study and British depth study — 1 hour 45 minutes

Paper 3: Modern depth study and historic environment — 1 hour 20 minutes

All papers are set and marked by Pearson Edexcel

Grades awarded on the 1–9 GCSE scale — grade 4 is a standard pass, grade 5 is a strong pass

Examinations sat during the main May/June sitting each year at an approved centre near you

Where This Course Can Take You

GCSE History is widely valued by employers and educational institutions as evidence of analytical thinking, communication skills, and intellectual rigour. Salary figures are indicative and based on 2024–25 national data.

A-Level History (Progression Route)

University entry routetypical salary range

GCSE History grade 5 or above is typically the minimum requirement for A-Level History study. A-Level History opens doors to undergraduate degrees in History, Politics, Law, and International Relations at universities across the UK.

Heritage and Museum Assistant

£20,000 – £25,000typical salary range

Museums, heritage sites, galleries, and archives value GCSE History alongside relevant work experience. Many heritage organisations offer apprenticeships and entry-level roles for candidates with strong historical knowledge and communication skills.

Public Sector Administrator

£22,000 – £27,000typical salary range

Many central and local government departments require applicants to hold a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above. GCSE History contributes to this benchmark while demonstrating analytical and written communication skills.

Paralegal or Court Administration Officer

£21,000 – £28,000typical salary range

Law firms and courts frequently list GCSE English and additional humanities subjects as entry requirements for junior administrative and legal support roles. A GCSE in History demonstrates the research and analytical skills valued in legal contexts.

Teaching Assistant (Support)

£21,000 – £25,000typical salary range

Schools and colleges increasingly look for teaching assistants who hold a relevant GCSE, particularly in humanities subjects. A GCSE History qualification supports applications for TA roles in secondary schools and history departments.

Journalist or Researcher

£23,000 – £34,000typical salary range

The analytical, research, and contextual thinking skills developed through GCSE History provide a sound foundation for careers in journalism, research, publishing, and current affairs. Many journalists begin with strong humanities qualifications.

Ready to Unlock Your University Place?

Graduates of this course go on to universities across the UK, including Russell Group institutions. Enrol today and start your journey.

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Choose Your Payment Plan

All plans include the same full course content, dedicated tutor, and your awarding body certification.

Pay Monthly

£66.00

per month × 11 months

£9.99 deposit + £66.00 × 11 = £729.99 total

Includes

  • Pay just £9.99 deposit to enrol
  • Spread the cost over 11 interest-free monthly payments
  • Full Pearson Edexcel exam entry included in your course fee
  • Dedicated personal tutor and online learning platform
  • Awarding body certification on successful completion
Best Value

Pay in Full

£729.99

one-time payment

Total: £729.99

Includes

  • Pay once with no monthly admin
  • Full Pearson Edexcel exam entry included in your course fee
  • Immediate enrolment with access from day one
  • Dedicated personal tutor and online learning platform
  • Awarding body certification on successful completion
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — this is the full Pearson Edexcel GCSE in History, which is an Ofqual-regulated qualification identical in content and assessment to the GCSE taken by school-age students in England. It is accepted by all UK universities, colleges, and employers as a standard GCSE qualification. Your certificate is issued by Pearson Edexcel and bears no indication that it was studied online.

Yes — Pearson Edexcel exam entry is fully included in the course fee. We arrange your registration at an approved exam centre. Examinations are sat during the main May/June sitting each year. If you enrol after the January registration deadline, your examinations will be scheduled for the following year's May/June sitting.

No — this course is designed for learners at all starting points, including complete beginners. The course begins with an Introduction to History unit that develops the core skills of source analysis, extended writing, and historical enquiry from the ground up. Your tutor will assess your starting level and tailor their support accordingly.

The Pearson Edexcel GCSE History covers: an Introduction to History (skills and methods); America, 1840–1895: Expansion and Consolidation; Conflict and Tension: The First World War, 1894–1918; Britain: Power and the People c1170 to the present day; and Restoration England, 1660–1685. These topics span British, American, and European history across multiple periods, providing a varied and intellectually stimulating course.

Most learners complete the course in 12 to 18 months, studying around 8 to 12 hours per week. The flexible online format means you can progress faster if your schedule allows, or take a little longer if life gets busy. Your access to the course platform continues throughout your enrolment period, and your tutor will help you pace your study to ensure you are ready for your examination sitting.

No — the Pearson Edexcel GCSE History is assessed entirely through three written examinations. There is no coursework, no controlled assessment, and no internal marking. Your final grade is determined solely by your performance in the three examination papers sat at an approved centre.

Most schools and colleges require a minimum grade 5 in GCSE History (or a related subject such as English) to progress to A-Level History. Some providers accept grade 4 alongside other supporting qualifications. learndirect also offers A-Level History including exams, so you can progress directly from GCSE to A-Level with the same provider if you wish.

Yes — many learners study GCSE History alongside GCSE English, Maths, or other subjects to build a complete GCSE profile. learndirect offers a range of GCSE subjects, and you can enrol on multiple courses simultaneously. Your enrolment adviser can help you plan a study schedule that allows you to progress across subjects without overloading yourself.

Your examinations are sat at an AQA-approved or Pearson Edexcel-approved exam centre near you. We arrange your exam centre registration as part of the enrolment process. Centres are available across the UK, and we will help you find the most convenient option in your area. Examinations take place during the main May/June sitting each year.

If you do not achieve the grade you were hoping for, you have the option to resit in the following year's examination sitting. We will provide additional tutor support focused on the areas where you need most improvement, and you can continue accessing the course platform to revise and practise. Many learners significantly improve their grade on a resit with targeted preparation.

Everything Else You Need to Know

Tutor Support & Study Platform

  • Dedicated personal tutor with specialist knowledge of GCSE History
  • Online learning platform accessible 24/7 on any device
  • Structured lesson materials covering all five specification units
  • Source analysis practice, essay writing support, and timed exam preparation
  • Student support team available by phone, email, and live chat
  • Exam technique guidance and past paper practice for all three papers

Qualification & Recognition

  • Pearson Edexcel GCSE History — full, Ofqual-regulated qualification
  • Exam entry included — arranged at a Pearson-approved centre near you
  • Grades 1–9 on the standard GCSE scale
  • Accepted by all UK colleges, universities, and employers
  • No indication on your certificate that you studied online
  • Pearson Edexcel certificate issued on successful completion

Funding & Finance

  • Monthly payment plans from £66/mo — spread the cost over 11 months
  • Pay-in-full option available — £729.99 total including exam entry
  • No hidden fees — exam entry is included in the course price
  • Enrol with a £9.99 deposit to start immediately
  • 30-day money-back guarantee on all enrolments
  • Employer sponsorship available — speak to our advisers for documentation

Hear From Our Learners

I left school at 16 without any history qualifications and always wished I'd stuck with it. This course gave me the structure I needed — my tutor was brilliant at explaining source analysis and helping me write proper exam essays. I got a grade 6 and I'm now enrolled on A-Level History.

James T.

Pearson Edexcel GCSE History including exams

I needed GCSE History as a stepping stone to a career change into the heritage sector. The online format meant I could study in the evenings after work. The First World War unit was particularly fascinating — I genuinely enjoyed the whole course. Passed with a grade 5.

Rachel M.

Pearson Edexcel GCSE History including exams

I was 42 when I enrolled and was convinced exams would be the hardest part. The tutor's exam prep was so thorough that I felt confident walking in. The flexible study schedule meant I never felt overwhelmed. Would absolutely recommend learndirect to anyone returning to education.

Sandra P.

Pearson Edexcel GCSE History including exams

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