History (Dictatorship and Democracy) A-level

This pathway allows students to continue their exploration of 20th C fascist political systems.  This tumultuous period, which lasted only 1 generation, had a major impact on the outcomes of the rest of the century, with war and violent upheaval being a marker of world events.  We offer some balance by choosing to study the development of democracy in Britain as a comparison marker, particularly asking the question why Britain did not undergo a similar period.

For paper 1 you will study Germany 1918-1989: this option comprises a study in breadth and in depth, in which students will learn about key political changes experienced in a unified Germany and then in West Germany after the Second World War, and the impact of these changes on German economic, social and cultural developments.  In addition, you will be required to engage critically with historical interpretations, focusing on Hitler’s foreign policy and to what extent this was responsible for WW2.

Paper 2 sees you studying the Rise and Fall of Fascism in Italy 1911-46.  This module comprises a study in depth of the turbulent years in Italy that saw the collapse of the liberal state, the creation of a fascist dictatorship and a return to democracy in the aftermath of the Second World War. This paper has a source focus, requiring you to examine the ways historians use contemporary sources as part of historical enquiries.

For paper 3 you will examine the topic of Protest, Agitation and Parliamentary Refrom between 1780-1928.  We will analyse and explore the relationship between authority and mass agitation in England, the struggle for greater representation in England, and the ways in which the interests and concerns of individuals in society could make themselves known. This paper also has a source element, asking you to evaluate the utility of a contemporary source to answer two linked enquiries.

Finally there is a non-examined assessment, or coursework, the purpose of which is to enable history students to develop skills in the analysis and evaluation of interpretations of history in a chosen question, problem or issue as part of an independently researched assignment.  Students will be required to form a critical view of an area of historical debate based on relevant reading on the question, problem or issue. Students at Cirencester have the freedom to complete a centre set assignment, based on one of their three examined papers, or they may choose their own topic to research.  This offers those students the chance to go beyond the exam specification and really explore a period of history that is interesting to them.  Those who choose a centre-set question will also benefit, as their study will take them deeper into and beyond what the exam requires, and they often emerge more confident and with a better understanding of the exam topics.

The short answer is yes.

Essay writing is one of the most valuable skills you will develop at A Level History and the whole exam is essay based. Your English GCSE grade is therefore an important indicator of success in A level History.

There are fewer question stems/types than at GCSE, allowing you to focus on refining and strengthening your approach.

We will teach you a range of techniques to help you build on your existing skills and become a more confident, analytical writer.  History essays are essentially arguments: rather than simply testing what you know, they assess how well you can select, organise, and evaluate evidence to support a clear and convincing judgement.

While essays are an important part of the course, you will not be required to complete one every week!

Yes it will!

The specification has been designed by exam boards in close consultation with universities, making it a highly regarded qualification that is particularly valued on UCAS applications.

History is recognised by the Russell Group as a ‘facilitating’ subject, meaning it is especially respected by universities and supports applications to a wide range of degree courses, not just History. Achieving a strong grade in A Level History will help you stand out as a competitive candidate, regardless of the subject you choose to study at university.

A Level History opens up a wide range of degree options and career pathways. It is especially useful for courses that value strong analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills. Some examples include:

• Psychology – where History pairs well with subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, and Maths
• Law – History complements subjects like English Language/Literature, Business, and Sociology
• Art and Design
• Media Studies
• Teaching and Education
• Film, Cinematics, and Photography
• Economics

Whether you go on to study a humanities subject or something more scientific or creative, History provides a strong foundation that is widely respected by universities.

History is a rewarding and engaging subject that deepens your understanding of the modern world while developing valuable analytical skills.

By the end of your A Level, you will be able to write clearly, construct arguments, persuade others, debate effectively, process complex information, evaluate evidence, and reach well-supported conclusions. The key skill you will develop is critical thinking, gained through in-depth analysis of historical sources and interpretations. This skill is highly valued by universities and employers, as it enables you not only to evaluate different perspectives and adapt your thinking, but also to think on your feet and respond confidently to new challenges.

These transferable skills are highly valued by employers across a wide range of careers, including business and management, marketing, journalism and the media, law, politics and the civil service, economics, finance and accounting, as well as the arts, tourism, and the heritage sector.

Yes, you can study History, Ancient History, and Classical Civilisation together—but you should think carefully before choosing this combination.

These subjects complement each other well because they all involve analysing evidence, building arguments, and understanding the past. You’ll develop strong essay-writing and critical thinking skills across all three.

However, there are a few important things to consider:

• Overlap in skills and content: While the topics differ, the skills are very similar, so you won’t be broadening your subject mix.
• University preferences: Some universities—especially for more competitive courses—prefer a mix of essay-based and non-essay subjects (e.g. History alongside something like Maths, a science, or a language).
• Workload: All three subjects are reading- and writing-heavy, so you’ll need to be prepared for a significant amount of independent study.

When it works well

This combination can be a great choice if you’re:

• Passionate about history and the ancient world
• Considering degrees like History, Classics, Archaeology, or related subjects

When to reconsider

You might want more balance if:

• You're unsure about your future degree or career
• You want to keep a wider range of university options open

In short: yes, it’s absolutely possible—and can be a strong combination—but it’s best suited to students with a clear interest in humanities.

We run a History Society as part of the College's enrichment programme. This is run by our students, who take turns to present a short lecture on a period or event of history that interests them.

Our lecturers also take part, allowing us to reveal what led us to a study of History.

Many History students also join in with other groups such as the Debating Society, Latin and History of Art.  All these enrichment activities with strengthen your History skills and your love for the subject!

Yes, absolutely—you can study History alongside science-based subjects, and many students do. This mix is valued by universities and employers, as it demonstrates both analytical and creative thinking—so you don’t have to choose between them.

In fact, combining History with subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Maths is often encouraged because it shows a broad skill set. History develops critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills, while science subjects build problem-solving, data analysis, and technical understanding.

With this mix, you can still apply for a broad range of degrees—History, Politics, Law, and humanities, as well as many science-related or interdisciplinary courses such as Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science, or even some STEM pathways (depending on your subject combination).

And because you’re not specialising too early, you keep options open for careers in areas like journalism, law, science communication, research, business, or public policy.

Overall, combining History with science A levels demonstrates versatility, which is highly valued by universities and helps you maintain choice about your future direction.