History 

AQA Options G – Germany Options R – Britain

The advantage of following a course in History, apart from enjoyment and interest, is that the course and its content help to develop your intellectual abilities. You will be asked to consider evidence, weigh up conflicting arguments, offer complex with the human element that is fundamental to all historical study; bias, subjectivity and motivation. You develop a sense of perspective and also a realisation that current situations have a lot to do with the past. All in all you will develop a perceptive and analytical mind that will allow you to think freely and for yourself. This is a valuable skill to have to take into future careers. The course will also allow you to develop other, ‘marketable’ skills; the ability to abstract information from a wide variety of sources, the ability to analyse situations, events, trends and motivation; the ability to put data together in a coherent structure, which communicates effectively what you have understood. Whether in discussion or on paper, you will constantly be asked for a balanced opinion, argued clearly and logically.

Minimum entry requirements for this course are at least a ‘C’ grade at GCSE History if you have taken that subject. A full range of appropriate grades will also be expected. You must also be prepared to handle the reading requirements of the course, and the research demanded by the Personal Study.

COURSE CONTENT

In the first year, students will study various options based on aspects of European and British History from 1850 - 1980. They will study Imperial Germany 1866 – 1918 and British History 1895 – 1918.

Those students who continue with their study of history will explore further modules based on aspects of Weimar and Nazi Germany, and British History 1918 – 1951. They will also do a personal study of 3000 words on any aspect of history they choose.

CAREER PROSPECTS

It is worth considering where to go from the study of History. Apart from teaching, which takes fewer than 5% of History graduates, there is a very wide range of careers and courses open to those with an A -Level qualification in History.

Areas commonly entered into are administration, management and planning jobs in industry, commerce, local and national government and public services. Various communications and information industries also take on History graduates, and careers requiring historical knowledge such as museum service, the law, archives and restoration.

Many employers have a high regard for a History qualification at this level since they view it as a powerful basis for the skills of decision-making, analysis, and independent work. Please ask the History department for a more detailed list of career opportunities.