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International A Level History IAS/IAL

Pearson Edexcel – Qualification Codes: WHI01/ WHI02 (IAS), WHI03/ WHI04 (IAL)

Why Study This Course?

The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in History enables students to develop an in-depth understanding of historical events, themes, and interpretations. This course fosters critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and research skills, preparing students for higher education and careers in law, politics, journalism, and academia.

This course is ideal for students who:

  • Have a strong interest in understanding the past and how it shapes the present.
  • Enjoy debating historical interpretations, analysing sources, and constructing arguments.
  • Aspire to study History, Politics, International Relations, or Law at university.
  • Are considering careers in diplomacy, journalism, education, or research.
  • Wish to gain a globally recognised qualification that is valued by universities and employers worldwide.

Who is This Course For?

This course is suitable for students who:

  • Enjoy researching historical events, examining evidence, and drawing conclusions.
  • Want to develop advanced essay-writing and source evaluation skills.
  • Aspire to work in government, law, public policy, media, or academia.
  • Are interested in global history, revolutions, political ideologies, and international relations.

This course fosters critical analysis, essay writing, and evidence-based argumentation, essential for higher education and professional careers in law, politics, and research.

1. Analytical and Research Skills

  • Evaluating historical sources, primary documents, and interpretations.
  • Comparing causes and consequences of major historical events.
  • Using historiographical debates to support arguments.

2. Essay Writing and Argumentation

  • Constructing clear, well-supported historical arguments.
  • Writing structured essays with analytical depth.
  • Engaging with historical debates and interpretations.

3. Understanding Historical Change and Continuity

  • Identifying trends, turning points, and key moments in history.
  • Assessing the role of individuals, movements, and governments.
  • Exploring global perspectives on historical events.

The course assesses students based on the following objectives:

Objective Description Weighting
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of historical concepts 25%
AO2 Analyse and evaluate historical sources and interpretations 25%
AO3 Construct well-argued and coherent written responses 50%

Strong Preparation for University and Beyond

This course provides a solid foundation for degree-level study in History, International Relations, and Political Science.

Recognition by Top Universities

The Pearson Edexcel International A-Level in History is widely recognised by universities, employers, and research institutions worldwide.

Development of Critical and Independent Thinking

Students develop research, communication, and argumentation skills, which are essential in law, journalism, and government.

Engaging and Real-World Applications

The course covers major global conflicts, revolutions, and ideologies, ensuring students engage with complex historical debates and real-world implications.

Course Structure

The qualification consists of four externally assessed written units, divided into two levels:

International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS) – Equivalent to AS Level

Unit 1: Depth Study with Interpretations (IAS – 25%)

Exam Duration

2 hours

Assessment Format

External written examination

Topics Covered (Choose One)

  • France in Revolution, 1774–99 – The fall of the monarchy, radicalisation, and Napoleon’s rise.
  • Russia in Revolution, 1881–1917 – The decline of Tsarist rule, Lenin’s Bolsheviks, and the October Revolution.
  • Germany, 1918–45 – Weimar Republic, the rise of Hitler, and Nazi dictatorship.
  • Britain, 1964–90 – Social and political change, the impact of Margaret Thatcher’s government.

Assessment Overview

  • Two 25-mark essay questions evaluating historical interpretations and depth study.

Unit 2: Breadth Study with Source Evaluation (IAS – 25%)

Exam Duration

2 hours

Assessment Format

External written examination

Topics Covered (Choose One)

  • India, 1857–1948: The Raj to Partition – Colonial rule, nationalism, and independence.
  • China, 1900–76 – The fall of imperial rule, Communist rise, and Maoist policies.
  • Russia, 1917–91: From Lenin to Yeltsin – Soviet dictatorship, Cold War, and collapse of the USSR.
  • South Africa, 1948–2014 – Apartheid, resistance movements, and the post-apartheid transition.

Assessment Overview

  • One source-based question and one historical essay.
  • The Making of Modern Europe, 1805–71 – Napoleon’s influence, revolutions, and nation-building.
  • The World in Crisis, 1879–1945 – World Wars, economic depression, and political upheavals.
  • The World Divided: Superpower Relations, 1943–90 – The Cold War, nuclear threats, and détente.
  • The Cold War and Hot War in Asia, 1945–90 – Conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, communist expansion.

International Advanced Level (IAL) – Full A-Level

Unit 3: Thematic Study with Source Evaluation (IA2 – 25%)

Exam Duration

2 hours

Assessment Format

External written examination

Topics Covered

  • The USA, Independence to Civil War, 1763–1865 – Nation-building, political tensions, and the Civil War.
  • The British Experience of Warfare, 1803–1945 – Military strategies, global conflicts, and war impact.
  • Germany: United, Divided and Reunited, 1870–1990 – Unification, Cold War division, and reunification.
  • Civil Rights and Race Relations in the USA, 1865–2009 – African American struggles, legislative changes, and social movements.

Assessment Overview

  • One source analysis and one historical essay evaluating broad trends.

Unit 4: International Study with Historical Interpretations (IA2 – 25%)

Exam Duration

2 hours

Assessment Format

External written examination

Topics Covered

  • The Making of Modern Europe, 1805–71 – Napoleon’s influence, revolutions, and nation-building.
  • The World in Crisis, 1879–1945 – World Wars, economic depression, and political upheavals.
  • The World Divided: Superpower Relations, 1943–90 – The Cold War, nuclear threats, and détente.
  • The Cold War and Hot War in Asia, 1945–90 – Conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, communist expansion.

Assessment Overview

  • One evaluation of contrasting historical interpretations and one depth essay.