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History (A-level)

Our History A-level gives you a wealth of skills valued by employers and higher education institutions alike. A respected discipline, History will leave you questioning and analysing the world around you, while allowing you to reach substantiated judgments which are evidence based, yet unique in their own right.

Course Summary

Subject Area: A Levels
School Leaver - Academic
Full Time or Part Time: FT
Level: 3
Number Of Years: 2
Interview Required?: Y
Joseph Wright Centre

Apply now at: https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/course/history-a-level
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Course Information for Students

This History course will give you a wealth of skills which are valued by employers and higher education institutions alike.  History is a very well respected subject and discipline.  It will leave you questioning and analysing the world around you, as well as allowing you to come to substantiated judgments which are evidence based, yet unique in their own right.

You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English Language at grade 5 (C/B) and Maths at grade 4 (C).

A GCSE in History is not a pre-requisite. However, if you studied it, a grade 5 (C/B) is required.

A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.

It is assumed that students will enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.

The History course is organised into three key components, which will be studied concurrently over the two-year programme. These are:

  • Component 1C: Breadth Study – The Tudors (1485–1603) (40%)
  • Component 2O: Depth Study – Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945 (40%)
  • Component 3: Historical Investigation (Personal Study) – an independently researched coursework project (20%)

This course will be delivered on-site at the Joseph Wright Centre.

N/A

There will be two examinations, one for each of the examined components (Breadth and Depth Study), and one coursework unit based on an independently researched historical theme.

Component 1C – Exam: Breadth Study – The Tudors (1485–1603) – worth 40%
Component 2O – Exam: Depth Study – Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945 – worth 40%
Component 3 – Coursework: Historical Investigation (Personal Study) – worth 20%

You can embark on a higher education course or go into employment.

Courses for further study could include subjects such as:

  • History
  • Law
  • Humanities

Employment opportunities are in fields such as:

  • Teaching
  • Lecturing
  • Law
  • Surveying

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk

Course Information for Employers

If you are an employer and would like to know more about the apprenticeships and professional training we deliver or how you can get involved in co-creating and co-delivering the curriculum, please contact us via email on businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk, call us on 01332 387 421 or visit our employer pages here.

Career Information

DCG Success Stories

Young male with brown hair wearing a black sweater, holding a document with exam results on.

Robert Osbourne

Eighteen year old Robert Osborne is off to York University to study for a law degree.

While at college I got some great work experience including spending time with the Crown Prosecution Service.

Read More about Robert Osbourne

Young female with brown hair holding a baloon and a document with exam results.

Kaya Cunningham

Former A-level student Kaya Cunningham exceeded her own expectations by gaining an A* in Law and As in History and Biology.

I enjoyed college. A-level Law was definitely my favourite.

Read More about Kaya Cunningham

Find out what funding could be available to you:

Thinking about returning to education or developing new skills? Use our funding calculator below to get an estimate of the financial support you may be eligible for based on where you live.

Whether you’re looking to retrain, progress in your career, or try something new, funding could make your next step more accessible than you think.

Simply enter your postcode into the calculator to see an estimate of the funding that may be available in your area. This is based on regional funding allocations and typical eligibility criteria for adult learners.

Important:

The results shown are a guide only and are not a guarantee of funding.

Funding availability can vary depending on:

  • Your personal circumstances (such as age, employment status, and prior qualifications)
  • The course you choose
  • Government and local funding rules at the time of enrolment

If you’re considering adult learning, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.

Our courses are designed to fit around your life, with flexible study options and expert support every step of the way.

Find out more about the courses available. Adult Courses

If you have any questions about funding, eligibility, or courses, our team is here to help. Contact Us


Applications for 2026 Full-Time School Leaver Courses are now CLOSED FOR PROCESSING*

If you’ve already applied for a full-time vocational or academic course, please check your InTouch account to view your application status and accept any outstanding offers. We may also be trying to contact you by phone, so keep an ear out for calls from the College — to ensure we are progressing your first-choice course area.

Haven’t applied yet?

Your next opportunity will be during our Open Enrolment sessions, starting Wednesday 26th August at 12pm. Please note that places will be limited and subject to course availability, entry requirements, and interviews. Find out more about Enrolment and Clearing Enrolment: Enrolment and Clearing Information 2026

Course Information Last Updated On: June 30, 2026 8:25 am