Entry Requirements
- Minimum of 5x 9-4 grades in GCSE examinations including 5 in English Language and 4 in maths. A grade 5 in Geography or History is desirable.
Qualification Aims and Objectives
The course develops students’ understanding of human societies and historical change through a comparative and multi-perspective approach. It fosters historical inquiry, critical evaluation of evidence, and appreciation of the ways in which the past influences the present.
Objectives
- Develop a deep conceptual understanding of key historical processes such as change, continuity, causation, consequence and significance.
- Acquire and apply historical methods, including the critical evaluation of sources, interpretation of evidence and constructing historical arguments.
- Build analytical and evaluative skills through inquiry, comparative study and collaborative work.
- Consider the ethical, cultural, social and global implications of historical events and interpretations.
- Prepare for further study and careers in history, international relations, heritage, research, education and related fields.
Course Content
Syllabus Themes
- Prescribed Subjects: In-depth Case Studies of specific events/periods.
- World History Topics: A selection of major themes across world history, such as industrialisation, independence movements, democratic and authoritarian states, causes and effects of wars and the Cold War.
- HL Options / Depth Studies: Detailed regional or thematic investigations (e.g., History of Africa &the Middle East; History of the Americas; History of Asia &Oceania; History of Europe) for HL students.
Historical Investigation: Students undertake an independent investigation on a topic of their choosing, employing historical methods to collect, analyse and evaluate evidence.
Assessment (HL)
- External (80%): Examinations that test knowledge of the prescribed subjects, world history topics and HL options, through source-based questions, essays and comparative study.
- Internal (20%): The Historical Investigation (as described above).
Future courses and possible careers
Archivist • Historian • Museum Curator • Heritage Manager • Researcher • Academic • International Relations Specialist • Diplomatic Service • Policy Analyst • Journalism • Education • Law • Conservator • Tourism & Cultural Management • Public History • Legal and Historical Advisory
IBCP: History works well in a combination with IB Global Politics and AAQ Health and Social Care.
IBDP: you would take this as one of your HL subjects, fulfilling the Individuals and Societies requirement.
For careers in Law, take this alongside Psychology and History or Global Politics on the Academic Pathway.