Our sixth form centre is brand-new for the city of Birmingham and the surrounding areas
Access to our vast university e-learning resources to give you the edge when completing your course
"Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it." - Edmund Burke
History is a vibrant subject that can teach us much about human social, political and technological development, and can help us make change for the better.
Events in the past have, after all, changed the make-up of regions and often caused tensions, creating government and societal systems that have lasted generations beyond when they started. And all of it affects each person alive today.
Through the study of A-level History at our sixth form centre, you will explore the achievements and struggles that have led us to the societies in which we now live, developing a wide range of skills including the ability to interpret information, to explore different perspectives and to evaluate historical narratives.
Crucially, your study of history will help you to develop skills including research, communication and data analysis and, on completion, you can go onto a degree course, onto an apprenticeship or go directly into industry in a range of careers.
Why choose A-levels at our sixth form centre?
- PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY AT A UNIVERSITY – We can provide you with relevant work placements, masterclasses, guest speakers, trips and more
- AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT – We have won national awards for our student support, which our sixth form students can tap into, from tailored academic support to financial assistance and health and wellbeing services
- OUTSTANDING LEARNING FACILITIES - We have invested £5.5 million into our brand-new sixth form centre, which includes lecture theatres, classrooms, science and computer labs, practical training facilities and open study spaces
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Want to keep studying at a higher level? This A-level will support your progression to degree level
Course breakdown
Through the completion of your course, you will have explored a time period of at least two hundred years and will have studied both British history and the history of another country. To achieve your History A-level, you must study the following:
Breadth study
A study of historical developments over a long period of time.
Depth study
An in-depth study of a major historical event, movement or development.
Historical investigation
An individual project.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- You will need 4 GCSE at grade 5 or above, including Grade 5 in History or English (Language or Literature) to Study this A-level.
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will be assessed through a historical coursework project (worth 20% of the A Level) and written exam papers in the Summer of your second year. These exams will assess:
- your knowledge and understanding of the time periods and events covered
- your ability to analyse and evaluate relevant source material
- your ability to analyse and evaluate different interpretations of past events
Your class work and directed learning are designed to prepare you well for your assessments and to help you to develop a range of skills that will help you in your future studies and work.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Centre of opportunities
Our sixth form centre taps into the wider university's networks to enhance student opportunities and gives you access to world-class university facilities.
We are creating something unique and special for Birmingham and I am delighted you are considering us for your next steps. Studying A-levels requires discipline and determination, but it is also incredibly rewarding, offering you a deep insight into the subjects you choose to study. Sixth form is also an opportunity for you to discover what’s important to you and how you want to make your mark on the world. Our aim is to support and challenge you through this, while developing your character and widening your horizons so you flourish, professionally and personally.
What will this course prepare you for?
The skills developed through the study of history prepare you for further study and work in a range of fields including education, law, libraries, journalism and business.
Business manager
Average Salary: £50,000
Journalist
Average Salary: £33,000
Lawyer
Average Salary: £50,000
Librarian
Average Salary: £26,000
Researcher
Average Salary: £39,000
Our new sixth form centre
University College Birmingham is to begin offering a range of A-level courses as part of a major multi-million-pound investment in a brand-new sixth form centre.
