The A Level course is split into two years, with students sitting the AS level in Year 12, and A2 level in Year 13. In Year 12 they take components 1 and 2, and in Year 13 they take components 3 and 4. 

Component 1 focuses on documents and sources, asking students to perfect source analysis skills and be able to write detailed answers contrasting and comparing content. This component makes up 40% of the total grade at AS Level (20% of the full A Level). The topic will be one of the four units in the International Relations 1919 - 1945 topic, rotated on an annual basis.

The International Relations topics are: 

• Empire and the emergence of world powers, 1870–1919 (examined in Paper 1 in Summer 2027)

• The League of Nations and international relations in the 1920s

• The League of Nations and international relations in the 1930s (examined in Paper 1 in Summer 2025)

• China and Japan, 1912–45 (examined in Paper 1 in Summer 2026)

Component 2 is an outline study asking the students to be able to write focused answers in depth about a given topic. Component 2 makes up 60% of the total grade at AS Level (30% of the full A Level). It will examine the remaining three units from the International Relations topic that are not examined in Paper 1.

Component 3 examines students' understanding of historical interpretations. This will look at the origins and development of the Cold War and makes up 20% of the final grade at A Level.

Component 4 looks at European History from 1919- 1941. (Stalin's Russia, Hitler's Germany, Mussolini's Italy and Britain). This paper makes up 30% of the final grade at A Level.

A high level of English, developing reading skills and the ability to write evaluative arguments are all required for success at this level of studying History. Students will develop a range of collaborative and independent study skills as well as strengthening their historical knowledge and disciplinary understanding.