How Many A Level History Papers Are There?

Knowing exactly how many A Level History papers you'll sit is crucial for planning your revision and managing your time. Yet with three different exam boards offering the qualification, it's not a straightforward answer. Whether you're studying AQA, Edexcel, or OCR, the number of exams, the topics covered, and the assessment structure all vary.

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know about A Level History exam papers. We'll explain each board's structure, the specific paper formats, and how coursework fits into the mix.

At Save My Exams, we've helped thousands of students navigate their A Level History exams with clarity and confidence. This article provides you with the information you need to plan your revision effectively.

Key Takeaways

• AQA A Level History has 2 written exams plus a coursework component worth 40 marks

• Edexcel A Level History consists of 3 written exam papers with a coursework requirement worth 40 marks 

• OCR A Level History includes 3 written papers covering British, non-British, and thematic studies and a coursework component 

• All three exam boards assess a combination of breadth studies, depth studies, and historical interpretations

AQA A Level History Paper Breakdown

AQA A Level History (opens in a new tab) consists of 2 written exam papers plus a Historical Investigation coursework component. The written exams together account for 80% of your final grade, while the coursework makes up the remaining 20%.

Each exam paper tests different skills and knowledge. Paper 1 focuses on breadth studies, whilst Paper 2 requires a depth study analysis.

Paper 1 – Breadth Study

Paper 1 is a 2-hour 30-minute exam worth 80 marks (40% of your A Level).

This paper tests your knowledge of historical developments over an extended time period. You'll need to demonstrate understanding of change and continuity across at least 100 years.

You will be expected to answer one compulsory question from Section A, testing your ability to analyse and evaluate historical interpretations. In Section B, you will answer two from a choice of three essay questions, which focus on second-order concepts, such as causation. 

Example topics include:

• The Age of the Crusades, c1071–1204

• The Tudors: England, 1485–1603

• The Stuart Age: England, 1603–1702

• Industrialisation and the People: Britain, c1783–1885

• Russia in the Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment, 1682–1796

Paper 2 – Depth Study

Paper 2 is a 2-hour 30-minute exam worth 80 marks (40% of your A Level).

This paper differs from Paper 1 because it focuses on a shorter time period in much greater detail.

You will be expected to answer a compulsory question from Section A, testing your ability to analyse and evaluate historical sources. In Section B, you will answer two from a choice of three essay questions. 

The depth studies cover topics such as:

• Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499

• Religious Conflict and the Church in England, c1529–c1570

• The English Revolution, 1625–1660

• Industrialisation and the People: Britain, c1783–1885

• The American Dream: Reality and Illusion, 1945–1980

Historical Investigation (NEA)

The NEA component is worth 40 marks (20% of your A Level).

You'll complete a Historical Investigation of approximately 3,500–4,500 words on a topic of your choice. This must be framed around a question that requires analysis of historical interpretations.

Edexcel A Level History Paper Breakdown

Edexcel A Level History (opens in a new tab) is structured around three assessed pieces of work: two written exam papers and a coursework component. 

All three papers combined determine your final A Level grade.

Paper 1 – Breadth with Interpretations

Paper 1 is a 2-hour 15-minute exam worth 60 marks (30% of your A Level).

This paper combines breadth of study knowledge with the ability to analyse and evaluate historical interpretations. 

• Section A requires students to compare and evaluate two historical interpretations. 

• Section B requires essays that test your knowledge of the historical period through essays.

Example topics include:

• Britain Transformed, 1918–97

• In Search of the American Dream: the USA, c1917–96

• Germany and West Germany, 1918–89

• Mao's China, 1949–76

• South Africa, 1948–94: from Apartheid State to 'Rainbow Nation'

Paper 2 – Depth Study

Paper 2 is a 1-hour 30-minute exam worth 40 marks (20% of your A Level).

This paper examines the in-depth study of a specific period or topic. 

You will be expected to: 

• Analyse contemporary sources

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the historical events and context

Topics include:

• Henry VIII and his Ministers, 1509–40

• Spain in the Age of Discovery, 1469–1598

• Russia, 1917–91: from Lenin to Yeltsin

• The Rise and Fall of Fascism in Italy, c1911–46

Paper 3 – Themes in Breadth & Source Analysis

Paper 3 is a 2-hour 15-minute exam worth 60 marks (30% of your A Level).

This is the most demanding paper. You'll complete an essay question focusing on source material and an additional two questions, which focus on knowledge and second-order concepts such as change, continuity and significance. 

Example topics include:

• Rebellion and Disorder Under the Tudors, 1485–1603

• Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509

• The Witch Craze in Britain, Europe and North America, c1580–c1750

• Britain: Losing and Gaining an Empire, 1763–1914

Coursework for Edexcel 

In addition to the examined papers, students must complete a compulsory coursework component, worth 40 marks (20% of the A Level).

You'll complete an independently researched essay of 3,000–4,000 words on a personally designed question.

OCR A Level History Paper Breakdown

OCR A Level History (opens in a new tab) consists of 3 written exam papers. Each paper focuses on a different element of historical study: British period studies, non-British period studies, and thematic studies with interpretations.

Paper 1 – British Period Study and Enquiry

Paper 1 is a 1-hour 30-minute exam worth 50 marks (25% of your A Level).

This paper is split into two sections. In Section A, you will be required to answer one compulsory question based on the four historical sources provided. Whereas, in Section B, you will be answering one of the two essay questions provided. 

Example topics include:

• England 1485–1558: the Early Tudors

• Mid Tudor Crises 1536–1569

• England 1603–1660

• Britain 1900–1951

Paper 2 – Non-British Period Study

Paper 2 is a 1-hour exam worth 30 marks (15% of your A Level).

This paper examines a non-British period in detail. You'll answer either Question 1 or 2, which are essay questions that demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of historical events. 

Topics include:

• The French Wars of Religion 1559–1598

• Democracy and Dictatorship in Germany 1919–1963

• Russia 1645–1741

• Civil Rights in the USA 1865–1992

Paper 3 – Thematic Study and Historical Interpretations

Paper 3 is a 2-hour 30-minute exam worth 80 marks (40% of your A Level).

This paper tests your understanding of broad historical themes and your ability to analyse different historical interpretations. In Section A, you are required to answer a compulsory question on historical interpretations. Whereas in Section B, you will need to answer two, from a choice of three, essay questions. 

Example topics include:

• The Development of the Nation State: France 1498–1610

• Britain 1603–1760

• The Changing Nature of Warfare 1792–1945

• Popular Culture and the Witchcraze of the 16th and 17th Centuries

Non-Examined Assessment (Coursework)

OCR offers a coursework component called the Topic-Based Essay worth 40 marks (20% of your A Level).

You'll write an essay of 3,000–4,000 words on a personally researched historical question.

Summary Table: A Level History Exam Papers by Board

Key points to remember:

• AQA requires coursework as standard

• Edexcel and OCR offer coursework as an optional alternative to one exam paper

• All boards require at least 2 written exam papers

• Total assessment time ranges from 6 to 7 hours, depending on the board

How to Use This Information to Plan Your A Level History Revision

Understanding your exam structure helps you revise more effectively.

Start by identifying which topics appear in multiple papers. For instance, if you're studying the Tudors on both Paper 1 and Paper 2, these periods deserve extra attention in your revision timetable.

Allocate your revision time based on the weightings. Papers worth more marks should get more of your focus. For example, if your Paper 1 is worth 40% of your grade, dedicate at least 40% of your revision time to it.

Focus on the specific skills each paper requires. Paper 1 breadth studies need knowledge of change over time. Depth studies require source analysis skills. Practise essay writing under timed conditions for all papers.

Create a revision schedule that covers:

• Content knowledge for each topic

• Essay writing practice

• Source analysis skills

• Interpretation evaluation techniques

• Coursework research and writing (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all exam boards have coursework in A Level History?

Yes, however, it is referred to by different names depending on the exam board. AQA requires all students to complete a compulsory Historical Investigation, which is assessed as a Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) and contributes to the final A Level grade.

Edexcel and OCR also require students to complete a compulsory NEA as part of A Level History, although it may be described differently in each specification. In all cases, this coursework is completed alongside the written examination papers and is not an optional alternative to an exam. 

How long is each A Level History paper?

Exam lengths vary by board and paper:

• AQA: 

  • Papers 1 and 2 are each 2 hours and 30 minutes

• Edexcel: 

  • Paper 1 is 2 hours 15 minutes

  • Paper 2 is 1 hour 30 minutes

  • Paper 3 is 2 hours 15 minutes

• OCR: 

  • Paper 1 is 1 hour 30 minutes 

  • Paper 2 is 1 hour

  • Paper 3 is 2 hours 30 minutes

Are the exam topics the same across exam boards?

No. Each exam board offers different topics and time periods. While there is some overlap (for example, all three boards offer Tudor topics), the specific content and assessment focus vary.

For example:

• AQA might study the Tudors as a breadth study covering 1485–1603

• Edexcel might focus on Henry VIII specifically from 1509–40

• OCR might examine the Early Tudors, 1485–1558

Check your exam board's specification to see exactly which topics you'll study.

Can I choose which topics I study for A Level History?

Your school or college will choose which specific options from the exam board specification you'll study. However, some allow you to choose your own topic for the coursework, or NEA section of your studies. 

Different schools offer different topic combinations based on teacher expertise and resources. Some schools might focus on British history, whilst others offer more international options.

If you're choosing between schools, check which History topics they offer before making your decision.

Final Thoughts

The number of A Level History papers you'll sit depends entirely on your exam board. AQA students face 2 exams plus coursework, whilst Edexcel and OCR students will sit 3 exams.

Understanding your specific exam structure is the foundation of effective revision planning. Use this guide as your starting point, then check your school's exact specification details.

Remember to allocate your revision time based on the weighting of each paper. The more a paper is worth, the more attention it deserves.

Check with your teacher or college about exactly which exam board and specification you're following. Once you know this, you can plan your revision with confidence and focus on the topics and skills that matter most for your exams.

References

• AQA A Level History Specification (opens in a new tab)

• Edexcel A Level History Specification (opens in a new tab)

• OCR A Level History Specification (opens in a new tab)

• Save My Exams A Level History Topics Guide