AQA A Level History specification (7042)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA A Level History exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA A Level History specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA A Level History (7042) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The AQA A-level History specification encourages students to develop a deep understanding of significant historical events, individuals, and themes. It promotes critical thinking, source analysis and the ability to construct substantiated historical arguments. The course fosters an awareness of continuity and change, cause and consequence, and historical interpretations. Through a diverse choice of topics, it supports progression to higher education and careers in fields such as law, politics, journalism, and education.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Breadth Study
- Focus on developments over an extended timescale
- Covers themes such as social, economic, political and religious change
- British or non-British history options available (e.g. The Tudors, The Cold War)
Component 2: Depth Study
- Detailed examination of a shorter period
- Emphasis on key events, turning points and individuals
- British or non-British options (e.g. The English Revolution, The American Dream)
Component 3: Historical Investigation (NEA)
- Independent research project
- Topic must cover 100 years and be different from Components 1 and 2
- Includes analysis of primary sources and historians’ interpretations
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Breadth Study
- Written exam based on Component 1
- Includes compulsory source analysis and two essay questions
- 2 hours 30 minutes, 80 marks
- 40% of A-level
Paper 2: Depth Study
- Written exam based on Component 2
- Includes one source-based question and one essay
- 2 hours 30 minutes, 80 marks
- 40% of A-level
Non-exam Assessment (NEA): Historical Investigation
- 3000–3500 word independent research essay
- Marked by teachers and moderated externally
- 40 marks, 20% of A-level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA A Level History isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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