Cambridge (CIE) A Level History specification (9489)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) 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 Cambridge (CIE) 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 Cambridge (CIE) A Level History (9489) 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 Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge International AS & A Level History encourages learners to explore key historical events, periods and debates through the critical study of primary sources and differing historical interpretations. The course aims to develop a deep understanding of historical concepts such as cause and consequence, change and continuity, and significance. Learners evaluate historical evidence, construct substantiated arguments, and gain insight into how history is written and interpreted. The syllabus is structured to provide both breadth and depth of knowledge, preparing students for higher-level study in history and related disciplines.
Subject content breakdown
Paper 1 and Paper 2 European option: Modern Europe, 1750–1921
- France, 1774–1814: causes and outcomes of the French Revolution, instability, rise of Napoleon.
- Industrial Revolution in Britain: causes, urbanisation, social change, protest movements.
- Liberalism and nationalism in Germany, 1815–71: 1848 revolutions, Bismarck, unification.
- Russian Revolution, 1894–1921: 1905 and 1917 revolutions, Bolshevik consolidation.
American option: The history of the USA, 1820–1941
- Origins of the Civil War: sectionalism, slavery, states’ rights.
- Civil War and Reconstruction: military and social impacts, Reconstruction policies.
- The Gilded Age and Progressive Era: industrialisation, immigration, reforms.
- The Great Crash and New Deal: economic causes and impacts, Roosevelt’s policies.
International option: International history, 1870–1945
- Empire and emergence of world powers: imperialism, USA and Japan as powers.
- League of Nations in the 1920s and 1930s: successes, failures, rise of extremism.
- China and Japan, 1912–45: warlord era, rise of CCP, Japanese militarism.
Paper 3 Interpretations Topics
- Origins of the First World War: alliances, militarism, Sarajevo, Fischer thesis.
- The Holocaust: causes, Nazi policies, Intentionalist vs Functionalist interpretations.
- Origins and development of the Cold War: ideological divisions, Truman Doctrine, revisionist debates.
Paper 4 Depth Studies European option: European history in the interwar years, 1919–41
- Mussolini’s Italy, Stalin’s Russia, Hitler’s Germany, Britain 1919–39.
American option: The USA, 1944–92
- Economic, political, social changes and civil rights in 1940s–1990s.
International option: International history, 1945–92
- US–Soviet relations, spread of communism in Asia, decolonisation in Africa, Middle East conflict.
Assessment structure
Paper 1 Document question
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks
- Answer one two-part question on a prescribed topic
- Part (a): analysis of two sources
- Part (b): synthesis and evaluation of multiple sources
- 40% of AS Level, 20% of A Level
Paper 2 Outline study
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 60 marks
- Answer two two-part essay questions on a chosen option
- Part (a): causal explanation
- Part (b): analysis of significance
- 60% of AS Level, 30% of A Level
Paper 3 Interpretations question
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks
- Answer one question based on a historical extract
- Analyse the historian’s interpretation and approach
- 20% of A Level
Paper 4 Depth study
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 60 marks
- Answer two essay questions on a chosen depth study
- 30% of A Level
Candidates can take AS Level only, a staged A Level route, or all papers in one series. Weightings vary by paper and level.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) 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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