Edexcel A Level History specification (9HI0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel 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 Edexcel 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 Edexcel A Level History (9HI0) 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 Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel A Level History qualification aims to provide students with a broad and coherent course of historical study, combining both breadth and depth. It encourages learners to develop a strong understanding of different periods, events, individuals, and themes, and to critically evaluate historical evidence and interpretations. The qualification is designed to prepare students for undergraduate study and careers that value analytical thinking and evidence-based argument. It also emphasises transferable skills such as research, communication, and independent judgement, placing the student at the centre of a rigorous, inclusive and internationally benchmarked academic curriculum:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Paper 1: Breadth Study with Interpretations (choose one)
- 1A: The Crusades, c1095–1204
- 1B: England, 1509–1603: Authority, Nation and Religion
- 1C: Britain, 1625–1701: Conflict, Revolution and Settlement
- 1D: Britain, c1785–c1870: Democracy, Protest and Reform
- 1E: Russia, 1917–91: From Lenin to Yeltsin
- 1F: In Search of the American Dream: The USA, c1917–96
- 1G: Germany and West Germany, 1918–89
- 1H: Britain Transformed, 1918–97
Paper 2: Depth Study (choose one from the same route as Paper 1)
- e.g. for Route A:
- 2A.1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Anglo-Norman Kingdom, c1053–1106
- 2A.2: England and the Angevin Empire in the reign of Henry II, 1154–89
- other options include: The German Reformation, France/Russia in revolution, The unification of Italy or Germany, Mao’s China, South Africa 1948–94, The USA 1955–92, and others aligned to respective breadth options
Paper 3: Themes in Breadth with Aspects in Depth (choose one)
- 30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509
- 31: Rebellion and Disorder under the Tudors, 1485–1603
- 32: The Golden Age of Spain, 1474–1598
- 33: The Witch Craze in Britain, Europe and North America, c1580–c1750
- 34.1: Industrialisation and Social Change in Britain, 1759–1928
- 35.1: Britain: Losing and Gaining an Empire, 1763–1914
- 37.1: The Changing Nature of Warfare, 1859–1991
- 38.1: The Making of Modern Russia, 1855–1991
- 39.1: Civil Rights and Race Relations in the USA, 1850–2009 (with additional sub-options)
Coursework (Non-examined Assessment)
- Internally set and assessed, externally moderated
- One extended essay on a historical enquiry topic of student’s choice
- Must not duplicate content from examined components
- Focus on analysing and evaluating historical interpretations and arguments:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Breadth Study with Interpretations
- 2 hours 15 minutes
- 30% of A Level; 60 marks
- 3 questions: 1 breadth essay (Section A), 1 breadth essay (Section B), 1 compulsory interpretations analysis (Section C)
Paper 2: Depth Study
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- 20% of A Level; 40 marks
- 2 questions: 1 compulsory source-based (Section A), 1 essay from a choice (Section B)
Paper 3: Themes in Breadth with Aspects in Depth
- 2 hours 15 minutes
- 30% of A Level; 60 marks
- 3 questions: 1 compulsory source-based (Section A), 1 depth essay (Section B), 1 breadth essay (Section C)
Coursework: Historical Enquiry
- 20% of A Level; 40 marks
- Single extended essay (3,000–4,000 words)
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- Must analyse and evaluate interpretations, include primary and secondary sources
General Requirements
- All examined papers taken in a single exam series (May/June)
- Minimum 20% British history required
- Topics must cover a chronological range of at least 200 years:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel 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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