OCR A Level History specification (H505)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR 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 OCR 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 OCR A Level History (H505) 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 OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
OCR’s A Level History A specification provides a flexible, wide-ranging course that emphasises historical knowledge, critical analysis, and independent enquiry. It encourages learners to engage with a broad spectrum of British and non-British history, including thematic and interpretive approaches. The design supports professional freedom, allowing teachers to build coherent, interest-led courses with over 50 optional units. The qualification aims to foster reflective and independent learners with skills in substantiated argument, source evaluation, and thematic analysis, all of which support further study or careers where analytical thinking is valued:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
British Period Study and Enquiry (Unit group 1, Y101–Y113)
- Includes 13 options such as:
- Y101 Alfred and the Making of England 871–1016
- Y106 England 1485–1558: the Early Tudors
- Y110 From Pitt to Peel: Britain 1783–1853
- Y113 Britain 1930–1997
- Each unit combines an enquiry topic (source-based) with a broader period study.
Non-British Period Study (Unit group 2, Y201–Y224)
- Includes 24 options such as:
- Y203 The Crusades and the Crusader States 1095–1192
- Y213 The French Revolution and the Rule of Napoleon 1774–1815
- Y218 International Relations 1890–1941
- Y224 Apartheid and Reconciliation: South African Politics 1948–1999
Thematic Study and Historical Interpretations (Unit group 3, Y301–Y321)
- Includes 21 options such as:
- Y306 Rebellion and Disorder under the Tudors 1485–1603
- Y317 China and its Rulers 1839–1989
- Y319 Civil Rights in the USA 1865–1992
- Y321 The Middle East 1908–2011: Ottomans to Arab Spring
Non-Exam Assessment: Topic Based Essay (Y100)
- A 3000–4000 word independent research essay on a topic of the student’s choice
- Must not duplicate content studied in other components
- Assesses analysis, interpretation, and historical argument using both primary and secondary sources:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Unit Group 1: British Period Study and Enquiry
- Examined component: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 50 marks; 25% of A Level
- One source-based question and one essay
Unit Group 2: Non-British Period Study
- Examined component: 1 hour
- 30 marks; 15% of A Level
- One essay and one shorter significance question
Unit Group 3: Thematic Study and Historical Interpretations
- Examined component: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 80 marks; 40% of A Level
- One interpretations question and two essays
Unit Y100: Topic Based Essay (Non-Exam Assessment)
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- 3000–4000 word essay
- 40 marks; 20% of A Level
- Must include analysis of interpretations and use of sources
Combination Rules
- One unit from each group (1–3) plus Y100
- Topics must cover a chronological range of at least 200 years
- Some unit combinations are restricted due to overlap (e.g. cannot take Y101 and Y302 together):contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR 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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