WJEC A Level History specification (1100)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC 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.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC 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 WJEC A Level History (1100) 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 WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC A level History specification aims to develop learners’ enthusiasm for history and their understanding of its significance. It promotes knowledge of multiple identities within society, such as social, cultural, and religious diversity, and fosters the skills of independent inquiry, critical thinking, and structured argumentation. Students study aspects of history in breadth and depth, across at least 200 years, with coverage of British and non-British history. The course highlights the nature of historical study, the evaluation of evidence and interpretations, and supports a coherent understanding of historical development, causation, and change across time. It also offers opportunities to investigate historical perspectives relating to Wales.Subject content breakdown
3.1 AS Units
Unit 1: Period Study
- Study a 100-year period focusing on developments and changes across themes like political, social, economic, or cultural history.
- Essay-based assessment testing historical concepts, knowledge, analysis, and substantiated judgement.
Unit 2: Depth Study Part 1
- Study the earlier part of a chosen depth study topic.
- Includes analysis and evaluation of historical sources and interpretations.
- Includes compulsory questions on source analysis and historical interpretation.
3.2 A2 Units
Unit 3: Breadth Study
- Study two themes covering 100 years of historical change and development.
- Essay-based assessment covering broad and complex issues.
- One essay covers the whole period, the other focuses on a narrower part.
Unit 4: Depth Study Part 2
- Continuation of Unit 2; studies later part of the same depth topic.
- Source analysis and an essay drawing from the full depth study (Parts 1 and 2).
Unit 5: Historical Interpretations
- Non-exam assessment (3000–4000 words).
- Investigate a specific historical problem through different interpretations.
- Topic must not duplicate the depth study topics in Units 2 and 4.
3.3 Optional Topics Overview
Period Study Options (Unit 1)
- Government, Rebellion and Society in Wales and England c.1485–1603
- Government, Revolution and Society in Wales and England c.1603–1715
- Politics, Protest and Reform in Wales and England c.1780–1880
- Politics, People and Progress in Wales and England c.1880–1980
- Political and Religious Change in Europe c.1500–1598
- Europe in the Age of Absolutism and Revolution c.1682–1815
- Revolution and New Ideas in Europe c.1780–1881
- Europe in an Age of Conflict and Co-operation c.1890–1991
Depth Study Options (Units 2 & 4)
- Mid Tudor Crisis in Wales and England c.1529–1570
- Royalty, Rebellion and Republic c.1625–1660
- Reform and Protest in Wales and England c.1783–1848
- Politics and Society in Wales and England c.1900–1939
- Religious Reformation in Europe c.1500–1567
- France in Revolution c.1774–1815
- Crisis of the American Republic c.1840–1877
- Germany: Democracy to Dictatorship c.1918–1945
Breadth Study Options (Unit 3)
- Wales: Resistance, Conquest and Rebellion c.1240–1415
- Poverty, Protest and Rebellion in Wales and England c.1485–1603
- Reformation and Discovery: Europe c.1492–1610
- Royalty, Revolution and Restoration in Wales and England c.1603–1715
- France: Ancien Régime to Napoleon c.1715–1815
- Parliamentary Reform and Protest in Wales and England c.1780–1885
- Social Change and Reform in Wales and England c.1890–1990
- The American Century c.1890–1990
- Changing Leadership and Society in Germany c.1871–1989
- Changing Leadership and Society in Russia c.1881–1989
Assessment structure
AS Unit 1: Period Study
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 20% of qualification, 60 marks
- Open-ended questions on a 100-year period
- One of eight options
AS Unit 2: Depth Study Part 1
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 20% of qualification, 60 marks
- Evidence-based questions on sources and interpretations
- One of eight options
A2 Unit 3: Breadth Study
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 20% of qualification, 60 marks
- Two themes covering 100 years
- One of ten options
A2 Unit 4: Depth Study Part 2
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 20% of qualification, 60 marks
- Source analysis and essay building on Unit 2
A2 Unit 5: Historical Interpretations
- Non-exam assessment: 3000–4000 words
- 20% of qualification, 60 marks
- Investigative essay on a historical issue using different interpretations
- Must not duplicate content from Units 2 and 4
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC 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.
Share this article