Edexcel AS History specification (8HI0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel AS 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 AS 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 AS History (8HI0) 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 CCEA AS Level in History develops students’ ability to think critically, evaluate evidence, and understand key historical developments. It fosters skills in interpretation, argument and communication through the in-depth study of political, economic and social change. Students explore different perspectives and engage with primary sources to analyse historical significance, cause and consequence. The course provides a foundation for further study and enables learners to understand the complexity of past events and their impact on the present.Subject content breakdown
AS 1: Historical Investigations and Interpretations
Option 1: Germany 1919–45
- Weimar Republic: challenges and collapse
- Rise of Hitler and Nazi consolidation
- Nazi state: control, opposition and war
Option 2: Russia 1914–41
- Collapse of Tsarism and 1917 revolutions
- Bolshevik consolidation of power
- Stalin’s rise and dictatorship
Option 3: Italy 1871–1943
- Unification and Liberal Italy
- Rise of Fascism and Mussolini’s regime
Option 4: England 1509–1603
- Reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, Elizabeth I
Option 5: Ireland 1900–25
- Home Rule crisis, Easter Rising, War of Independence, Anglo-Irish Treaty
Option 6: Anglo-Spanish relations 1500–1609
AS 2: Historical Conflict and Change
Option 1: France 1774–99
- Ancien Régime and Revolution
- Republic and rise of Napoleon
Option 2: Russia 1903–41
- Opposition to Tsarism and Communist rule
- 1905 and 1917 revolutions
- Stalinist Russia
Option 3: Unionism and Nationalism in Ireland 1800–1900
Option 4: The Crusades 1071–1204
Option 5: Clash of Ideologies in Europe 1900–2000
Assessment structure
AS 1: Historical Investigations and Interpretations
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Source-based question and one essay
- 50% of AS Level, 20% of A Level
AS 2: Historical Conflict and Change
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- One compulsory question: source analysis and extended essay
- 50% of AS Level, 20% of A Level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel AS 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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