WJEC AS History specification (2100)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC 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 WJEC 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 WJEC AS History (2100) 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 AS Level in History encourages learners to explore key political, economic and social developments across a range of periods and countries. It promotes the development of analytical, evaluative and research skills through source-based enquiry and thematic studies. Students gain insight into historical interpretations, continuity and change, and the significance of events and individuals. The specification supports progression from GCSE and offers a strong foundation for further historical study and independent critical thinking.Subject content breakdown
Unit 1: Period Study (British History)
Option 1: Politics, People and Progress: Wales and England c.1780–1886
- Political reform, Chartism, industrialisation and protest
- Role of individuals and key turning points
Option 2: Religion and the State in Early Modern Europe
- The Church in England and Wales 1529–1570
- Religious reform, opposition and state response
Option 3: Politics and Society in Wales and England c.1900–1939
- Liberal reforms, suffrage, labour movements, and the impact of war
Option 4: The Crisis of the American Republic c.1840–1877
- Slavery, Civil War, Reconstruction, and federalism
Unit 2: Depth Study (European / World History)
Option 1: Weimar Germany c.1918–1933
- Versailles Treaty, Weimar instability, rise of Nazism
Option 2: The Elusive Peace: International Relations 1919–1939
- Post-war diplomacy, League of Nations, appeasement, causes of WWII
Option 3: Russia in Transition 1905–1924
- Revolution, civil war, Lenin’s leadership
Option 4: France: Ancien Régime and Revolution 1715–1815
- Absolutism, Enlightenment, revolution and Napoleonic rule
Option 5: The Cold War 1945–1962
- Superpower rivalry, key flashpoints, diplomacy and confrontation
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Period Study
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Two structured essays
- Focus on British history
- Worth 20% of full A level; 50% of AS Level
Unit 2: Depth Study
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Source-based and extended answer questions
- Focus on European/world context
- Worth 20% of full A level; 50% of AS Level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC 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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