AQA GCSE History specification (8145)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA GCSE 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 AQA GCSE 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 AQA GCSE History (8145) 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 AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The AQA GCSE History specification encourages learners to develop their understanding of the past through critical thinking, structured argument, and the use of historical sources. It promotes awareness of different periods, cultures, and global contexts. The course fosters analytical and evidence-based skills by requiring students to study a wide range of historical periods and perspectives. Learners explore continuity, change, cause and consequence across time while engaging with both British and wider world history.
Subject content breakdown
Section A: Period Study
- Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship
- America, 1920–1973: Opportunity and inequality
- Conflict and tension, 1894–1918
- Conflict and tension, inter-war years 1918–1939
- Conflict and tension in Asia, 1950–1975
- Conflict and tension, the Cold War, 1945–1972
Section B: Thematic Study
- Britain: Health and the people, c1000–present
- Power and the people: c1170–present
- Britain: Migration, empires and the people, c790–present
Section A: British Depth Study
- Norman England, c1066–c1100
- Medieval England: the reign of Edward I, 1272–1307
- Elizabethan England, c1568–1603
- Restoration England, 1660–1685
Section B: Historic Environment
- Linked to the British depth study
- Site-specific historical investigation
Wider World Depth Studies
- Focus on international and thematic developments
- Political, economic and social change in global context
Assessment structure
Paper 1 – Understanding the Modern World
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 84 marks (including 4 SPaG)
- Section A: Period Study (e.g. Germany or America)
- Section B: Wider World Depth Study (e.g. conflict and tension topics)
- 50% of GCSE
Paper 2 – Shaping the Nation
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 84 marks (including 4 SPaG)
- Section A: Thematic Study (e.g. health, migration, or power and the people)
- Section B: British Depth Study including a historical environment component
50% of GCSE
- Assessment is linear: both exams taken at the end of the course
- Questions include source evaluation, interpretations, and extended writing
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA GCSE 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