WJEC Eduqas GCSE History specification (C100)

Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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.

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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC Eduqas 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.

Disclaimer

This page includes a summary of the official WJEC Eduqas GCSE History (C100) 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 Eduqas specification PDF.

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Specification overview

The WJEC GCSE History specification develops learners’ knowledge and understanding of Welsh, British, European and world history in breadth and depth. It encourages critical engagement with the past through key themes such as conflict, power, identity, and social change. Students analyse sources and interpretations, construct historical arguments, and explore the relevance of history to modern society. The course promotes enquiry, empathy and evaluation through a mix of compulsory and optional studies across different periods and regions .

Subject content breakdown

Unit 1: Studies in Depth (choose one from each option)

Option A: Wales and the wider perspective

  • Depression, War and Recovery, 1930–1951
  • Austerity, Affluence and Discontent, 1951–1979
  • Changing Leadership and Society in Wales and England, 1906–1929

Option B: History with a European/World focus

  • The Elizabethan Age, 1558–1603
  • The USA: A Nation of Contrasts, 1910–1929
  • Germany in Transition, 1919–1939
  • Russia in Transition, 1905–1924

Unit 2: Studies in Breadth

  • The Development of the USA, 1930–2000
  • The Development of Germany, 1919–1991
  • Changes in South Africa, 1948–1994
  • Changes in Health and Medicine, c.1340 to the present day
  • The Development of Warfare, c.1250 to the present day
  • Empire, Reform and Protest in Wales and England, 1780–1880
  • Changes in Crime and Punishment, c.1500 to the present day

Unit 3: Thematic Studies from a Welsh Perspective (choose one)

  • Changes in Crime and Punishment, c.1500 to present
  • Changes in Health and Medicine, c.1340 to present
  • The Development of Warfare, c.1250 to present
  • Empire, Reform and Protest in Wales and England, 1780–1880

Unit 4: Working as an Historian

  • Non-examined assessment (NEA)
  • Study of one issue based on historical interpretations, significance and evidence
  • Centre-chosen task from WJEC-set list; Wales focus encouraged

Assessment structure

Unit 1: Studies in Depth

  • Written exam: 1 hr 25 mins
  • 25% of qualification (50 marks per option; 100 marks total)
  • Two parts: Option A (Wales and wider world) and Option B (World/European depth)
  • Source analysis and knowledge questions

Unit 2: Studies in Breadth

  • Written exam: 1 hr 25 mins
  • 25% of qualification (60 marks)
  • One thematic breadth study with causation, change, significance and source questions

Unit 3: Thematic Study from a Welsh Perspective

  • Written exam: 1 hr
  • 15% of qualification (40 marks)
  • One theme studied with emphasis on change over time and use of sources

Unit 4: NEA – Working as an Historian

  • Non-examined assessment
  • 20% of qualification (50 marks)
  • Marked by teachers, moderated by WJEC
  • Based on interpretations and historical enquiry

Assessment Objectives

  • AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 35%
  • AO2: Explanation and analysis – 35%
  • AO3: Sources – 15%
  • AO4: Interpretations – 15%

Exam schedule

  • All units assessed at end of course
  • Unit 4 (NEA) to be completed in Year 11

Key tips for success

Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can download the official specification directly from the WJEC Eduqas website, or right here on this page using the PDF Specification Download button. Alongside the specification, we've made it easy to access all the essential revision resources you'll need, including topic summaries, past papers, and exam-style practice questions, all matched to the current specification.
Treat the specification like a checklist. Use it to track your progress, identify areas that need more work, and ensure you're covering everything that might appear in the exam. Our linked resources for each topic will help you revise more effectively.
Always refer to the Exam Code and First Teaching Year shown at the top of this page. These details confirm which version of the specification you're studying. If your course or materials refer to a different code, double-check with your teacher or exam centre.