Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE History specification (0470 & 0977)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE 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 Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE 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 Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE History (0470 & 0977) 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 Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge IGCSE History offers students the opportunity to study key international developments from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The course aims to foster an enthusiasm for historical study while helping students develop a deep understanding of past societies and global inter-relationships. Learners are encouraged to explore a wide range of historical concepts including cause and consequence, change and continuity, and the nature of historical evidence. The syllabus promotes critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills that prepare students for further academic study and active global citizenship.
Subject content breakdown
3.1 Core content: Option A – The nineteenth century: the development of modern nation states, 1848–1914
- Revolutions of 1848: causes, events, failures, and significance across France, Italy, Germany, and Austria.
- Italian unification: Mazzini, Garibaldi, Cavour, Austrian influence, Plombières, and 1870 unification.
- German unification: nationalism, Zollverein, 1848 revolutions, Bismarck’s policies, wars with Austria and France.
- US Civil War: causes, Lincoln’s role, North vs South, slavery, war outcomes, and reconstruction.
- Imperialism: motives, European and US examples, African impacts, India in 1857, US in Cuba and the Philippines.
- First World War causes: alliances, arms race, Balkans, Franz Ferdinand assassination.
3.2 Core content: Option B – The twentieth century: international relations since 1919
- Treaty of Versailles: aims of the Big Three, terms, impact on Germany, contemporary views.
- League of Nations: structure, peacekeeping in 1920s, humanitarian efforts, crises of the 1930s.
- Hitler’s foreign policy: rearmament, alliances, crises in Austria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, WWII outbreak.
- Cold War origins: 1945 summits, Soviet expansion, Berlin Blockade, NATO vs Warsaw Pact.
- Containment of communism: Korea, Cuba, Vietnam—US actions and their effects.
- USSR’s Eastern Europe control: 1956 Hungary, 1968 Czechoslovakia, Berlin Wall, Solidarity, Gorbachev’s role.
3.3 Depth studies
- A: First World War—trench warfare, global dimensions, other fronts, armistice causes.
- B: Germany 1918–45—Weimar Republic, rise of Hitler, Nazi control, WWII impact.
- C: Russia 1905–41—Tsarist collapse, Bolshevik rule, Stalin’s rise and policies.
- D: USA 1919–41—1920s boom, society changes, Wall Street Crash, New Deal.
- E: WWII Europe and Asia–Pacific—Axis advances, turning points, civilian impact, Allied victory.
Assessment structure
Paper 1 – Structured Questions
- 2 hours, 60 marks, 40% of total
- Two questions from Core content (Section A) and one from Depth studies (Section B)
- Structured essays in parts (a), (b), and (c)
- Tests AO1 (knowledge) and AO2 (historical explanation)
Paper 2 – Document Questions
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 40 marks, 30% of total
- One question on a prescribed Core topic per exam series
- Source-based with five parts, max seven sources
- Tests AO1 and AO3 (source analysis)
Component 3 – Coursework
- One extended essay (up to 2000 words)
- Based on a Depth study or centre-devised topic
- Internally assessed, externally moderated
- Focuses on AO1 and AO2
Paper 4 – Alternative to Coursework
- 1 hour, 40 marks, 30% of total
- One Depth study question, structured in two parts: (a) AO1, (b) AO2
- Structured essay format
- Externally assessed
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE 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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