What is IGCSE History?: Overview for Students

Written by: Zoe Wade

Last updated

30 June 2025

Contents

In this article, we’ll explore what IGCSE History is, what it involves, and why it’s an excellent choice for students. Whether you’re curious about the subjects you’ll cover, how it’s assessed, or the skills you’ll develop, we’ll answer all of these questions to help you decide if IGCSE History is right for you. Plus, we’ll provide tips for success to help you excel in the subject.

What is IGCSE History?: Quick Summary

IGCSE History is a globally recognised qualification (opens in a new tab) for students aged 14-16. It explores key historical events, figures, and movements from around the world, helping you develop a deep understanding of how history shapes the present.

The course includes both depth studies (focused on specific events) and breadth studies (examining long-term historical trends). You’ll be assessed through exams, which test your ability to recall knowledge, analyse historical sources, and form reasoned arguments.

Why Study History at IGCSE?

Studying IGCSE History is an opportunity to explore fascinating events that shaped the world. If you're curious about how the past influences the present or want to understand major global events like the rise of Hitler or the Cold War, IGCSE History is an ideal subject for you. It’s more than just memorising dates; the subject challenges you to think critically about causes, consequences, and different perspectives.

By studying history, you’ll gain important life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and debate. These skills are valuable in many areas, from higher education to your future career path. Plus, history opens up opportunities for understanding social, political, and economic contexts, which are essential for making sense of today’s world.

What Does IGCSE History Cover?

IGCSE History involves a range of topics that cover both depth studies and breadth studies.

Depth Studies include:
- The French Revolution (c1780–99)
- The Development of a Nation: Unification of Italy (1848–70)
- Germany: Development of Dictatorship (1918–45)
- Russia: The creation of Communist Russia (1905-1941)
Breadth Studies include topics such as:
- America: From New Nation to Divided Union (1783–1877)
- The Changing Nature of Warfare and International Conflict (1919–2011)
- Japan in Transformation (1853–1945)

Read our IGCSE History Topics by Exam Board: Full List article to discover more information on the topics that you could be studying at IGCSE History.

How is IGCSE History Assessed?

IGCSE History is assessed through written exams, which typically consist of source-based and essay-style questions. The assessments for Edexcel IGCSE History and Cambridge IGCSE History vary slightly.

Cambridge IGCSE

Paper 1: Core content and depth studies (40%).
Paper 2: Document-based questions related to the prescribed topics (30%).
Component 3 or Paper 4: Students then have a choice to either complete coursework (Component 3) or an additional exam, called Alternative to Coursework (Paper 4), worth 30% of the course.

Edexcel IGCSE

Two exam papers, each worth 50% of the qualification.
- Paper 1: Depth studies.
- Paper 2: Historical investigation and breadth study.

What Are the Different Assessment Objectives?

Cambridge IGCSE

AO1: An ability to recall, select, organise, and deploy knowledge of the syllabus content.
AO2: An ability to construct historical explanations using an understanding of:
- Cause and consequence, change and continuity, similarity and difference.
- The motives, emotions, intentions, and beliefs of people in the past.
AO3: An ability to understand, interpret, evaluate, and use a range of sources as evidence, in their historical context.

Edexcel IGCSE:

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the periods studied.
AO2: Explain, analyse, and make judgements about historical events and periods studied using second-order historical concepts.
AO3: Use a range of source material to comprehend, interpret, and cross-reference sources.
AO4: Analyse and evaluate historical interpretations in the context of historical events studied.

What Skills Will Students Learn?

Critical Thinking

You’ll develop the ability to analyse historical events, recognise different perspectives, and assess historical interpretations.

Source Analysis

Learn to evaluate the reliability, value, and limitations of primary and secondary sources.

Argumentation and Evaluation

Formulate and present reasoned arguments, evaluating causes, consequences, and significance of events.

Research Skills

Develop skills to conduct independent research, analyse evidence, and summarise information effectively.

Communication

Improve your ability to write structured essays, communicate your ideas clearly, and present arguments with supporting evidence.

IGCSE History Exam Boards

There are two main exam boards for IGCSE History:

Cambridge
Cambridge IGCSE offers topics which focus on global conflicts, revolutions, and the evolution of nations. Their assessments also include source-based questions and structured essays.
Edexcel
Edexcel’s course includes a variety of historical topics, focusing on both depth studies and breadth studies. Students are assessed with a mixture of source-based questions and essays.

Top Tips for Success

Master the Key Terms

Ensure you understand the key terms and concepts used in your topics, such as causation, significance, and historical perspective.
Familiarise yourself with common historical terms to improve your exam responses.

Practice Source Analysis

Spend time practising with historical sources to sharpen your ability to evaluate their value and limitations. This skill is key to success at IGCSE History.

Plan Your Essays

Practise writing well-structured essays.
Break down the question, make your argument, and back it up with evidence.
A clear structure will help you score higher marks.

Learn more tips for success in our How to Revise for IGCSE History Tactics That Work article.

Frequently Asked Questions about IGCSE History

Is IGCSE History Hard?

IGCSE History can be challenging because of the depth of knowledge required, but with the right study methods, it is manageable. Focus on understanding the material, practising source analysis, and applying your knowledge in essays.

Is IGCSE History Easy to Pass?

IGCSE History is not difficult to pass as long as you put in the effort to study the key topics, practice past papers, and work on your analytical and writing skills. In 2024, to gain a good pass at IGCSE History (a 4 or a C), students need to score on average 46% (Edexcel (opens in a new tab)) and 45% (Cambridge (opens in a new tab)). In comparison, Geography IGCSE required students to achieve 41% (Edexcel) and 53% (Cambridge) for a good pass.

What Careers Can IGCSE History Lead To?

IGCSE History can lead to careers in law, journalism, education, government, research, and international relations. It also provides a solid foundation for studying A Level History and Politics.

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