History (Late Medieval & Early Modern) A Level
History has rightly been described as an ‘argument without end'. It offers no fixed answers but some insight into what it is to be a human being and real training in logical thought, data-handling and the attractive expression of ideas. It is also great fun.
Entry requirements
A minimum of 4 subjects at grade 5 or above at GCSE plus English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above. You must have achieved a grade 5 in either History (if studied), English Language, or Religious Studies.
What will I study?
Year One
Paper 1: England, Authority, Nation and Religion 1509–1603
Our focus will be on the important political, social and economic features of Tudor England from the accession of Henry VIII in 1509 to the death of Elizabeth I in 1603. You will study the concept of continuity and change over time using historical interpretations of the past.
Paper 2: Luther and the German Reformation, c1515–55
We will study in depth Luther’s challenge to the Catholic Church, the development of a separate Lutheran Church within the German states, and the response of Empire and the papacy to this challenge to 1555. You will gain an in-depth understanding of Luther’s religious protests and the involvement of secular and religious leaders in driving, and resisting, religious and political change in the German states in this period.
Year Two
Paper 3: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509
This option comprises two parts: the Aspects in breadth focus on long-term changes and contextualise the Aspects in depth, which focus in detail on key episodes.
Together, the breadth and depth topics explore the dramatic developments in late medieval England that centred around the personalities and political skills of a series of kings, queens and their powerful subjects, and the impact of these developments on the kingdom. Within the primarily political focus on the nature of kingship and authority in England, this option also explores the wider social and economic contexts of political struggle.
Paper 4: Coursework
The coursework module focuses on how events in the past have been interpreted by different historians. It develops the skills of analysis and evaluation, based on a question surrounding a key area of historical debate of your choice.
Preliminary reading
- The Tudors: A Very Short Introduction by John Guy
- The Reformation: A Very Short Introduction by Peter Marshal
Additional Costs
There are textbooks available and these can be purchased. We stock all the relevant eBooks which can be accessed by York College students using their ID card.
Method of delivery
In-College delivery is supported by online resources, and students develop strong independent learning skills to equip them for their next steps.
How will I be assessed?
Both Late Medieval & Early Modern History and Modern History use the Edexcel specification. They cannot be taken together. They are both assessed as follows:
Year One
Paper 1 - An examination of 2 hours 15 minutes
Paper 2 - An examination of 1 hour 20 minutes
Year Two
Paper 3 - An examination of 2 hours 15 minutes
Paper 4 - Coursework
Good course combinations
Most Humanities subjects work well with this course. Economics, English, Law, Politics and Sociology are particularly useful. It is not possible to study Late Medieval & Early Modern History alongside Modern History.
Your next steps
In recent years students have secured careers in a variety of professions including academia, accountancy, archaeology, banking, journalism, law and politics.
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