History 'Belief & Conflict'

Exam Board:EDEXCEL

What is the course about?
The course covers Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, exploring the causes and impact of new religious and secular ideas. It also charts the growth, and the limits of, royal power in early modern English society. By studying History you learn about influential people and events in the past that have shaped the world in important ways.
For the AS level you will study:
In the first year you will consider the causes of the German Reformation, the ideas of Luther and expansion of Lutheranism, 1517-1555. In England you will study the reign of Henry VIII, 1509-1540, and the English Reformation. You will also investigate the European Witch Craze, 1580-1650; considering the reasons for widespread belief in witches and the nature of witchcraft accusations.
For the A2 level you will study:
In the second year, you will study the reign of Charles I, the English civil wars, Oliver Cromwell and the Restoration, 1629-1667. For coursework, you will explore aspects of Renaissance Europe, 1300-1500. You will be able to choose a key event, movement or individual within this period of study and complete an in-depth enquiry.
How is the course assessed?
At AS, assessment is 100% by examination. At A2 level, the exam counts for 60% and historical enquiry (coursework) for 40%.
What skills will I need and develop in this course?
A wide range of skills are developed during the study of history including processing and analysing information, evaluating evidence, research and investigation. You will learn to argue effectively and intelligently, while empathising with and understanding the context of the lives of people in the past. You also learn about how to find things out and how to evaluate and criticise arguments and ideas.
Subject combination advice:
History is a firm foundation for many academic courses and career choices. Due to its strong academic base and broad skills, it works with many subjects. There are no prohibited combinations but it combines particularly well with English, Politics, Economics, Classics, Philosophy, Sociology and Modern Languages
What can the course lead to in terms of higher education and future careers?
Studying history broadens the mind and gives you valuable skills. If you study History you will learn to do many things that are rewarding and that employers and universities value. History is excellent preparation for a large variety of degree courses such as History, Law, English, and Politics. A very wide range of career options are open to history students including Education, the Civil Service, Local Government, the Professions, Journalism and the Media, Business (manufacturing, retailing and other services), the Armed Forces and many other opportunities.
What are the formal entry requirements for this course?
Aside from the general entry criteria that the College requires, you will also need to achieve at least a Grade C in GCSE English and History. You may still be accepted if you did not study History for GCSE provided you can show evidence of good academic achievement in other subjects.
What extra support / enrichment activities are on offer?
The department is considering offering a residential trip to Florence and there are opportunities for workshops at Hampton Court and the Tower of London.