OCR A-Level History
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62 topics
Course topics62 topics
- African kingdoms c.1400–c.1800: four case studies
- English government and the Church 1066–1216
- Japan 1853–1937
- Philip II 1556–1598
- Russia 1894–1941
- Britain and Ireland 1791–1921
- England 1547–1603: the late Tudors
- England 1485–1558: the early Tudors
- The USA in the 19th Century: Westward expansion and Civil War 1803–c.1890
- The Middle East 1908–2011: Ottomans to Arab Spring
- Popular culture and the witchcraze of the 16th and 17th centuries
- International relations 1890–1941
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About this course
About OCR A-Level History
OCR A-Level History (H505) invites students to explore the past through a rich combination of breadth and depth studies, developing a sophisticated understanding of change, continuity, and historical debate. The course places a strong emphasis on evaluating historical interpretations and using primary sources as evidence, equipping learners with the analytical skills prized by universities and employers. Throughout the two-year linear programme, students engage with significant events, individuals, and issues that have shaped both British and global history, fostering a critical awareness of how the past is constructed and contested.
The specification is structured into four complementary components: a British period study with an enquiry-based source investigation, a non-British period study focusing on historical interpretations, a thematic study spanning at least 100 years that explores change and continuity across a broad topic, and an independent coursework investigation on a subject of the student’s choice. This design ensures a balanced coverage of medieval, early modern, and modern history, while offering flexibility through a wide range of optional topics from the Crusades to the Cold War.
Key themes running through the course include the nature of authority and governance, the impact of ideology and belief, international relations, and the everyday lives of ordinary people. Students learn to weigh evidence, assess causation, and construct coherent, well-substantiated arguments. The OCR course is renowned for its academic rigour and its ability to foster independent thought, making it an excellent foundation for further study in history, law, politics, and many other disciplines.
Assessment Structure
The OCR A-Level History qualification is assessed through three written examinations and one non-exam assessment (coursework). Component 1 (British period study and enquiry) is a 1 hour 30 minute exam worth 50 marks (25% of the A-Level). Component 2 (Non-British period study) is a 1 hour exam worth 30 marks (15%). Component 3 (Thematic study and historical interpretations) is a 2 hour 30 minute exam worth 80 marks (40%). The coursework unit (Component 4) is a 3000–4000 word essay worth 40 marks (20%), investigating a historical topic of the student’s choice. Total marks across the qualification are 200.
Why Choose OCR?
- OCR’s strong emphasis on historical interpretations and source analysis sets it apart, giving students a genuine taste of how historians work. This focus develops high-level critical thinking and evaluative skills that are directly transferable to university study and beyond.
- The wide range of topic choices—from Anglo-Saxon England to the Cold War in Asia—allows students to pursue their personal interests while still covering a broad chronological and geographical span. This flexibility can boost motivation and engagement.
- The 20% coursework component provides an opportunity to conduct independent research, a skill highly valued by higher education institutions. Students can investigate a topic of personal interest in depth, producing a piece of work that often supports university applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the coursework component in OCR History A-Level and how is it assessed?
How does OCR A-Level History differ from other exam boards like AQA or Edexcel?
Can I study both British and non-British topics in this course?
What support does OCR provide for teachers and students?
Is the thematic study exam difficult because it covers 100 years?
Assessment and exam guidance
What Gets Top Grades
Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge
- Uses correct subject-specific terminology
- Shows detailed understanding of concepts
- Makes accurate connections between topics
- Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge
Application
Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts
- Selects relevant knowledge for the question
- Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
- Uses examples appropriately
- Shows awareness of context
Analysis & Evaluation
Develops sophisticated analytical arguments
- Constructs logical chains of reasoning
- Considers multiple perspectives
- Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
- Acknowledges limitations and nuances
Key Command Words
Give a single fact or term
Name or select
Account of process or features
Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes
Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome
Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Treating the four kingdoms as a single monolithic entity rather than distinct case studies.
- •Failing to provide specific evidence for the comparative analysis.
- •Over-generalising the impact of European contact without distinguishing between the different regions and time periods.
- •Neglecting the internal political and social dynamics in favour of focusing solely on external factors like the slave trade.
- •Treating the identified strands (government, Church, administration) in isolation rather than examining their inter-relationships.
- •Failing to demonstrate an understanding of the wider historical debates connected to the depth studies.
- •Lack of substantiated judgements in thematic essays.
- •Insufficient evaluation of historians' interpretations in the depth study section.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Ensure you can clearly distinguish between the four case studies in your revision.
- •Focus on the 'why' behind the rise and decline of each kingdom, not just the 'what'.
- •Use specific examples of rulers and their policies to support your arguments.
- •Practice comparative essays that link themes across the different kingdoms.
- •Ensure thematic essays make links and comparisons between different aspects of the topics studied.
- •Use knowledge of specific individuals, events, or developments to test hypotheses.
- •When answering interpretation-style questions, locate the provided historian's extract within the wider historical debate.
- •Ensure depth studies are used to evaluate historians' interpretations of named events.
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