Conquer International A-Level History
Revise International A-Level History with practice on source evaluation, historiography, and key historical periods.
Content reviewed February 2026 · Aligned to current specifications
About International A-Level History
International A-Level History provides an in-depth study of significant historical events, movements and individuals that have shaped the modern world. The syllabus covers a range of topics from the 19th and 20th centuries, examined through multiple perspectives and with an emphasis on historical skills including source evaluation, historiographical debate and extended essay writing.
The modular structure allows students to sit unit examinations across multiple sessions, building their qualification progressively. Assessment includes source-based questions, structured responses and extended essays that require sustained argument supported by detailed historical evidence. Some variants include a coursework component.
International A-Level History is recognised worldwide and is excellent preparation for university study in history, politics, international relations, law and the humanities. It develops critical thinking, evaluative writing and the ability to construct complex arguments based on evidence - skills valued in every profession.
Topics Covered
Exam Boards
International A-Level History is available from these exam boards
How UpGrades Helps
Exam-Style Questions
Practice with History questions that mirror the format and difficulty of real International A-Level exams.
Detailed Explanations
Understand not just the answer, but the reasoning and methodology behind every History solution.
Progress Tracking
See exactly how you're progressing across all 8 History topics with detailed analytics.
Study Tips for History
- ✓ Read beyond your textbook. International A-Level History rewards students who can reference historians by name and discuss competing interpretations of events.
- ✓ Create detailed revision notes organised by theme rather than chronology. This helps you identify connections across different time periods and prepares you for thematic essay questions.
- ✓ Practice writing timed essays (45 minutes to one hour) regularly. The ability to construct a coherent argument with specific evidence under time pressure is essential.
- ✓ Learn to evaluate primary sources systematically by considering their origin, purpose, content and the context in which they were produced.
Exam Tips for International A-Level History
- ✓ In essay questions, state your argument clearly in the introduction and ensure each paragraph develops a distinct point that supports your thesis.
- ✓ For source-based questions, cross-reference sources with each other and with your own knowledge. The best answers integrate source analysis with contextual understanding.
- ✓ Avoid narrative. At International A-Level, examiners want analysis and evaluation, not a retelling of events. Use historical facts as evidence to support an argument.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Useful Resources
History at other levels: GCSE History · A-Level History · iGCSE History
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