specification overview
AQA A-Level History (7042) is a two-year linear qualification made up of two written papers plus a historical investigation. Component 1 is a breadth study covering a period of around 100 years with a historical interpretations question; Component 2 is a depth study spanning roughly 27-64 years with a primary sources question; and the NEA is a 3,500-4,500 word personal investigation set in the context of approximately 100 years. Together the three components must cover a chronological range of at least 200 years.
subject content
1. Breadth study
Component 1- One period study covering a period of around 100 years from a choice of 11 options (1A-1L, skipping 1I)
- Examples: 1C The Tudors: England 1485-1603, 1H Tsarist and Communist Russia 1855-1964, 1K The making of a Superpower: USA 1865-1975, 1G Challenge and transformation: Britain c1851-1964
2. Depth study
Component 2- One depth study covering roughly 27-64 years from a choice of 19 options (2A-2T, skipping 2I), paired with the breadth study under AQA's British/non-British pairing rule
- Examples: 2B The Wars of the Roses 1450-1499, 2N Revolution and dictatorship: Russia 1917-1953, 2O Democracy and Nazism: Germany 1918-1945
3. Historical investigation (NEA)
NEA- 3,500-4,500 word personal investigation on a chosen topic
- Set in the context of approximately 100 years and different from Components 1 and 2 topics
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Component 1 (Breadth study) | One chosen breadth study covering a period of around 100 years | 2h 30m | 80 | 40% | Section A: one compulsory question on historical interpretations (30 marks). Section B: two from three essays (2 x 25 marks) |
| Component 2 (Depth study) | One chosen depth study covering roughly 27-64 years, paired with the breadth study | 2h 30m | 80 | 40% | Section A: one compulsory question on primary sources or sources contemporary to the period (30 marks). Section B: two from three essays (2 x 25 marks) |
| Non-exam assessment (Historical investigation) | Personal investigation on a chosen topic set in the context of approximately 100 years | Coursework | 40 | 20% | 3,500-4,500 word investigation; teacher-assessed and moderated by AQA |
The NEA topic must be set in the context of approximately 100 years and differ from the topics chosen for Components 1 and 2. Component 1 features a compulsory historical interpretations question; Component 2 features a compulsory primary source question. Students must study a British history option for either Component 1 or Component 2, paired with a non-British option for the other.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate, organise and communicate knowledge and understanding to analyse and evaluate the key features related to the periods studied. | 60% |
| AO2 | Analyse and evaluate appropriate source material in its historical context. | 20% |
| AO3 | Analyse and evaluate, in relation to the historical context, different ways in which aspects of the past have been interpreted. | 20% |
key tips for success
Start the NEA in year 12
The historical investigation is 3,500-4,500 words and must be set in the context of approximately 100 years. Start scoping the topic and reading widely early, this is the most time-intensive part of the course.
Master historian interpretations for Component 1
Component 1 opens with a compulsory 30-mark question on historical interpretations. Read a range of historians on your breadth study and practise evaluating their arguments in relation to the historical context.
Master primary source analysis for Component 2
Component 2 opens with a compulsory 30-mark question on primary sources (or sources contemporary to the period). Practise systematic source analysis: origin, purpose, content, context, and cross-reference between sources.
Choose breadth + depth pairing carefully
AQA requires a British history option for either Component 1 or Component 2, combined with a non-British option for the other. Almost any British option may be paired with any non-British option (e.g. 1C The Tudors breadth paired with 2H France in Revolution depth), but two combinations are prohibited: 1C The Tudors with 2C The Reformation in Europe, and 1D Stuart Britain with 2F The Sun King. Your school picks the pairing at the start of the course.
Build a chronology bank
Both breadth and depth studies reward specific dates, events and figures. Build a chronology per topic and drill it until dates are automatic.
AO1 is 60%
AO1 (analysis backed by knowledge) is the biggest AO. Every essay needs a clear argument supported by specific evidence, not just narrative retelling.
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