specification overview
Cambridge International A Level History (9489) is a two-year linear qualification covering European, American and international history from 1750 onwards. Papers 1 and 2 form the AS Level with document and outline studies. Papers 3 and 4 add the A Level with an interpretations paper on historians' writing and an in-depth study.
subject content
1. Document Question (AS)
Paper 1- Modern Europe 1750-1921 OR US 1820-1941 OR International history 1870-1945
- Source-based questions on chosen area
2. Outline Study (AS)
Paper 2- Same topic area as Paper 1
- Essay questions covering the full period
3. Interpretations Question (A Level)
Paper 3- One of: The origins of the First World War, The Holocaust, or The origins and development of the Cold War
- Analysis and evaluation of differing historian interpretations
4. Depth Study (A Level)
Paper 4- Chosen depth study on 20th century history
- Essay questions on specific themes and events
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Document Question) | AS document-based analysis on chosen area (European, US or International) | 1h 15m | 40 | 20% of A Level / 40% of AS Level | Source analysis and comparison |
| Paper 2 (Outline Study) | AS outline essays on same topic area as Paper 1 | 1h 45m | 60 | 30% of A Level / 60% of AS Level | Essay questions covering the full period |
| Paper 3 (Interpretations Question) | A Level analysis of historian interpretations on a chosen topic (First World War origins, The Holocaust, or Cold War origins) | 1h 15m | 40 | 20% of A Level | Essay analysing different scholarly interpretations |
| Paper 4 (Depth Study) | A Level depth study on chosen 20th century topic | 1h 45m | 60 | 30% of A Level | Two essays chosen from a range on the depth study |
The full A Level route is all four papers. Students can also take Papers 1 and 2 as the standalone AS Level (grades a-e). Cambridge offers multiple regional/thematic options.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Recall, select and deploy historical knowledge appropriately and effectively. | 45% at A Level (40% at AS) |
| AO2 | Demonstrate understanding of the past through explanation, analysis and substantiated judgement of key concepts: causation, consequence, continuity, change and significance. | 30% at A Level (30% at AS) |
| AO3 | Analyse, evaluate and interpret a range of appropriate source material. | 15% at A Level (30% at AS) |
| AO4 | Analyse and evaluate how aspects of the past have been interpreted and represented. | 10% at A Level (0% at AS) |
key tips for success
Master source analysis for Paper 1
The AS Document Question rewards structured source analysis: provenance, purpose, content, context, cross-reference. Practise using varied source types.
Learn historian interpretations for Paper 3
Paper 3 asks you to evaluate different scholarly interpretations. Read a range of historians on your chosen topic and practise identifying and evaluating their arguments.
Build a chronology bank
All papers reward specific dates, events and figures. Build a chronology per topic and drill it until dates are automatic.
Choose depth study strategically
Paper 4 depth study is a substantial commitment. Pick a topic you're genuinely interested in, you'll be reading widely on it.
Know which route you're on
AS only (Papers 1 and 2), staged A Level, or all four papers in one series. Confirm which route with your school.
Where to next
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