specification overview
Edexcel A-Level History (9HI0) is a two-year linear qualification with three written papers plus a coursework component. Paper 1 is a breadth study with interpretations; Paper 2 is a depth study; Paper 3 is a themes in breadth + aspect in depth combination. The coursework is a personal enquiry on a topic of student choice.
subject content
1. Breadth study with interpretations
Paper 1- One breadth study from 8 options, 1A-1H (e.g. Britain 1625-1701, Russia 1917-91, Germany 1918-89)
- Historical interpretations analysis on a controversy
2. Depth study
Paper 2- One depth study paired with the breadth study
- A depth study within the same prescribed route, thematically linked to the Paper 1 topic rather than a chronological subset of it (e.g. Route E pairs 1E Russia 1917-91 with 2E.1 Mao's China)
3. Themes in breadth + aspect in depth
Paper 3- A thematic study of 100+ years
- Plus a topic-in-depth of specific events within that theme
- Options include: Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485-1603 (Option 31), Britain: losing and gaining an empire, 1763-1914 (Option 35.1), others
4. Coursework (NEA)
NEA- 3,000-4,000 word personal enquiry on a chosen topic
- Must draw on primary and secondary sources
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Breadth study with interpretations) | One breadth study covering ~100 years plus a historical controversy | 2h 15m | 60 | 30% | Essay questions on the breadth study + historical interpretations analysis |
| Paper 2 (Depth study) | One depth study paired with the breadth study | 1h 30m | 40 | 20% | Source-based analysis + essay on the depth study |
| Paper 3 (Themes in breadth with aspect in depth) | One themes-in-breadth study of ~100 years with a topic-in-depth on specific events | 2h 15m | 60 | 30% | Thematic essay + source-based analysis on the depth aspect |
| Coursework (NEA) | Personal enquiry on a student-chosen topic | Coursework | 40 | 20% | 3,000-4,000 word enquiry drawing on primary and secondary sources; teacher-assessed and moderated by Pearson |
Edexcel prescribes which Paper 1 breadth studies pair with which Paper 2 depth studies. Coursework is a student-chosen topic (with teacher approval) and may cover content from the examined components; the only bar is that it must not duplicate the historical interpretations section studied for Paper 1.
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. | 55% |
| 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. | 25% |
key tips for success
Start the coursework in year 12
The 3,000-4,000 word personal enquiry is time-intensive. Scope the topic and begin reading widely early, this is your biggest single piece of work.
Master historian interpretations for Paper 1
Paper 1's interpretations question rewards evaluating different scholarly arguments on a historical controversy. Read a range of historians on your topic and practise the format.
Master source analysis for Paper 2 and 3
Both papers include source-based questions. Practise systematic source analysis: provenance, purpose, content, context and cross-reference.
Learn the breadth-depth pairing
Edexcel prescribes which Paper 1 studies pair with which Paper 2. Your school picks the pairing at the start of the course, the two papers reinforce each other.
Build a chronology bank
All papers reward specific dates, events and figures. Build a chronology per topic and drill it until dates are automatic.
AO1 is 55%
Analysis backed by knowledge is the biggest AO. Every essay needs a clear argument supported by specific evidence, not just narrative retelling.
Where to next
Start your learning journey today...
Practise with Cognito's free past papers for this spec – or browse grade boundaries and related specifications.
