specification overview
Pearson Edexcel International A-Level History (YHI01) is a modular qualification of 4 units, examined in January and June. Units 1-2 form the International AS (IAS); units 3-4 add the International A2 for the full IAL. All units are essay-based, externally assessed.
subject content
1. Depth Study with Interpretations (AS)
Unit 1 (WHI01)- One depth study from four options: 1A France in Revolution 1774-99, 1B Russia in Revolution 1881-1917, 1C Germany 1918-45, 1D Britain 1964-90
- Two 25-mark essay questions assessing depth (AO1) and historical interpretations (AO3)
2. Breadth Study with Source Evaluation (AS)
Unit 2 (WHI02)- One breadth study from four options: 1A India 1857-1948, 1B China 1900-76, 1C Russia 1917-91, 1D South Africa 1948-2014
- Section A source-evaluation question (AO2) + Section B breadth essay (AO1)
3. Thematic Study with Source Evaluation (A Level)
Unit 3 (WHI03)- One thematic study from four options: 1A USA Independence to Civil War 1763-1865, 1B British Experience of Warfare 1803-1945, 1C Germany 1870-1990, 1D Civil Rights in USA 1865-2009
- Section A source-evaluation essay (AO2) + Section B breadth essay (AO1)
4. International Study with Historical Interpretations (A Level)
Unit 4 (WHI04)- One international study from four options: 1A Making of Modern Europe 1805-71, 1B World in Crisis 1879-1945, 1C Superpower Relations 1943-90, 1D Cold War and Hot War in Asia 1945-90
- Section A interpretations question (AO1 + AO3) + Section B depth essay (AO1)
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 (Depth Study with Interpretations) | AS depth study; two 25-mark essays including interpretations | 2h | 50 | 25% IAL / 50% IAS | Two 25-mark essay questions from a choice of four |
| Unit 2 (Breadth Study with Source Evaluation) | AS breadth study covering ~100 years with source evaluation | 2h | 50 | 25% IAL / 50% IAS | Section A source-evaluation (compulsory, two parts) + Section B choice of three essays |
| Unit 3 (Thematic Study with Source Evaluation) | A2 thematic study with source evaluation | 2h | 50 | 25% IAL / 50% IA2 | Section A source-evaluation essay (compulsory) + Section B choice of two breadth essays |
| Unit 4 (International Study with Historical Interpretations) | A2 international history study with historical interpretations | 2h | 50 | 25% IAL / 50% IA2 | Section A compulsory interpretations question + Section B choice of two depth essays |
The qualification is modular. All units are essay-based, externally assessed. Papers are available in January and June (no October series for History IAL).
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, making substantiated judgements and exploring concepts of cause, consequence, change, continuity, similarity, difference and significance. | 50% |
| AO2 | Analyse and evaluate appropriate source material, primary and/or contemporary to the period, within its historical context. | 25% |
| 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
Plan your unit staging
Papers are available in January and June. Decide which units go in which series so you're not sitting all four at once.
Master interpretations for Units 1 and 4
Unit 1 (Depth Study) and Unit 4 (International Study) include interpretations analysis (AO3). Read a range of historians on your chosen options and practise structured evaluation.
Build a chronology bank
All units reward specific dates, events and figures. Build a chronology per topic and drill it until dates are automatic.
Know the difference between IAS and IAL
Units 1-2 make up the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS). Adding units 3-4 gives you the full IAL.
Choose your Unit 4 option carefully
Unit 4 offers four options ranging from 19th-century Europe (1A Making of Modern Europe 1805-71) to 20th-century Cold War themes. Pick based on interest and how it complements your other units (watch out for forbidden combinations).
AO1 + AO2 together are 75%
Knowledge (AO1, 50%) and source evaluation (AO2, 25%) dominate. Every essay needs a clear argument supported by specific evidence, not just narrative retelling.
Where to next
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