How is Cambridge IGCSE History assessed?

Three components. Paper 1 (Core Content + Depth Study, 2h, 60 marks) is 40%. Paper 2 (Source Analysis, 1h 45m, 40 marks) is 30%. Component 3 (Coursework, 40 marks) OR Paper 4 (Alternative to Coursework, 1h, 40 marks) is 30%.

Which options should we study?

Your school picks a Core Content option (19th or 20th century international relations), one depth study (e.g. Germany 1918-1945, Russia 1905-1941), and either Coursework or Paper 4. Check with your teacher which options you're studying.

How does Paper 2 work?

Paper 2 is source analysis on a topic set by Cambridge each year (announced in advance). You'll see contemporary sources and answer one question in five parts covering comprehension, comparison, cross-reference and evaluation of purpose and reliability. Mastery of the set topic is essential.

How does this compare to UK GCSE History?

Both cover 19th and 20th century international relations and various depth studies. Cambridge IGCSE (0470) has a dedicated Source Analysis paper (Paper 2). UK GCSEs integrate sources across papers. Cambridge offers a Coursework alternative; UK GCSEs (AQA 8145, Edexcel 1HI0, OCR J410/J411) are exam-only.

Does Cognito cover Cambridge IGCSE History?

Cognito has past papers and mark schemes for Cambridge IGCSE History (0470). Use them for timed practice and check your answers against the official mark schemes as you go.

CIE GCSE History (0470) Specification

Q: Coursework or Paper 4?

Coursework (Component 3) is one 2000-word essay on a chosen depth study topic, internally marked and externally moderated. Paper 4 (Alternative) is a 1-hour source-based exam on a set topic. Your school picks based on preference. Coursework rewards drafting; Paper 4 rewards exam technique.

Cambridge IGCSE History (0470) is a single-tier linear qualification with three components. Paper 1 (Core Content and Depth Study) is 40%; Paper 2 (Source Analysis) is 30%; Paper 4 (Alternative to Coursework) OR Component 3 (Coursework) is 30%. All grades 9-1 available.

Download the official spec (PDF)

specification overview

1. Core Content Option A: 19th century, International Relations and Developments
Paper 1
- Vienna Settlement 1815, unification of Germany, unification of Italy
- European empires, Ottoman decline, causes of WWI
2. Core Content Option B: 20th century, International Relations since 1919
Paper 1
- Treaty of Versailles, League of Nations, causes of WWII
- Cold War, decolonisation, superpower relations
3. Depth studies (choose one)
Paper 1
- Depth Study A: The First World War, 1914-18
- Depth Study B: Germany, 1918-45
- Depth Study C: Russia, 1905-41
- Depth Study D: The United States, 1919-41
- Depth Study E: The Second World War in Europe and the Asia-Pacific, 1939-45
4. Source-based study (Paper 2)
Paper 2
- Cambridge sets a topic per year (announced in advance)
- Analyse contemporary sources
- Evaluate reliability, usefulness, cross-reference
5. Coursework / Alternative
Component 3 or Paper 4
- Coursework: one 2000-word essay based on depth study
- Alternative: 1h source-based paper on a set topic

subject content

Paper	What's assessed	Length	Marks	Weight	Question types
Paper 1 (Core Content and Depth Study)	Chosen Core Content option (19th or 20th century) + chosen depth study	2h	60	40%	Section A: Core content (choose 2 questions from 3, 20 marks each). Section B: Depth study (choose 1 question, 20 marks). Total 3 x 20 = 60 marks
Paper 2 (Source Analysis)	Source-based study on a topic set each year by Cambridge	1h 45m	40	30%	One question on one prescribed topic, with five parts. Candidates analyse contemporary sources, evaluating comprehension, comparison, cross-reference, purpose and reliability
Component 3 (Coursework), option 1	One essay (~2000 words) on a chosen depth study topic	Coursework	40	30%	Extended essay evaluating a historical claim. Internally marked, externally moderated by Cambridge
Paper 4 (Alternative to Coursework), option 2	Source-based paper on a topic set each year	1h	40	30%	Structured source-based questions on the set topic

PaperPaper 1 (Core Content and Depth Study)

What's assessedChosen Core Content option (19th or 20th century) + chosen depth study

Length2h

Marks60

Weight40%

Question typesSection A: Core content (choose 2 questions from 3, 20 marks each). Section B: Depth study (choose 1 question, 20 marks). Total 3 x 20 = 60 marks

PaperPaper 2 (Source Analysis)

What's assessedSource-based study on a topic set each year by Cambridge

Length1h 45m

Marks40

Weight30%

Question typesOne question on one prescribed topic, with five parts. Candidates analyse contemporary sources, evaluating comprehension, comparison, cross-reference, purpose and reliability

PaperComponent 3 (Coursework), option 1

What's assessedOne essay (~2000 words) on a chosen depth study topic

LengthCoursework

Marks40

Weight30%

Question typesExtended essay evaluating a historical claim. Internally marked, externally moderated by Cambridge

PaperPaper 4 (Alternative to Coursework), option 2

What's assessedSource-based paper on a topic set each year

Length1h

Marks40

Weight30%

Question typesStructured source-based questions on the set topic

Schools choose either Component 3 (Coursework) OR Paper 4 (Alternative to Coursework). Coursework rewards independent extended writing; Paper 4 is a written exam on a set topic. The Paper 2 source topic changes each year and is announced by Cambridge in advance.

assessment structure

AO	What it means	Overall
AO1	Recall and deployment of relevant historical knowledge.	30%
AO2	Historical explanation, analysis and judgement.	45%
AO3	Evaluate historical sources and use them in their historical context.	25%

AOAO1

What it meansRecall and deployment of relevant historical knowledge.

Overall30%

AOAO2

What it meansHistorical explanation, analysis and judgement.

Overall45%

AOAO3

What it meansEvaluate historical sources and use them in their historical context.

Overall25%

assessment objectives

Master your chosen options
Cambridge offers many combinations. Your school picks Core Content (19th or 20th century), one Depth Study, and Coursework or Paper 4. Focus revision entirely on your chosen options.
Learn Paper 2's set topic in depth
Cambridge announces Paper 2's source topic each year. Read set sources multiple times, learn context, key events and stakeholder views.
Practise source evaluation
AO3 (25%) rewards source evaluation. Learn to comment on: provenance (who, when, why), purpose, tone, reliability and how the source fits with your knowledge.
Learn dates and named individuals
Every extended answer rewards precise dates, named individuals, specific events. Prepare a timeline for each depth study with key dates, people, outcomes.
Choose Coursework vs Paper 4 early
Coursework (Component 3) rewards independent extended writing. Paper 4 rewards exam technique on a set topic. Your school picks based on preference.
Structure Paper 1 essays
Paper 1 essays reward: intro, 2-3 developed points with evidence, considered judgement. Practise 20-mark essays under 30-minute time.

key tips for success

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GCSE History (Cambridge IGCSE (CIE))

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GCSE History (0470) Specification

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