specification overview
Edexcel International GCSE History (4HI1) is a single-tier linear qualification with two papers, each 1h 30m. Paper 1 (Depth Studies) is 50% and tests two chosen depth studies; Paper 2 (Investigation and Breadth Study) is 50% and combines a source-based historical investigation with a breadth study in change from a wide list of 19th and 20th century options.
subject content
1. Paper 1: Depth Studies (choose 2)
Paper 1- Choose 2 depth studies from: The French Revolution c1780-99 / The Unification of Italy 1848-70 / Germany: development of dictatorship 1918-45 / Colonial Rule and the Nationalist Challenge in India 1919-47 / The USSR under Stalin 1924-53 / A World Divided: Superpower Relations 1943-72 / A Divided Union: civil rights in the USA 1945-74 / South Africa: from union to the rainbow nation 1948-94
2. Paper 2 Section A: Historical Investigation (choose 1)
Paper 2- Choose 1 from: The Origins and Course of the First World War 1905-18 / Russia and the Soviet Union 1905-24 / The USA 1918-41 / The Vietnam Conflict 1945-75 / East Germany 1958-90
- Source-based investigation focused on one topic (distinct from Paper 1 depth studies)
3. Paper 2 Section B: Breadth Study in Change (choose 1)
Paper 2- Choose 1 from: The changing nature of warfare and international conflict 1919-2011 / Changes in medicine c1848-c1948 / China: conflict, crisis and change 1900-89 / The changing role of international organisations: the League and the UN 1919-c2011 / Japan in transformation 1853-1945 / The Middle East: conflict, crisis and change 1917-2012 / Diversity, rights and equality in Britain 1914-2010 / America: from new nation to divided union 1783-1877
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Depth Studies) | Two chosen depth studies | 1h 30m | 60 | 50% | One booklet per depth study (30 marks each). Structured questions plus one extended-response essay per topic |
| Paper 2 (Historical Investigation and Breadth Study) | Section A: one source-based historical investigation. Section B: one breadth study in change | 1h 30m | 60 | 50% | Students answer two questions in total (one investigation from Section A, one breadth study from Section B) worth 60 marks combined |
Schools pick 2 depth studies for Paper 1, 1 historical investigation for Paper 2 Section A (from a distinct list of 5 options), and 1 breadth study in change for Paper 2 Section B. Total 4 options studied.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the periods studied. | 34% |
| AO2 | Explain, analyse and make judgements about historical events and periods using second-order historical concepts (causation, consequence, change, continuity, similarity, difference, significance). | 36% |
| AO3 | Analyse, evaluate and use historical sources to make substantiated judgements in the context of historical events studied. | 15% |
| AO4 | Analyse and evaluate historical interpretations in the context of historical events studied. | 15% |
key tips for success
Learn your 4 chosen options cold
Edexcel International offers many combinations. Your school picks 2 depth studies + 1 historical investigation + 1 breadth study. Focus revision entirely on your chosen options.
Master source analysis for Paper 2 Section A
Section A is source-based. Learn to comment on: provenance (who, when, why), content, tone, purpose, reliability, usefulness. Cross-reference sources with your own knowledge.
Learn breadth study chronology
Paper 2 Section B tests change over long periods (e.g. Medicine c1848-c1948). Learn key turning points, individuals and factors driving change (or continuity).
Practise extended-response essays
Each depth study booklet has an extended-response essay. Practise: intro, 2-3 developed points with evidence, considered judgement, all in 30-35 minutes.
Learn precise dates and named individuals
Every extended answer rewards precise dates, named individuals, specific events. Prepare timelines for each chosen topic.
Practise past papers
International Edexcel past papers are widely available. Time yourself for both papers, especially Paper 1's dual-booklet format.
Where to next
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