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GCSE History

Study Method In-class, Online
Provider Lift College
Recognition AQA
Start Date Enrol anytime
Lift College

Course overview

GCSE History online is an Ofqual-regulated GCSE, awarded by AQA, covering major periods and events in British and world history. Study 100% online over 12 to 18 months, then sit two written exam papers in person as a private candidate at an approved UK exam centre for a full national GCSE grade from 9 to 1.

The AQA specification (8145) covers a broad sweep of British and world history through period studies, thematic studies, and depth studies, all with a strong focus on source analysis and historical interpretation. It is an RQF Level 2 qualification delivered online by Lift College with UK tutor support.

Who's It For?

  • Those who need a GCSE at grade 4 or higher for teacher training, an Access to HE Diploma, or a university application.
  • Those considering A Level History or a history-related degree in the future.
  • Those wanting a rigorous humanities GCSE to strengthen a mature university application.
  • Those who prefer to study at their own pace with structured online material and full tutor support.
  • Those who enjoy reading, source analysis, and constructing evidence-based arguments.
  • Those who can travel to a JCQ-approved exam centre on the summer exam dates.

Job outcomes

  • Teacher training entry (primary or secondary)
  • Access to HE Diploma entry
  • A Level History progression
  • Museum, heritage, or archives professional
  • Civil service or policy role entry

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What you'll learn

The course covers a broad sweep of British and world history including:

  • America 1840–1895: Expansion and Consolidation
  • Conflict and Tension between East and West (1945–1972)
  • Britain: Health and the People (c1000 to the present day)
  • Elizabethan England (c1568–1603)

Content includes primary and secondary source analysis throughout, with a strong focus on interpreting evidence, constructing arguments, and communicating in extended writing.

Recognitions

AQA

Accredited/ Certified by AQA

Study method

  • In-class In-class info icon
    In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
  • Online Online info icon
    Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
  • Blended Blended info icon
    Blended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
  • Virtual Virtual info icon
    Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
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Duration study load

Typical study time is 12 to 18 months. Study is self-paced — most learners spend a few hours each week, but you can do more or less based on your own pace. You can start any time; there are no set term dates.

Delivery

The course is studied 100% online and can be accessed any time from a phone, tablet, or laptop. Written exams are sat in person at an approved JCQ exam centre. Study is entirely self-paced with no fixed term dates or cohorts.

Exams are sat at approved Tutors and Exams centres across England.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements. Confidence with extended written English, and comfort reading historical sources at length, will help you succeed. There is no upper age limit and no prior qualification gate.

You will need to register separately as a private candidate with a JCQ-approved exam centre to sit the two written exams, usually for a modest additional fee payable directly to the centre.

Find out more about the entry requirements for this course

Pathways

  • A Level History
  • Access to HE Diploma (humanities, social sciences, teaching, law)
  • Undergraduate degrees in history, archaeology, museum studies, law, and related subjects
  • PGCE teacher training

Course features

  • 100% online study with exams sat at an approved centre
  • Named UK subject tutor from enrolment through to exam series
  • Exam-style practice questions in every unit with individual written feedback within 5–7 working days
  • Progress tracking dashboard showing unit scores, topic strengths, and areas to revisit
  • Optional exam readiness check including a timed mock paper and written summary
  • Marking completed within 3–5 working days
  • AI Study Assistant and study support tools
  • Learner community forum
  • Optional study planner for added structure
  • Resubmit work at no extra cost
  • 7-day free trial on every sign-up; 14-day money-back guarantee
  • Start any time — no fixed term dates
  • Phone, email, and live chat support, 7 days a week

Professional Recognition

This qualification is regulated by Ofqual and sits on the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at Level 2. It is awarded by AQA (specification 8145), a recognised UK awarding body, and is listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. It is accepted by UK universities, employers, and professional bodies, and is independently quality checked through IQA and EQA processes.

Assessment

GCSE History (AQA 8145) is assessed by two written papers taken in May or June. There is no non-exam assessment and no tiering.

  • Paper 1: Understanding the Modern World — 2 hours, 84 marks (including 4 for spelling, punctuation and grammar), 50%.
    • Section A: Period studies — one option from: AA America 1840–1895, AB Germany 1890–1945, AC Russia 1894–1945, or AD America 1920–1973 (40 marks, six compulsory questions).
    • Section B: Wider world depth studies — one option from: BA First World War 1894–1918, BB Inter-war years 1918–1939, BC East and West 1945–1972, BD Asia 1950–1975, or BE Gulf and Afghanistan 1990–2009 (40 marks, four compulsory questions).
  • Paper 2: Shaping the Nation — 2 hours, 84 marks (including 4 for spelling, punctuation and grammar), 50%.
    • Section A: Thematic studies — one option from: AA Health and the People, AB Power and the People, or AC Migration, Empires and the People (40 marks, four compulsory questions).
    • Section B: British depth studies with historic environment — one option from: BA Norman England, BB Edward I, BC Elizabethan England, or BD Restoration England (40 marks, four compulsory questions).

Grading: 9 to 1.

Exams are sat at 10 approved centres: Birmingham, Bolton, Coventry, Doncaster, High Wycombe, Mitcham, Newcastle, Romford, St Neots, and Taunton (run by Tutors and Exams).

Additional information

Awarding body: AQA (specification 8145)

Qualification number: 8145

RQF Level: 2

Exam centre partner: Tutors and Exams — a specialist private candidate exam provider operating 10 approved centres across England.

Study options:

  • Study: Full tuition, tutor marking and study support. Learner arranges and pays for their own exams.
  • +Exams: Tuition plus exam entry and centre fees booked and paid for by Lift College.

Delivered by Lift College Limited (UKPRN: 10102267).

Payment options

Course fees:

Study: £407.99 or £39.99 per month

Study + Exams: £713.99 or £69.99 per month

  • Pay monthly at £29.99 per month (Study only) or £59.99 per month (Study + Exams included) — cancel any time, no contract, no credit checks.
  • Pay annually at £305.99 to save versus monthly pricing.
  • 7-day free trial on every option — nothing charged until the trial ends.
  • 14-day money-back guarantee on every enrolment.
  • No interest on monthly payments; pause or cancel any time.
  • Employer sponsorship supported — funding paperwork can be sent to your employer.

Find out more about the payment options for this course

About Lift College

Lift College is a fully online UK education provider dedicated to A-Levels and GCSEs. Every course is designed, taught and assessed to give adult and independent learners a genuine second route into the qualifications employers, universities and colleges recognise. All teaching happens online. Learners study on our purpose-built online campus with a named UK tutor, structured modules, marked assignments and an AI Study Assistant that answers questions instantly and points learners to the exact page of the specification they need. There is no timetable to keep, no travel, and no fixed start date. Learners begin any day of the year, pause and resume when life gets busy, and move through the material at whatever pace works for them. Every course starts with a 7-day free trial. Learners get full access to the online campus, tutor support, and study materials from day one, and nothing is charged until the trial ends. After the trial, learners have a further 14-day refund period, so there is no financial risk in trying Lift College properly before committing. After that, courses run on a simple monthly subscription with exam entry included. There is no contract, no commitment, no exit fees, no credit checks, and no risk. Learners can cancel or pause at any time, for any reason, in a couple of clicks from their dashboard. Written exams are sat in person at established private-candidate exam centres across England, with entry, venue and invigilation arranged for the learner in advance. Every A-Level and GCSE is delivered to the same awarding-body specifications, and results in the same certificates, as those awarded in schools and colleges. UKPRN 10102267.

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