History - A2

L3 Level 3
Full Time
4 September 2025 — 21 June 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

The History A2 programme is a one-year course of study and should be taken in conjunction with two or three other subjects and the Welsh Baccalaureate. 

Based at our City Centre campus in Cardiff, learners may be able to take this qualification as a part-time student.

What you will study

During the course the following areas will be covered:

Unit 3: Changing Leadership and Society in Russia c.1881-1989

Through their studies students will consider the diverse nature of society and the origins, nature and impact of political, social, economic, cultural and religious change within the context of Russia across the twentieth century. 

  • Change and continuity in Russia 1881-1917
  • The consequences of Revolution 1917- 1953
  • The impact of Stalin’s economic and social policies
  • Changing regimes from Stalinism to Gorbachev
  • The significance of policies from deStalinisation to Gorbachev
  • Similarity and difference c.1881- 1989 

Unit 4: Germany: Democracy to Dictatorship c.1918-1945 

Part 2: Nazi Germany c.1933-1945 

This is a continuation of the earlier part of the depth study studied for Unit 2 and will provide students with the opportunity to apply their learning and skills to a greater degree.

  • Further developments in the Nazi control of Germany after 1933
  • The impact of Nazi racial, social and religious policies 1933-1945
  • The effectiveness of Nazi economic policy 1933-1945

Changing Nazi foreign policy and the Second World War 1933-1945 

Unit 5:
Unit 5 is a non-examination assessment (NEA). Learners investigate an issue of historical debate through a study of different historical interpretations. This unit encourages learners to use a range of sources, both contemporary and later to explain how and why different historical interpretations are formed.

Entry requirements

Successful completion of AS programme including satisfactory attendance and tutor recommendation.

Teaching and assessment

Exams coursework and assessment

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

4 September 2025

End date

21 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

4.5 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

A2CC3F07
L3

Qualification

History - A2
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What our students say

"I love studying my course at Cardiff and the Vale College. It is so much fun ! The amount of independence and freedom you get is brilliant and you're treated like an adult,
I honestly love it.  At the college I've enjoyed the close relationships I have with my teachers.  I genuinely feel like I can go to my teachers with any issue that I’m having and they will really help
me work through them." 

Gwellian Mellor
Studying A Levels in Film, Dance and Drama

Career prospects & further study

500

Fantastic university progression routes! With hundreds of students gaining places at Oxbridge, Russell Group and other leading universities. In fact, this year more than 500 students achieved their firm or insurance choice through UCAS, with nearly 100 being Russell Group universities!

On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University:

  • Archaeology
  • Economics
  • English Literature
  • History
  • Politics
  • Philosophy
  • Sociology
  • Theology

Need to know

A Levels Learner

Scholars Programme

Gain the skills and support to succeed at top-level universities.
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Opportunities

CAVC offers lots of opportunities beyond your studies including a great enrichment programme and sporting opportunities.

Next steps

Find out more

Download a course guide for your area of interest.

Open Evenings

Visit us at one of ours sites, chat to tutors about your course of interest and see our great facilities for yourself.

Apply online

Applying to CAVC is easy and all online.

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE