I really want to do History A level - distance

[TheOrigRights]

I'd really like to improve my history knowledge.
What I learnt at school is shameful. Most of my knowledge comes from reading historical fiction.

I know I can just read or watch stuff but I am attracted by following a course, being taught, having to follow a curriculum, doing course work etc....basically the formality and accountability of it.

I've had a quick look online and there are about 70 million different options.
Where do you start to look? What should I consider?

I work full time from home and am a single parent to a 12 year old (and 22 yo...but he's not here!). I'm busy and I love doing a lot of sport, but I think I have scope for this as well.

Most current a level specifications have a non examined assessment (coursework) which makes it more difficult to be a private external candidate. I’d do the courses mentioned above instead.

A level history will be more about learning to write and analyse evidence through examining a series of (usually unconnected) discrete time periods rather than improving your knowledge of historical events or history in general. So it depends whether that fits with your goals really.

I totally get the desire for structure, accountability and external accreditation of the effort expended, but I am not sure than an A level history course is the right one for your interests and targets.

History is a very big window of time, which is also why there are so so many different course options. Do you have specific historical interests or periods you would like to explore? Do you draw the line at prehistory or are you including that under 'history'?

@frogswimming

"Thank you, but I'm not looking for a full time degree."

Sorry I don't think I was clear. You don't have to do a full degree you can just do a module if you like. So you could just do the two foundation modules on European history, one per year.

Oh I see, thank you for clarifying.

@wisteriaandwhine

A level history will be more about learning to write and analyse evidence through examining a series of (usually unconnected) discrete time periods rather than improving your knowledge of historical events or history in general. So it depends whether that fits with your goals really.

I totally get the desire for structure, accountability and external accreditation of the effort expended, but I am not sure than an A level history course is the right one for your interests and targets.

History is a very big window of time, which is also why there are so so many different course options. Do you have specific historical interests or periods you would like to explore? Do you draw the line at prehistory or are you including that under 'history'?

Yes, I am beginning to understand the A level structure a bit more now. I am a scientist so have quite a different skill set when it comes to studying.

Anyway, I think I'm going to do this ICE short course on Hitler and Nazi Germany next year.

@superram

Most current a level specifications have a non examined assessment (coursework) which makes it more difficult to be a private external candidate. I’d do the courses mentioned above instead.

This is not my experience and I speak as a home edder.

Just to clarify about NEA, there are boards, especially Cambridge International who offer the International A-level in History (which includes some limited options) and can be done without NEA. As an various other history A-levels such as OCR Ancient History and (I know its not super relevant) Edexcel History of Art. So it is possible to complete A-levels as a private candidate as long as you choose the right board!

Robert Kees Ireland is a fantastic read. A programme on bbc that in corporates both uk and irl. The most unbiased read i have every come across.