IGCSE History: Syllabus, Notes & More

IGCSE Online Academic Tutoring for IGCSE History Syllabus examines some of the major international issues of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and more extensively covers the history of particular regions. The emphasis is on historical knowledge and the skills required for historical research. It will stimulate any student who is already interested in the past, provide a basis for further study, and encourage a lifelong interest in the subject. 

 

The syllabus focuses on two key periods: 

 

• The nineteenth century: the development of modern nation states, 1848–191 or
• The twentieth century: international relations since 1919

 

Students study major global events while learning to evaluate historical sources, understand diverse perspectives, and build coherent historical arguments. The course emphasizes using  past papers, structured revision through IGCSE History notes, and detailed analysis using reliable IGCSE History textbooks and resources.

Our tutoring program enhances students’ ability to examine social, economic, cultural, and political aspects of history. Learners are taught how to use History mark schemes effectively to improve exam performance, understand historical evidence, and apply concepts like cause and consequence, change and continuity and also comparison across different time periods. 

Whether you are preparing for final exams or planning to pursue history at a higher level, our History tutoring helps build curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the past.

 

Aims of IGCSE History Syllabus

 

The IGCSE History syllabus is designed with specific goals to enrich learners academically and personally. The key aims are as follows:

 

1. Spark curiosity and interest in historical events, encouraging a lifelong enthusiasm for understanding the past.
2. Help students gain in-depth knowledge of historical figures, societies, and significant global developments.
3. Ensure that learners build their understanding through analyzing and interpreting historical evidence, a core component of IGCSE History past papers and assessments.
4. Strengthen comprehension and essential historical ideas, including cause and effect, continuity and change, and similarities and differences across periods and regions.
5. Provide a robust academic platform that supports further studies in history, using tools such as IGCSE History book and IGCSE History mark scheme.
6. Promote a broad, global perspective by enhancing international awareness by studying world history.
7. Equip students with transferable historical skills, including research, critical thinking, evaluation, and clear communication—all are vital for succeeding in exams and real-world analysis.

 

By aligning with the history IGCSE textbook and structured assessments, this syllabus encourages learners to think independently while deepening their appreciation of historical inquiry.

 

IGCSE History Syllabus (2025): Core Content & Depth Studies

 

The syllabus offers a comprehensive and engaging overview of major global events from the 19th and 20th centuries. All students are required to study one of the two core content options along with at least one depth study to build historical understanding and analytical skills.

 

Core Content (Choose One)

 

Alternative A: The Nineteenth Century – The Development of Modern Nation States (1848–1914)

This section focuses on the emergence of modern nations in Europe and the United States. Students will explore:

• The impact and importance of the 1848 Revolutions
• The Unification of Italy and how it was achieved
• The Unification of Germany under Bismarck
• Causes and consequences of the American Civil War
• The European scramble for overseas empires
• Long-term and short-term causes that triggered World War I

 

This topics are aligned with content found in top-rated history IGCSE textbooks and are often covered in IGCSE History past papers.

 

Alternative B: The Twentieth Century – International Relations Since 1919

 

This module explores global conflicts, diplomacy, and ideological clashes that shaped the 20th century:

 

• Were the 1919–1923 peace treaties fair and effective?
• How successful was the League of Nations in maintaining peace?
• Why did international peace collapse by 1939?
• The origins and responsibilities for the Cold War
• The USA’s containment strategy against Communism
• The USSR’s dominance in Eastern Europe (1948–1989)
• The importance of events in the Gulf region from 1970 to 2000

 

Assessment Objectives

 

• The ability to recall, select, organise, and apply knowledge from the syllabus.
• An understanding of cause and effect, change and continuity, similarity and difference to construct historical explanations people’s past motives, emotions, intentions, and beliefs.
• Understanding, interpreting, evaluating, and applying a variety of sources as evidence in their historical context.

 

Assessment

 

All candidates take three components. All candidates take Paper 1 and Paper 2, and choose either Component 3 or Paper 4.

 

Paper 1

Written paper

 

• 60 marks
• Candidates answer two questions from Section A (Core Content) and one question from Section B (Depth Studies).
• All questions are in the form of structured essays, split into three parts: (a), (b) and (c)
• Externally assessed
• 2 hours
• Weighting- 40%

 

Paper 2

Written paper

 

• 50 marks
• Candidates answer six questions on one prescribed topic taken from the Core Content.
• There is a range of source material relating to each prescribed topic.
• The prescribed topic changes in each examination session
• Externally assessed
• 2 hours
• Weighting- 33%

 

Component 3

Coursework

 

• 40 marks
• Candidates produce one piece of extended writing based on a Depth Study from the syllabus or a Depth Study devised by the Centre
• Internally assessed/externally moderated
• Weighting- 27%

 

Paper 4

Alternative to Coursework.

 

• Written paper
• 40 marks
• Candidates answer one question on a Depth Study
• Externally assessed
• 1 hour
• Weighting– 27%

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How hard is history of IGCSE?

 

It can be challenging due to detailed content, critical analysis, and essay writing, but with consistent revision, strong source skills, and exam practice, achieving high grades is very possible.

 

Is 75% an A in IGCSE?

 

In IGCSE, grade boundaries vary yearly, but around 75% often falls into an A range, depending on the subject and session.

 

How to pass IGCSE history?

 

To pass IGCSE History, understand key events, memorize timelines, practice past papers, develop essay skills, analyze sources critically, and revise consistently.

 

Is IGCSE history world history?

 

It includes world history topics, but coverage depends on the syllabus option chosen by your school or exam board.

 

How to write a 6 marker in history IGCSE?

 

For a 6-marker in IGCSE History, give clear, concise points with evidence, stay focused on the question, and explain relevance.