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30+ A-Level History NEA Ideas

In A-Level by Think Student Editor May 3, 2024 Leave a Comment

When I took A-Level History, doing the NEA was my favourite part. Having so much more independence and control over my own work was exciting and much more engaging than just being in lessons or doing exams. However, it was also pretty daunting.

All kinds of A-Level coursework give you so much more academic freedom and independence than you’d previously experienced, which can make it a bit stressful to have all this responsibility. The first place this can come into play is right at the start when you have to choose your essay question. In this article, we’ll try to make this part a little bit less stressful by giving you some ideas for what you could do.

Continue reading to getter a better understanding of the A-Level History NEA as a whole and to see some ideas for your essay question. This article will take you through these ideas by going through some of the main topic areas that you could focus on.

Table of Contents

What is an A-Level History NEA?

The term NEA stands for non-exam assessment, which is relatively the same as coursework. For A-Level History, this piece of coursework is in the form of an extended essay, which may even be referred to as an “investigation” on a specific area of history that has different historical interpretations.

Due to this, students will need to research into different historical interpretations of their specific topic as well as use primary sources and factual evidence/ data to evaluate the different historical interpretations.

The specific requirements for this NEA will depend on the exam board, which is especially the case when it comes to the word count, which can vary quite a lot. For example, for students using the Pearson Edexcel exam board, the word count is between 3,000 and 4,000 words, whereas for the AQA exam board, there is a word limit between 3,500 and 4,500 words.

Unlike these exam boards that have a set maximum word count, the OCR exam board only has a recommendation of 3,000- 4,000 words, although there is no actual set limit.

Despite being quite a lot of work, the A-Level History NEA will generally be a fair low proportion of the A-Level in comparison to other factors. Typically, this will be worth 20% of the whole A-Level History qualification.

You can learn more about this by checking out the specifications of A-Level History courses by clicking on the links with the respective exam board: AQA (linked here and here) Pearson Edexcel , OCR , WJEC , CCEA .

How to choose an A-Level History NEA idea

Choosing an A-Level History NEA idea can come in a few different ways and may not even be your choice as a student. How this all works will depend on your sixth form or college.

The first most obvious option is that your sixth form/ college lets you choose the topic and question that you want to focus on. Alternatively, your sixth form or college may give you an approved topics list but allow you to submit your own topic question and consider options outside of this list.

The strictest form is where your sixth form or college chooses the topic(s) that you can do and may even give you pre-approved question ideas. You can learn more about these by checking out this guide by OCR.

As choosing your own idea and topic from scratch is by far the hardest, we’ll see primarily focusing on that in this article. When choosing your own idea, the first thing you should think about is which historical period you want to focus on.

There are obviously a wide range you can choose from, although exam boards tend to have some restrictions in this aspect too. First of all, you won’t be able to do the same topic as whichever piece of history you studied for your depth study. Other restrictions will vary by exam board, so it’s best to ask your teachers or to look directly at your exam board’s coursework information.

After you pick your main topic, you need to narrow it down to a specific historical debate within this topic. From here, you can shape it into an extended essay question that allows you to have a clear line of argument and be evaluative and analytical. To do this, you might want to use vocabulary such as “the most/ least important/ significant/ etc.”.

What makes a good A-Level History NEA idea?

To make sure you have a good A-Level History NEA idea, you need to make sure that it is something you can write an entire extended essay on. Remember the NEA will require students to do over 3000 words and write a full answer with several sections and a clear line of argument and judgement, depending on the style of your essay question.

To be able to do this, you need to make sure you have enough background information about this specific subsection of your topic area and that there are lots of interpretations and primary sources available.

Another step to making sure that you have a good topic and question title is to make sure that it is has the right level of detail. This is as you need to make sure the focus is very specific so it can be in-depth and analytical but also broad enough to give you a full answer and enough to write about.

A-Level History NEA ideas for 2024

Now that we’ve looked at the criteria for choosing a topic and what makes a good one, we can properly dive into some examples. However, as previously mentioned, an NEA idea needs to be focused on a specific area of history. Due to this, in this article, we’ll be looking at some ideas based on specific historical areas.

These historical areas have been chosen due to being commonly studied in A-Level History courses. You can learn more about this from this page of the Cambridge Assessment website as well as from the component options mentioned in each exam board’s specification, as linked above.

The ideas below are sourced from a mixture of exam board suggestions and information provided to me when I was doing the NEA myself. Exam board suggestions come from pages of the Pearson Edexcel website, OCR website, the WJEC website and the AQA website all linked respectively.

A-Level History NEA ideas for Russian dictatorship

When looking at the history of dictatorships in Russia, we’re generally referring to the period from 1855 to 1991/2. In this period of history, there were several different kinds of leaders of Russia, all of which can be focused on for your NEA. These types of leaders are the Tsar rulers, the Provisional Government and the communist leaders.

While you may want to look at the leaders and their regimes, you could also look at society at the time

Some ideas for Russia and its rulers are as follows.

• In the context of the years 1861 to 1964, to what extent was the Russian Revolution of 1917 caused by the war?
• How far do you agree with the view that Peter the Great was largely unsuccessful in his attempts to modernise Russia?
• How far do you agree with the view that Alexander II was largely successful in his attempts to modernise Russia in the period after 1855?
• How far do you agree with the view that Stalin’s main aim in the period 1924–1939 was to carry out the changes begun by Lenin?
• ‘The lives of the Russian peasants were transformed for the better in the years between 1928 and 1964.’
• How valid is assessment of the peasantry in Russia?
• How far do you agree with the view that the Battle of Stalingrad was mainly responsible for Soviet victory in the Second World War?
• To what extent do you agree with the view that by 1924, the people of Russia had exchanged one authoritarian regime for another?
• Assess the reasons for the purges in 1930’s Russia
• To what extent did Communism in Russia improve the lives of women in the years 1917-53?

A-Level History NEA ideas for civil rights in the USA

The civil rights movement in the USA spanned a long period and was made up of several significant events. Due to this, there is so much for you to focus on within this topic, from specific figures, such as Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks, to key legislation or specific protests or events.

Some of the essay question you could chose for the civil rights movement are as follows.

• How far do you agree with the view that the most significant contribution to the success of the Civil Rights movement between 1954 and 1970 was made by people in local communities in the US?
• ‘Martin Luther King had the greatest impact of any individual in advancing the civil rights of African Americans in the USA.’ How valid is this view of the years 1865 to 1968?
• Assess the claims that the role of Martin Luther King in the civil rights movement was exaggerated.
• Assess the view that the Civil Rights movement was the most significant cause of Second Wave Feminism?
• To what extent did Rosa Parks change the nature of the Civil Rights Movement by 1965?
• How far did World War II improve the lives of black Americans?
• To what extent has the role of women in the Black Civil Rights Movement been undervalued?
• To what extent did Malcolm X and the Black Panthers further the civil rights movement?
• To what extent was the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) responsible for the successes of the civil rights campaign in the years 1945–57?
• To what extent did life for black people in America improve between the end of the First World War and the Wall Street Crash of 1929?

A-Level History NEA ideas for Weimar and Nazi Germany

Weimar and Nazi Germany is a common topic, not only at A-Level, but also at GCSE and even at the start of secondary school, before starting GCSEs. Due to this, students will often have quite a bit of background knowledge on this topic, even if they haven’t studied it as part of their A-Levels. This can make it a bit easier for you to access this topic for your NEA.

Some NEA ideas for Weimar and Nazi Germany are as follows.

• ‘Propaganda was the main reason for Hitler’s rise to power in 1933’. How far do you agree?
• To what extent do you agree that the Holocaust was a long-term plan?
• The Reichstag Fire was a deliberate plot hatched by Hitler’s henchmen to help consolidate the NSDAP’s control over Germany.’ How valid is this assessment of the Reichstag Fire?
• Assess the view that the Wall Street Crash was the main reason the Weimar government lost support by 1930.
• Assess the view that Hitler’s use of fear and violence the main reason why he was able to maintain control of Germany between 1933 – 45.
• To what extent were the Nazis successful in winning over the hearts and minds of the youth?
• To what extent were ordinary German people responsible for the Holocaust?
• To what extent was music used as a form of opposition to the Nazi Regime?
• To what extent was Stresseman right when he said ‘Germany was dancing on a volcano’ when implying that German democracy would inevitably fail?
• Assess the view that the errors of Hitler were the main reason for allied victory in WWII.

A-Level History NEA ideas for the Tudors

Once again, the Tudors are commonly taught in some shape or form throughout, even starting in primary school. This can still make it easier to access the essay questions on this topic as you’ll already have some background knowledge.

Some NEA ideas are as follows.

• In the context of the years 1485 to 1603, how effectively did Tudor government deal with rebellion in England?
• How far do you agree with the view that the main reason for the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII was that they no longer served any useful purpose?
• How far do you agree with the view that Mary, Queen of Scots, was the greatest challenge facing Elizabeth in the period after 1568.
• Assess the reasons why there was there an attempt to put Lady Jane Grey on the throne in 1553.
• Assess the view that the survival of Roman Catholicism in England during the reign of Elizabeth I depended on the role of the gentry
• To what extent did Elizabeth I remain single to keep her political power?
• ‘Anne Boleyn lost her head because of the large faction against her’ To what extent is this true?
• Assess the view that Elizabethan propaganda was a success.
• ‘The reign of Mary I was a complete failure.’ How fair is this assessment?
• Assess the impact of the reign of Elizabeth I on the roles of women in Tudor society

• UCAS Guide Home >
• A-Level History

Revision Tips to Achieve A* in A Level History

Ever wondered about A-Level History success? Check this out: According to the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) , in 2022, 87.8% aced it, but in 2019, only 81% made the grade. 

Understanding the A-Level History Exam

Mastering the A-Level History exam begins with a clear comprehension of its structure and components. Let’s break it down:

Exam Structure:

The A-Level History exam typically comprises multiple components. Understand the weight each section carries to prioritise your focus.

Assessment Components:

• Source Analysis : This section assesses your ability to critically evaluate historical sources. Practice interpreting documents , maps , and visuals .
• Essay Writing: Essays demand in-depth historical knowledge, effective analysis, and a structured argument. Grasp the nuances of crafting compelling essays.

Key Focus Areas for Higher Grades:

• Depth over Breadth : It’s not about covering every era; it’s about mastering select topics thoroughly.
• Critical Thinking: Emphasise critical analysis of historical events, ideologies, and interpretations.
• Historiography: Incorporate differing historical perspectives and theories into your responses.

Creating a Strategic Study Plan

Crafting a focused study plan is the key to conquering your A-Level History exam. Here’s your roadmap:

Importance of Time Management:

• Prioritise Topics : Identify high-priority areas based on exam weighting and personal strengths.
• Allocate Study Time : Dedicate specific time slots to each topic, ensuring balanced coverage.

Personalised Study Schedule:

• Daily Goals: Set achievable daily goals to maintain steady progress.
• Variety in Study Sessions: Mix source analysis, essay writing, and note review for a well-rounded approach.

Balancing Content Coverage and Depth:

• Thematic Approach: Group related topics to enhance understanding and retention.
• Regular Review: Schedule periodic reviews to reinforce learned content.

Utilising Resources Wisely

To excel in A-Level History, harnessing the right resources is paramount. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Leveraging Textbooks, Databases, and Articles:

• Textbooks: Choose authoritative texts that align with your syllabus for comprehensive coverage.
• Online Databases: Utilise reputable databases like JSTOR or Google Scholar for in-depth research.
• Scholarly Articles: Incorporate recent scholarly articles to stay updated on historical perspectives.

Incorporating Primary and Secondary Sources:

• Primary Sources: Dive into firsthand accounts, documents, and artefacts for authentic insights.
• Secondary Sources: Reference scholarly works that analyse and interpret historical events for depth.

Making the Most of Study Guides and Examiner’s Reports:

• Study Guides: Supplement your notes with study guides tailored to your exam board for focused revision.
• Examiner’s Reports: Learn from past exams’ feedback to understand common pitfalls and refine your approach.

By strategically navigating these resources, you equip yourself with a well-rounded understanding of historical events. 

Perfecting Exam Technique

Unlocking the secrets to flawless A-Level History exam performance involves mastering strategic techniques. Here’s your guide:

Understanding Mark Schemes and Assessment Criteria:

• Detailed Review: Study past mark schemes to grasp how examiners evaluate responses.
• Assessment Criteria: Align your writing with specific criteria, ensuring targeted and precise answers.

Time Management During the Exam:

• Practise Time Trials: Simulate exam conditions to refine your pacing and allocate time wisely.
• Prioritise Questions: Tackle questions based on marks allocated; focus on high-value questions first.

Practising with Past Papers and Mock Exams:

• Realistic Simulations: Mimic exam conditions with past papers to enhance familiarity.
• Learn from Mistakes: Analyse errors in mock exams to fine-tune your approach and improve.

Embracing Continuous Improvement

Achieving A* excellence in A-Level History is an ongoing journey. Here’s how to ensure continuous improvement:

Regular Self-Assessment and Reflection:

• Review Progress: Regularly assess your understanding and identify areas for improvement.
• Reflect on Strategies: Evaluate the effectiveness of your study techniques and adjust as needed.

Setting Realistic Goals for Improvement:

• Identify Weaknesses: Pinpoint specific weaknesses and set realistic goals to address them.
• Measurable Objectives: Establish clear , measurable objectives for steady progress.

Adjusting Study Strategies Based on Performance Feedback:

Feedback Analysis: Analyse feedback from teachers and exams to refine your study strategies.

Adaptation : Be flexible; adjust your approach based on what works and what needs improvement.

Mastering A-Level History demands more than knowledge—it requires strategy . By understanding the exam, crafting a precise study plan , utilising resources wisely, perfecting exam techniques, and embracing continuous improvement, you’re primed for A* success. 

Stay committed, adapt, and triumph. Need personalised guidance? Connect with a top-notch A Levels History tutor at Study Mind. Contact us today!

How can I balance covering all historical periods without feeling overwhelmed?

Prioritise depth over breadth. Focus on key themes and events within each period, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding. This targeted approach ensures a deeper grasp of the material without overwhelming yourself with excessive details.

What’s the best strategy for managing time during the A-Level History exam?

Practise time trials with past papers to refine your pacing. Prioritise questions based on allocated marks, ensuring you allocate time wisely. This strategic approach maximises your efficiency and enhances overall exam performance.

Are study guides really beneficial, or can I rely solely on textbooks?

Study guides are invaluable supplements. While textbooks offer comprehensive content, study guides provide condensed, exam-focused insights. Combining both resources enhances your understanding, offering a well-rounded preparation for the A-Level History exam.

How can I stay updated on recent historical perspectives and interpretations?

Incorporate scholarly articles from reputable databases like JSTOR and Google Scholar. These sources offer insights into evolving historical perspectives, keeping your knowledge base current and demonstrating a nuanced understanding in your responses.

Is memorisation the key to success in the A-Level History exam?

Memorisation is crucial but not enough. Emphasise understanding, critical analysis, and the ability to apply knowledge to different contexts. A balanced approach ensures you not only recall facts but also demonstrate a higher-order understanding in your exam responses.

How do I overcome stress and anxiety during the A-Level History exam?

Implement stress-management techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness, to stay calm. Prioritise self-care in the days leading up to the exam, ensuring adequate rest and relaxation. Remember, a clear mind enhances your ability to recall and articulate historical knowledge effectively.

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AQA A Level History

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A Level History Topics

• Post author By admin
• Post date October 9, 2021
• No Comments on A Level History Topics

The following list of A Level History topics will help you to understand exactly which topics you are studying and how your course is broken down in terms of assessment. This post covers all the three main exam boards of AQA, Edexcel and OCR.

No matter which exam board and modules you are studying in order to get your best result at A Level History you will need to learn and improve certain techniques.

Pass A Level History – is our sister site, which shows you step by step, how to most effectively answer any A Level History extract, source or essay question. Please click the following link to visit the site and get access to your free preview lesson. www.passalevelhistory.co.uk

AQA Assessment Breakdown

Historical Investigation (Coursework) – 20% of final grade

Breadth Study (Exam) – 40% of final grade

Depth Study (Exam) – 40% of final grade

AQA A Level History Topics

Component 1: Breadth study

1A The Age of the Crusades, c1071–1204

1B Spain in the Age of Discovery, 1469–1598

1C The Tudors: England, 1485–1603

1D Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603–1702

1E Russia in the Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment, 1682–1796

1F Industrialisation and the people: Britain, c1783–1885

1G Challenge and transformation: Britain, c1851–1964

1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964

1J The British Empire, c1857–1967

1K The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975

1L The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991

Component 2: Depth study

2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216

2B The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499

2C The Reformation in Europe, c1500–1564

2D Religious conflict and the Church in England, c1529–c1570

2E The English Revolution, 1625–1660

2F The Sun King: Louis XIV, France and Europe, 1643–1715

2G The Birth of the USA, 1760–1801

2H France in Revolution, 1774–1815

2J America: A Nation Divided, c1845–1877

2K International Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941

2L Italy and Fascism, c1900–1945

2M Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906–1957

Edexcel Assessment Breakdown

Research Enquiry (Coursework) – 20% of grade

Breadth Study with Interpretations (Exam) – 30% of grade

Depth Study (Exam) – 20% of grade

Themes in Breadth + Aspects in Depth (Exam) 30% of grade

Ed Excel A Level History Topics

Breadth study with interpretations

1A: The crusades, c1095–1204

1B: England, 1509–1603: authority, nation and religion

1C: Britain, 1625–1701: conflict, revolution and settlement

1D: Britain, c1785–c1870: democracy, protest and reform

1E: Russia, 1917–91: from Lenin to Yeltsin

1F: In search of the American Dream: the USA, c1917–96

1G: Germany and West Germany, 1918–89

1H: Britain transformed, 1918–97

Depth study

2A.1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Anglo-Norman Kingdom, c1053–1106

2A.2: England and the Angevin Empire in the reign of Henry II, 1154–89

2B.1: Luther and the German Reformation, c1515–55

2B.2: The Dutch Revolt, c1563–1609

2C.1: France in revolution, 1774–99

2C.2: Russia in revolution, 1894–1924

2D.1: The unification of Italy, c1830–70

2D.2: The unification of Germany, c1840–71

2E.1: Mao’s China, 1949–76

2E.2: The German Democratic Republic, 1949–90

2F.1: India, c1914–48: the road to independence

2F.2: South Africa, 1948–94: from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’

2G.1: The rise and fall of fascism in Italy, c1911–46

2G.2: Spain, 1930–78: republicanism, Francoism and the re-establishment of democracy

2H.1: The USA, c1920–55: boom, bust and recovery

Themes in breadth with aspects in depth

30: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509

31: Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485–1603

32: The Golden Age of Spain, 1474–1598

33: The witch craze in Britain, Europe and North America, c1580–c1750

34.1: Industrialisation and social change in Britain, 1759–1928: forging a new society

34.2: Poverty, public health and the state in Britain, c1780–1939

35.1: Britain: losing and gaining an empire, 1763–1914

35.2: The British experience of warfare, c1790–1918

36.1: Protest, agitation and parliamentary reform in Britain, c1780–1928

36.2: Ireland and the Union, c1774–1923

37.1: The changing nature of warfare, 1859–1991: perception and reality

37.2: Germany, 1871–1990: united, divided and reunited

38.1: The making of modern Russia, 1855–1991

38.2: The making of modern China, 1860–1997

39.1: Civil rights and race relations in the USA, 1850–2009

39.2: Mass media and social change in Britain, 1882–2004

OCR Assessment Breakdown

Topic Based Essay (Coursework) – 20% of grade

British Period Study and Enquiry (Exam) – 25% of grade

Non-British Period Study (Exam) – 15% of grade

Thematic Study and Interpretations (Exam) – 40% of grade

OCR A Level History Topics

British Period Study and Enquiry

Alfred and the making of England 871—1016

Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest 1035—1107

England 1199—1272

England 1377—1455

England 1445—1509: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII

England 1485—1558: the early Tudors

England 1547—1603: the late Tudors

The early Stuarts and the origins of the Civil War 1603—1660

The making of Georgian Britain 1678 — c. 1760

From Pitt to Peel: Britain 1783—1853

Liberals, Conservatives and the rise of Labour 1846—1918

Britain 1900—1951

Britain 1930—1997

Non-British Period Study

The rise of Islam c. 550 — 750

Charlemagne 768—814

The Crusades and the crusader states 1095—1192

Genghis Khan and the explosion from the Steppes c. 1167 — 1405

Exploration, Encounters and Empire 1445—1570

Spain 1469—1556

The German Reformation and the rule of Charles V 1500—1559

Philip II 1556—1598

African kingdoms c. 1400 — c. 1800: four case studies

Russia 1645—1741

The rise and decline of the Mughal Empire in India 1526—1739

The American Revolution 1740—1796

The French Revolution and the rule of Napoleon 1774—1815

France 1814—1870

Italy and unification 1789—1896

The USA in the 19th Century: Westward expansion and Civil War 1803 — c. 1890

Japan 1853—1937

International relations 1890—1941

Russia 1894—1941

Italy 1896—1943

Democracy and dictatorships in Germany 1919—1963

The Cold War in Asia 1945—1993

The Cold War in Europe 1941—1995

Apartheid and reconciliation: South African politics 1948—1999

Thematic Study and Historical Interpretations

The early Anglo-Saxons c. 400 — 800

The Viking age c. 790 — 1066

English government and the Church 1066—1216

The Church and medieval heresy c. 1100 — 1437

The Renaissance c. 1400 — c. 1600

Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors 1485—1603

Tudor foreign policy 1485—1603

The Catholic Reformation 1492—1610

The ascendancy of the Ottoman Empire 1453—1606

The development of the nation state: France 1498—1610

The origins and growth of the British Empire 1558—1783

Popular culture and the witchcraze of the 16th and 17th centuries

The ascendancy of France 1610—1715

The challenge of German nationalism 1789—1919

The changing nature of warfare 1792—1945

Britain and Ireland 1791—1921

China and its rulers 1839—1989

Russia and its rulers 1855—1964

Civil Rights in the USA 1865—1992

From colonialism to independence: The British Empire 1857—1965

How To Improve at A Level History

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History Coursework: how to Choose the Best Question

• Dr Janet Rose
• June 13, 2020

So, just when you thought your first A-level History year was over and you could relax before tackling next year, you have to think about your history coursework. This will be the non-exam assessment (NEA) or Historical Investigation.  It can cause a lot of angst amongst students but taking some time and thinking it through carefully before you start can make the world of difference.

1. Choose to study something interesting for your history coursework

If you have the chance to choose whichever topic you like for your history coursework and set your own question, or if you are given a list of different topics, choose one you are genuinely interested in. You will be working on this piece for months, so it makes sense to choose something that will hold your interest.

2. Make sure there are no clashes with your other topics

In practice, there are constraints set by the various exam boards to make sure that your topic does not overlap with the components you are already studying for your A level or Pre U. Your exam centre (school, college or independent centre) will need to have your question approved by the exam board and they will not approve a topic with an obvious overlap. For example, if you are already studying the Tudors for AQA, it is unlikely that you can  study a topic set in England between 1485 to 1603. Therefore, if you are setting your own question, ask yourself if it overlaps in date or topic with one of your components. If it does, you will need to find an alternative. Each exam board has slightly different rules, so check on their website to see what the rules are for your exam board.

3. Find your source material early

For your history coursework, you will need to find two types of source material – primary and secondary:

P rimary sources are those that were written at the time and you will also need to find a range of these to support your investigation. To achieve high marks you should look for a variety of primary sources, for example, a letter, a report, a painting, a speech etc.

Secondary sources are scholarly books or articles by historians, or what the a-level exam boards call ‘interpretations.’ this means that your investigation will only be viable if historians have written about the topic and, preferably, argued over it. you will need to understand the arguments that provide a framework for your chosen topic. historians call this the historiography..

Therefore, the question you set yourself will only be able to achieve high marks if you make sure there are both secondary sources (scholarly argument) and primary sources (original material) to support your investigation. If you cannot find these, you should re-think your question.

4. Remember you actually have to answer the question!

It sounds really obvious – but remember that you actually have to answer the question you set yourself!  You need to choose something that is achievable in the time frame and gives you a good chance of success. A good question will give you a framework within which to research and write – you are looking for something that is not too vague nor too wide.

You also need something that you can address in the historical time frame (e.g. around 100 years for AQA) and a topic that you can analyse and evaluate in approximately 3, 500 words (check the word limit for your own exam board). In practice, any question that is too wide, too vague or unlikely to be achievable should be vetoed either by your school/college/independent centre or the exam board. However, this will waste your valuable time and is not totally foolproof, so choose an achievable project to give yourself a fighting chance of achieving that elusive A grade.

5. Choose a good format for your history coursework question

The standard ‘for and against’ question format will always be a good choice and will give you a framework within which to set your investigation. There are various ways to word such a question e.g. ‘How far…’, To what extent…’ ‘Within the context of … how important was…’ which will give you a clear framework and a direction for your investigation. Keep it simple is good advice here. Remember, though, to define your framework by including the date range in your question. For example ‘Within the context of 1790 to 1890, how important was…?’

Done well, the NEA or Personal Investigation will teach you a huge amount about how historians work, how sources are used and how to construct an argument. This will help you enormously when you come to the final exams and it can be a very valuable contribution to your qualification. It can also be enjoyable as it is your first chance to ‘do’ some real historical research. Choose your question with care and you automatically give yourself a head start.

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Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge international as & a level history (9489).

• Syllabus overview

Cambridge International AS and A Level History is a flexible and wide-ranging syllabus covering modern history in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The syllabus builds upon skills gained at Cambridge IGCSE or Cambridge O Level and develops lifelong skills including understanding issues and themes within a historical period.

The emphasis is again on both historical knowledge and on the skills required for historical research. Learners develop an understanding of cause and effect, continuity and change, similarity and difference, and use historical evidence as part of their studies. Both at AS and A Level learners can select from topics on European, American or International history.

Teachers choose which periods to focus on, allowing them to build a course that reflects their learners' interests and staff specialisms, or which is relevant to the local or regional context.

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

• -->2021 - 2023 Syllabus update (PDF, 114KB)
• -->2021 Legacy Notice (PDF, 102KB)
• -->2024 - 2025 Syllabus (PDF, 774KB)
• -->2026 - 2027 Syllabus (PDF, 880KB)

Syllabus support

• -->Support for History (PDF, 1MB)

Syllabus updates

We have reviewed Cambridge International AS & A Level History as part of our rolling review programme to make sure it reflects the latest trends in this subject and developments in education. We have made some changes to meet the needs of students, teachers and higher education institutions around the world. The following changes are for assessment in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

How has the syllabus changed?

• We have refreshed the content and reviewed the amount of optionality within question papers to make sure candidates continue to benefit from having a range of options to choose from.
• cause & consequence
• change & continuity
• similarity & difference
• significance
• interpretations.
• We have added a list of command words and their meanings to help learners know what’s expected of them in the exam.
• The syllabus code will change to 9489.

How has the assessment changed?

• Papers 1 and 2 will share the same content and learners will continue to study one of three options: European, American or International.
• Each option will consist of 4 topics, which will rotate year-on-year. The topic which is the focus of Paper 1 in June and November of any given year is not used to set the questions for Paper 2. There will be a table in the syllabus clarifying when each topic will be used for which papers.
• Paper 3 Topic 1 The Causes and Impact of British Imperialism will be replaced by The Origins of the First World War.
• Paper 4: Depth study 4: African History, 1945–91, and Depth study 5: Southeast Asian History, 1945–90s (available in November only) have been removed.

When do these changes take place?

The updated syllabus is for examination in June and November 2021, 2022 and 2023. Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus above for full details.

Coming soon

We are developing a wide range of support to help you plan and teach the 2021-2023 syllabus.

Look out for a range of support including a Scheme of work, Example candidate responses, Teacher and Learner guides. These materials will be available before first teaching from April 2019 onwards through our School Support Hub .

Endorsed resources

Increased depth of coverage and closely mapped to the new Cambridge syllabus, this series provides a wide range of source material and language support. Builds confidence in the skills of language, essay writing and evaluation.

Read more on the Cambridge University Press website

Develop knowledge and analytical skills with engaging and comprehensive coverage of the Cambridge International AS Level History syllabuses for examination from 2021.

Read more on the Hodder website

Important notices

We are withdrawing Cambridge International AS & A Level History (9489) from the March exam series. The last March series for this syllabus will be March 2025. 

From 2026, we will only offer this syllabus in the June and November exam series.

We communicated this change to schools in September 2022.

For some subjects, we publish grade descriptions to help understand the level of performance candidates’ grades represent.

We paused the publication of grade descriptions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the awarding standard in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

As the awarding standard has now returned to the pre-pandemic standard, we are working to produce up-to-date grade descriptions for most of our general qualifications. These will be based on the awarding standards in place from June 2023 onwards.

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AS and A-level History

• Specification
• Planning resources
• Teaching resources
• Assessment resources
• Introduction

Specification at a glance

• 1A The Age of the Crusades, c1071–1204
• 1B Spain in the Age of Discovery, 1469–1598 (A-level only)
• 1C The Tudors: England, 1485–1603
• 1D Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603–1702
• 1E Russia in the Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment, 1682–1796 (A-level only)
• 1F Industrialisation and the people: Britain, c1783–1885
• 1G Challenge and transformation: Britain, c1851–1964
• 1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964
• 1J The British Empire, c1857–1967
• 1K The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975
• 1L The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991
• 2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216
• 2B The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499
• 2C The Reformation in Europe, c1500–1564 (A-level only)
• 2D Religious conflict and the Church in England, c1529–c1570
• 2E The English Revolution, 1625–1660
• 2F The Sun King: Louis XIV, France and Europe, 1643–1715 (A-level only)
• 2G The Birth of the USA, 1760–1801
• 2H France in Revolution, 1774–1815 (A-level only)
• 2J America: A Nation Divided, c1845–1877
• 2K International Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941 (A-level only)
• 2L Italy and Fascism, c1900–1945
• 2M Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906–1957
• 2N Revolution and dictatorship: Russia, 1917–1953
• 2O Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945
• 2P The Transformation of China, 1936–1997
• 2Q The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945–1980
• 2R The Cold War, c1945–1991
• 2S The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007
• 2T The Crisis of Communism: The USSR and the Soviet Empire, 1953–2000 (A-level only)
• Component 3: Historical investigation (non-exam assessment) (A-level only)
• Scheme of assessment
• Non-exam assessment administration
• General administration

Subject content

• Component 1: Breadth study

1A The Age of the Crusades, c1071–1204

1B Spain in the Age of Discovery, 1469–1598

1C The Tudors: England, 1485–1603

1D Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603–1702

1E Russia in the Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment, 1682–1796

1F Industrialisation and the people: Britain, c1783–1885

1G Challenge and transformation: Britain, c1851–1964

1H Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855–1964

1J The British Empire, c1857–1967

1K The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975

1L The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991

• Component 2: Depth study

2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1216

2B The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1499

2C The Reformation in Europe, c1500–1564

2D Religious conflict and the Church in England, c1529–c1570

2E The English Revolution, 1625–1660

2F The Sun King: Louis XIV, France and Europe, 1643–1715

2G The Birth of the USA, 1760–1801

2H France in Revolution, 1774–1815

2J America: A Nation Divided, c1845–1877

2K International Relations and Global Conflict, c1890–1941

2L Italy and Fascism, c1900–1945

2M Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906–1957

2N Revolution and dictatorship: Russia, 1917–1953

2O Democracy and Nazism: Germany, 1918–1945

2P The Transformation of China, 1936–1997

2Q The American Dream: reality and illusion, 1945–1980

2R The Cold War, c1945–1991

2S The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–2007

2T The Crisis of Communism: The USSR and the Soviet Empire, 1953–2000

Component 3: Historical Investigation

AS students must take assessments in both of the following components, in the same series.

Students must:

• study the history of more than one country
• study a British history option for Component 1 or 2
• study a non-British history option for Component 1 or 2

Assessments

Prohibited Combinations

Students must study a British history option for either Component 1 or Component 2. If a British history option is chosen for Component 1, it must be combined with a non-British option for Component 2. If a British history option is chosen for Component 2, it must be combined with a non-British option for Component 1. Any British option may be combined with any non-British option.

The following are designated British history options :

Component 1

1C The Tudors: England, 1485–1547

1D Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy, 1603–1649

1F Industrialisation and the People: Britain, c1783–1832

1G Challenge and Transformation: Britain, c1851–1914

1J The British Empire, c1857–1914

Component 2

2A Royal Authority and the Angevin Kings, 1154–1189

2B The Wars of the Roses, 1450–1471

2D Religious Conflict and the Church in England, c1529–c1547

2E The English Revolution, 1625–1642

2M Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906–1929

2S The Making of Modern Britain, 1951–1979

A-level students must take assessments in all three of the following components in the same series:

• Component 3: Historical investigation (Personal study)
• study topics from a chronological range of at least 200 years

• Through the topics studied in Components 1, 2 and 3 (Historical investigation), A-level students must cover a chronological range of at least 200 years.

Students must study a British history option for either Component 1 or Component 2. If a British history option is chosen for Component 1, it must be combined with a non-British option for Component 2. If a British history option is chosen for Component 2, it must be combined with a non-British option for Component 1. Any British option may be combined with any non-British option, other than the following:

• 1C The Tudors may not be combined with 2C The Reformation in Europe
• 1D Stuart Britain and the Crisis of Monarchy may not be combined with 2F The Sun King: Louis XIV, France and Europe

This is because there is a strong conceptual emphasis which runs across both breadth and depth options which would result in a narrowing of the student’s experience.

The following are designated British history options:

1F Industrialisation and the People: Britain, c1783–1885

1G Challenge and Transformation: Britain, c1851–1964

2D Religious Conflict and the Church in England, c1529–c1570

History A level distance learning course

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A level History Key Facts

Overview of the History A level course

The History A level course matches the AQA 7042 specification. The A level specification requires students to:

• have a breadth of knowledge over at least a 200 year period
• show a depth of knowledge of a period
• engage fully with primary source materials
• study a broad and coherent curriculum

This has allowed us to develop an exciting and engaging course covering the times and subjects below.

• Specification
• Prerequisites

AS and A level topics

Introductory module:   how to study history at a-level.

Before embarking on your History course, this module will help you consider the role of the historian and the priorities to be adopted as you proceed with your studies.

Module 1 – Challenge and Transformation: Britain, c1851–1964

Allows students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in this period.

Module 2 – Victorian and Edwardian Britain, c1851–1914

Reform and Challenge, c1851–c1886 Challenges to the status quo, c1886–1914

The American Dream: Reality and Illusion, 1945–1980

An in-depth study of the challenges faced by the USA at home and abroad as it emerged from the Second World War as a Superpower.

Prosperity, Inequality and Superpower status, 1945–1963

A level only topics, the world wars and their legacies: britain, 1914–1964.

• The Great War and its impact, 1914–1939
• Transformation and change, 1939–1964

Challenges to the American Dream, 1963–1980

• The Johnson Presidency, 1963–1968
• Republican Reaction: the Nixon Presidency, 1968–1974
• The USA after Nixon, 1974–1980

Coursework Module: Black American Inequality in the United States, c1780-1900

Students will be required to submit a Historical Investigation based on a development or issue which has been subject to different historical interpretations.

The History A level specification

The course has been prepared for the AQA History AS/A level specifications 7041/7042.

The AS Level

Students can sit an AS qualification independently of the full A level. The AS level is assessed by two, one hour thirty minute examinations each worth 50% of the mark. AS results no longer contribute towards the full A level result.

The complete A level

The A level is assessed by:

• Two, two hour thirty minute examinations each worth 40% of the available marks
• One 3000-3500 word Historical Investigation worth 20% of the available marks

Students will be able to achieve grades from A* to E.

Please note that the marking and moderation of NEA (coursework) by OOL tutors is included in the course fees – this is not true of other providers.

In order to study History A level students are expected

•  To have obtained a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade C/4 and above or equivalent
• Or to have other relevant qualifications or experience which would be equivalent to this.  If in doubt as to what level you should be studying, please speak to one of our student advisers on 0800 9757575

We are open again on Friday from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm. If you like you can request a call back

Signing up for this course allows you to apply for an NUS extra discount card

Supporting resources.

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What our students think…

My prime reason for studying the course was to study, academically, a subject I was especially interested in rather than go to a local College. I wanted to work at my own pace with an organisation with specialist tutors who were experienced and sympathetic. Oxford Open Learning provided all of those things for me. My tutor, Nigel, was perfect in his support and motivated me when I was struggling. My student adviser was also always patient and timely with instructions and advice. Ron Wilson History A level

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They have free and paid subscription models with tons of material available , including different types of lessons (generally revolving around themes), podcasts and a fun flashcard feature that uses vocabulary words from the media present on their sites.

Despite the “pod” in the name, most of these online language courses include visual resources. Many are accompanied by a lesson, some grammar points, transcripts, flashcards and more.

The program now also offers a Plus subscription, which gives you access to a teacher and weekly assignments, though it’s uncertain whether this is manned by a real person—we mention the issue in our review of JapanesePod101 , if you’d like to learn more.

Best for: Beginner conversations

Price: Starting at $149.95

Rocket Languages has a number of different account types for 14 languages that may appeal to you depending on your budget.

It’s known for its incredibly vast amount of downloadable content. It’s also very well-structured, which is great for those of us who have no clue how or where to begin!

The program uses voice recognition software to make sure you’re pronouncing things right (similar to Rosetta Stone), teaches thousands of practical words and phrases, provides insight into different cultures and more.

Read our review of Rocket Languages here .

Best for: Clip-based lessons

Some awesome individuals have created a collection of public domain language courses from the United States’ Foreign Service Institute.

Most of these online language courses are broken up into audio clips that revolve around short conversations, so it’s best for those who are looking for some on-the-go material that challenges their listening skills .

FSI offers language courses for approximately 70 languages . Keep in mind that many of these recordings are for US diplomats and other government officials. It can also be dry, since these are government courses. 

Despite these caveats, these recordings can be excellent resources for learners who want a no-frills approach to language learning.

Read our review of Foreign Services Institute here .

Best for: Absolute beginners

Price: Starting at $7.45/mo

Babbel is perfect for language learners who want to learn Spanish , Norwegian or 11 other languages .

You can get a fun, game-like structure that’s accessible on your smartphone. There’s also access to a learners’ community that can help make your adventure a little more social.

Although you can access the first lesson in each language, you’ll need a subscription to unlock more lessons. Babbel offers two distinct plans. The app subscription gives you access to all the lessons, while the “Babbel live” subscription has the extra bonus of letting you attend virtual live classes taught by language teachers.

Read our review of Babbel here .

Best for: Casual learning

Price: Free; Premium plan is $59.99 per year

Duolingo is perhaps one of the more well-known options on this list.

Designed more like a game than a course, Duolingo is a fun way to squeeze in language learning on your lunch breaks or whenever you’d otherwise be playing “Candy Crush.” Duolingo focuses on making language learning intuitive.

Did we mention you can connect with friends and family through Facebook on Duolingo to add some social incentive to your learning? This feature allows you to see who can maintain a streak longer, who can progress through a lesson quicker and other fun ways to keep each other motivated. Be forewarned—things can get strangely competitive with distant cousins and passive-aggressive co-workers.

Duolingo teaches 38 languages , including some that you likely wouldn’t find in any of the other apps on this list, like Navajo and High Valyrian.

Read our review of Duolingo here .

Best for: Vocabulary practice

Price: Free basic plan; Pro plan starting at $8.49/mo

Memrise may not be a course in the traditional sense, but it started as a collection of user-generated courses in dozens of languages (including sign languages).

Recent updates to the program have turned it into a thorough exploration of languages using vocab-learning games, authentic videos and guided lessons. It’s not a robust learning program, but worth a look if you’re interested in professional-grade, visual learning.

At its core, though, Memrise still uses its original idea: Based on the spaced repetition technique , Memrise functions best as a resource for vocabulary retention. It provides users with flashcards enhanced by fellow learners with images, wordplay to make the terms more memorable and a variety of memory games plus visuals to encourage you to keep on pushing!

You can even create your own course to help you remember those specific terms that trip you up. Memrise currently offers 22 languages as well as an offline mode .

Read our review of Memrise here . 

Best for: Essential phrases

Price: Starting at $6.67/mo

Mango Languages is known for its game-like design and its ability to have you speaking phrases within a few weeks.

It’s much like Babbel and Duolingo, but this language learning program offers a few fun extras. Specifically, it incorporates augmented reality into its teaching, bringing your learning experience to life in your living room.

It also includes cultural information about the language you’re learning and can be applied on a larger scale for organizations and classrooms. Finally, it incorporates a special review system that tracks your progress and gives you a more personalized training regimen.

The monthly subscription includes access to more than 70 language courses .

Read our review of Mango Languages here .

Best for: Image-based vocabulary lessons

Price: Free basic access; Premium plan starting at $9.99/mo

Gamified app Mondly introduces basic vocabulary through simple photos. In various exercises, you’ll swipe, drag-and-drop and use word banks to do simple translations. There are also grammar tips and conversation practice. Conversations are presented as text messages.

Mondly lets you take a few trial lessons for free, although your access will be limited. Once you sign up for a Premium plan, you can take the lessons in sequence, or skip around to different topics. Depending on the plan you pick, you can learn a single language, or have access to all of the available 41 languages .

One of the advantages to Mondly is that you can potentially study a couple of languages—including harder-to-find ones such as Bengali, Magyar or Catalan. You can also choose to learn through one of many languages. So, for example, you could learn Italian through Hebrew, French through English or Bulgarian through Vietnamese.

Read our review of Mondly here .

Best for: Learning activities

LearnaLanguage.com is another website filled with online language courses, providing free lesson materials, language learning games and memory activities. You can, for example, learn more Spanish or brush up on your Japanese love phrases.

The website serves as a fun and easy way to get a first glance at certain languages. Best of all, it’s dedicated to offering free content so you can learn key words, phrases and more in 19 languages .

Best for: Learning with other language lovers

Price: Free basic plan; Premium plan starting at $6.56

With a dozen languages available for study, Busuu—named for an endangered language in Cameroon—is a lively platform for language learners.

Busuu integrates a great deal of social interaction into its program. Make and accept friend requests to connect with other language learners. Take turns correcting each other’s reading and speaking exercises.

This language learning program offers courses for 12 different languages— English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Turkish, Polish, Russian and Arabic.

Premium users can gauge their progress with placement tests from McGraw-Hill Education. These correspond to the mastery levels in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages .

Read our review of Busuu here .

Best for: Communicative learning

Price: Starting at $4/lesson

Want to mix your target language and social media? italki is the Facebook of language learning programs, with over 130 languages from Spanish to Tibetan.

Explained as a “language teaching marketplace” by co-founder Kevin Chen, this website has a massive listing of language tutors from all over the world.

There are plenty of free services, like the ability to get written corrections and connect with users who may want to engage in a free language exchange via Skype or another service. There’s no set pedagogical standard for italki, but you can find the teacher, learning style and lessons that work for you and your wallet.

Read our review of italki here .

Best for: Language exchange

Do you ever get bored or lonely trying to learn a lesson by yourself? This website is a great option for social butterflies.

On this site, you complete lessons with language-learning buddies from all over the world. Did we mention there are over a million members who speak upwards of 115 languages ?

Find someone who speaks your target language and is learning your native language—and help each other learn!

Best for: Private lessons

Price: Starting at about $20/lesson

Do you need a teacher to help you through your lessons? Verbalplanet has a large staff of native tutors to help you through the trials of learning a language online.

After every lesson, your teacher will provide feedback and let you know how you’re doing in the core language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) using the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR). This means you can track your progress over time and easily pinpoint trouble areas to work on.

Best for: Individual lessons

Price: Starting at $59/mo (for four hours of lessons)

If you’re looking for comfortable private lessons and have an idea of what level of proficiency you’d like to reach, try out Rype.

Rype is a language tutor service that works around your needs. When signing up, you provide details on how much time you have for learning. From there, Rype can give you a reliable estimate of what you can achieve within that time frame. You can then book your own native-speaking teacher who will create a custom lesson plan just for you.

Lessons are held over Skype and each lasts roughly 30 minutes. There’s no real limit to how many lessons you can book: you can pause or continue your learning whenever you’d like.

Best for: All-around classroom lessons

Price : Starting from $177 

Are you a classroom learner who likes structure but wants to take your online language course on the go? Try Fluenz. 

The structure of their courses is based on a typical, English-speaking classroom, using English as a foundation for learning new languages.

It will feel quite familiar for native English speakers who learned a foreign language in their middle or high school.

Fluenz offers one-on-one tutoring sessions with native-speaking language coaches, who provide learners with personalized feedback and support.

You can find courses for seven languages— European Spanish, Latin American Spanish, French, Italian, Mandarin, German and Portuguese.

Best for: Group learning

Price: Starting at $8

This is the right option for you if you like learning in a group with a tutor but also want to review your lesson later because all courses are recorded.

These online language courses are customized to the student and their instructors are highly qualified professionals. As an added bonus, you can get a certificate of completion when you get through your learning, which you can use on your resume.

You can choose from over 80 languages and take a level test in some of the languages before you sign up for a lesson.

Best for:  Lecture learning

Would you like an MIT education? Wouldn’t we all? Thanks to MIT OpenCourseWare, you can download the syllabus and course material in the language class of your choice.

You can find courses for Chinese and Portuguese where you can learn about basic oral expression and listening comprehension as well as elementary reading and writing.

Interested in a literature or culture class? No problem. Check out Scott Young’s TEDx talk about giving himself an MIT education through this program.

Best for: Accredited learning

Price: $346 per credit

Looking for college credit? Oregon State has a very well-known and accredited online campus worth looking into.

Currently, seven language programs are on offer, though you can also minor in French, German or Spanish. No pants? No problem.

Best for:  University-style learning

If you prefer a more traditional classroom experience, consider the language learning program edX.

With curriculum from universities around the world—including Boston University, the university system of Maryland, Harvard, Peking University and the University of Oxford—edX gives learners at all levels free access to top-notch language courses.

In addition to the languages you might expect (such as French, German, English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian), you’ll find more unusual topics such as Noongar (an indigenous language from Western Australia) and Tibetan.

Some of the language courses are very specific to particular goals, such as Mandarin Chinese for business.

At a paid level, EdX has professional certificates and the XSeries (for deep dives into a language).

Best for: Culture studies

The self-proclaimed source of the “best free cultural & educational media on the web,” Open Culture is an awesome website that collects free courses and resources for its users.

Equipped with an engaging blog and links to over 1,000 free courses, this resource is perfect for the culture nerd in all of us.

It’s not exclusively dedicated to language courses, but you can still find resources in over 48 languages .

Best for: Quick research

Omniglot has mini-lessons on over 600 languages , detailing some of the histories and origins of archaic scripts like Ladino or Old Norse. It’s a great resource for anyone learning lesser-known languages like Xhosa, Igbo and Ojibwe.

In addition to an overview of the writing system and some cultural information about each language, Omniglot provides links to further information about every language and how to learn it, as well as YouTube videos showcasing the language.

Omniglot also has its own Facebook group where language-lovers share interesting tidbits about linguistics in a fun and approachable way. The multilingual nature of the group means you can find help with many different languages among the nearly 30,000 members.

Best for: Language variety

Price: Starting at $24.95/mo

Whatever language you’re interested in learning, Transparent Language is highly likely to have something for it. It offers teaching material for an impressive roster of over 100 languages .

Although you can learn on the website, the app version is the more favored format. Lessons are short (roughly 10 to 15 minutes each) but challenging enough to keep you on your toes. There’s no strict course structure—although the program may recommend certain lessons based on your level, you can customize your learning and focus on the skills you’re interested in.

Transparent Language is another program that offers a nifty speech analysis function that lets you practice your speaking. Your voice is analyzed and any problem spots are visualized on a sound wave graph.

Best for:  Multilingual learning

An indispensable resource for language learners, Internet Polyglot also contains a feature that most other online courses don’t: the ability to translate lessons to and from any language they have available. Do you want to learn French through Spanish? No problemo, mon ami .

Internet Polyglot offers courses for over 20 languages , including popular ones such as Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese and Arabic, as well as less commonly studied languages like Hungarian, Lithuanian and Estonian.

Thanks to this, there’s a huge selection of courses to choose from. The content mostly features vocabulary with audio. Unfortunately, the game buttons no longer seem to work.

However, you can find usage examples for many of the words, so this website can serve as an excellent themed word builder. You can even use it to learn words in two languages at once if you’re feeling ambitious!

Best for: Language resources

Word2Word is a massive online database of free courses in over 100 languages . It also points you in the direction of language learning forums and more general polyglot guides and resources.

Most importantly, Word2Word contains links to tools and resources from all over the web in less common languages like Frisian and Malay.

Best for: Language foundation

The Live Lingua Project has made language courses from Peace Corps training free to all who visit their website. You don’t even need an account to access these.

It hosts thousands of free ebooks, audio clips and videos for over 130 languages from around the world.

There are lots of hard-to-find languages, such as Anufo (spoken in Togo) and Q´eqchi (spoken in Guatemala) . You can also find regional variations on more well-known languages—such as 11 different varieties of Arabic, three varieties of Russian and four different styles of French.

Many of the courses feature audio clips to help you learn pronunciation. While the materials aren’t brand-new, they will give you a thorough foundation in the languages you choose to study.

Best for: Extra review

MyLanguages.org has lessons in 95 languages— all for free. You can learn vocab, grammar and quick phrases . You can even quiz yourself on your knowledge! The main draw of this language learning program is the illustrated word lists. 

The courses on this site are mostly written (though they do involve some audio and video material), making them perfect for intermediate learners who need to review and refine their grammatical skills. 

So there you have it, the online language course list to end all lists. It may come as no surprise that native material  (video, podcasts, books, etc. in your target language) can far surpass any course when used effectively.

But several of us benefit more when we balance or supplement those authentic materials with a course, so now you know where to look. Choose a course (or several) that appeals to you, and get started today!

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