IGCSE History at Brampton College: Explore the Past, Understand the Present, Shape the Future
Are you intrigued by global conflict, revolutions, and the individuals who changed the course of history? Do you want to learn how the world we live in was shaped by 20th-century ideologies, political systems, and social transformations?
At Brampton College in London, our Edexcel IGCSE History course (4HI1) offers a powerful one-year programme that develops your ability to analyse events, evaluate sources, and construct persuasive arguments. Whether you’re preparing for A Level History, looking to strengthen your critical thinking, or aiming for top university pathways in Law, Politics, or International Relations, this course provides the perfect academic foundation.
You’ll study the major conflicts, ideologies, and social changes that defined the modern world, from Nazi Germany and Cold War rivalries to the Vietnam War and medical progress through time.
Why Study IGCSE History at Brampton College
Explore a Range of Dynamic Historical Topics
The course combines four distinct units, giving you insight into modern dictatorships,
international relations, warfare, and long-term social change. You’ll learn to think critically and ask thoughtful questions about power, conflict, and human experience.
Build Analytical and Argumentative Skills
IGCSE History develops the ability to evaluate historical sources, detect bias, weigh up interpretations, and construct evidence-based essays, all of which are highly valued by top universities and employers.
Understand the Global World Through the Lens of the Past
From post-WWI Germany to the Vietnam War, this course helps you understand how ideology, nationalism, and diplomacy have shaped the global stage.
Fast-Paced One-Year Course with Proven Results
Our intensive one-year programme is ideal for resitters, international students, or learners seeking a fresh academic start. Brampton has a strong track record of outstanding GCSE History results and a reputation for high-quality teaching.
What You’ll Study: IGCSE History Course Overview (Edexcel 4HI1)
Paper 1: Depth Studies (50% of total qualification)
1. Development of Dictatorship: Germany, 1918–1945
Explore how Germany transitioned from defeat in WWI and the democratic Weimar Republic to the rise of Hitler and the Nazi regime, ending in the devastation of WWII and the Holocaust.
Key themes include:
● The Treaty of Versailles and Weimar struggles
● The rise of National Socialism and Hitler’s dictatorship
● The role of propaganda, fear, and control
● Anti-Semitism, Nazi policies, and the genocide of six million Jews
2. A World Divided: Superpower Relations, 1945–1972
This unit covers the Cold War, a time of nuclear tension, espionage, and ideological rivalry between the USA and the USSR.
Topics include:
● The origins of the Cold War
● The Berlin Crisis and the Cuban Missile Crisis
● Arms race, space race, and the rise of proxy wars
● Moves toward détente by the early 1970s
Paper 2: Historical Investigation and Breadth Study (50% of total qualification)
3. Historical Investigation: The Vietnam Conflict, 1945–1975
Examine one of the most controversial wars of the 20th century. This unit uses source analysis to investigate America’s failed military intervention in Vietnam.
You will study:
● The fall of French Indochina
● The rise of the Viet Cong and guerilla tactics
● The impact of media, public opinion, and protest
● The legacy of US withdrawal and defeat
4. Breadth Study: Changes in Medicine, 1848–1948
This fascinating unit covers 100 years of medical progress, from the discovery of germs to early public health systems.
Key themes include:
Paper 1: Depth Studies (50% of total qualification)
1. Development of Dictatorship: Germany, 1918–1945
Explore how Germany transitioned from defeat in WWI and the democratic Weimar Republic to the rise of Hitler and the Nazi regime, ending in the devastation of WWII and the Holocaust.
Key themes include:
● The evolution of disease theory and treatment
● Breakthroughs in surgery and anaesthesia
● The role of war and industrialisation in medical advancement
● The contributions of women and changing public health policy
Assessment and Exam Structure Two Written Exams:
● Paper 1: Depth Studies
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes | Weighting: 50%
● Paper 2: Historical Investigation & Breadth Study Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes | Weighting: 50%
There is no coursework or controlled assessment. All assessment is exam-based, with a strong emphasis on source evaluation and structured essay writing.
How You’ll Learn at Brampton College Discussion-Based, Source-Led Learning
Each lesson encourages debate, analysis, and interpretation of historical events and perspectives, developing independent thought and academic confidence.
Resources Provided
● Course-specific textbooks and revision booklets
● Sample essays and source evaluation practice
● Access to past papers and mark schemes
● Google Classroom for digital assignments and resources
Students also receive regular topic tests, timed essay practice, and structured revision sessions to maximise exam performance.
Skills You’ll Build
● Critical analysis and interpretation of historical evidence
● Source evaluation and historiography
● Argument construction and persuasive essay writing
● Research and independent inquiry
● Historical empathy and global awareness
These skills support a wide range of future academic pathways in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Law, as well as careers that require clear thinking and effective communication
Who Should Study IGCSE History?
IGCSE History is ideal for students who:
● Enjoy learning about real-world events and ideologies
● Are aiming for A Level History or related subjects like Politics, Psychology, or English
● Plan to pursue degrees in Law, International Relations, Journalism, or Education
● Want to sharpen their essay writing and analytical skills
● Are resitting or looking for an academically rigorous one-year GCSE course
Future Opportunities with IGCSE History
IGCSE History at Brampton College offers more than historical knowledge, it provides a launchpad for university success and globally relevant careers.
Many of our students progress to A Level History, and later to competitive degrees at Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, LSE, Warwick, and King’s College London, studying subjects such as:
● History and International Relations
● Law and Legal Studies
● Politics and Philosophy
● Sociology and Anthropology
● Journalism and Media
● Teaching and Education
● Public Policy and Civil Service
Whether you’re decoding Cold War politics or exploring medical revolutions, History helps you think critically and communicate persuasively in any field.
