Cambridge International Level 3 Pre-U Certificate in History (Principal)
Qualification summary
Cambridge International Level 3 Pre-U syllabuses aim to encourage the development of skills that students require in their subsequent studies at university. This syllabus not only provides a solid grounding, at an appropriate level, in History but also nurtures the ability of students to undertake independent and self-directed learning and to think laterally, critically and creatively. This focus on independent thinking and study skills, combined with a strong subject base, means that this syllabus promotes the development of successful students – equipped to succeed once they are at university.
This syllabus has been developed in collaboration with schools and in consultation with universities and subject associations. All assessment takes place at the end of the two-year course, which promotes coherence in assessment and clarity in reporting achievement, and liberates learning by giving schools the chance to structure courses in ways most appropriate to their own students.
• through the acquisition of a sound knowledge and understanding of a substantial period of the History of more than one country;
• by consideration of the nature of historical sources and the methods used by historians;
• through an acquaintance with the variety of approaches to aspects and periods of History and a familiarity with differing interpretations of particular historical problems;
• by promoting an awareness of historical concepts such as change and continuity, causation and motivation, as well as appropriate period-specific concepts (e.g. nationalism, feudalism, laissez-faire, colonisation, tyranny, revolution);
• by encouraging an awareness of the links and comparisons which can be made between the histories of different countries or between different periods;
• by encouraging the development of students as critical, reflective and independent learners, deriving interest and enjoyment from their historical studies.
Qualification details
OG - Other General Qualification
Accreditation start date:
Operational start date in centres:
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When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
For further information on 14-19 qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DCSF
Section 96 website.
For further information on 19+ qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DIUS
Section 97 website.
For further information on Wales, visit the
DCELLS website.
For further information on Northern Ireland, visit the
DELNI and
DENI websites.
Botswana - Canada - Finland - France - Greece - Guernsey - India - Scotland - Spain - Uganda - United States
This syllabus aims to encourage the development of generic skills of independent study and research, and to promote critical thinking and self-directed learning – all of which are intended to provide for successful progression to Higher Education and employment. In addition, the syllabus provides deep learning in terms of knowledge and understanding that will provide a sound basis for progression to higher study in cognate subjects.
No specific job occupation
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10 History, Philosophy and Theology
D1, D2, D3, M1, M2, M3, P1, P2, P3
The qualification is assessed using independent and holistic assessment
The Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate in History is assessed through four mandatory components. The assessments all take place at the end of the two-year course and a single grade is awarded.
Further details about the schemes of assessment and the content of the course can be found in the subject syllabus, available on www.cie.org.uk or direct from CIE.
The Cambridge International Pre-U Certificates in Principal Subjects can act as standalone qualifications but are also intended to form a part of the Cambridge International Pre-U Diploma, along with Global Perspectives and an Independent Research Report. It is expected that this Principal Subject will require a minimum of 380 Guided Learning Hours. This is a notional measure of the substance of the qualification. It includes an estimate of the time that might be allocated to direct teaching or instruction, together with other structured learning time such as directed assignments or supported individual study and practice. It excludes learner-initiated private study.
• History Outline Papers are designed to encourage candidates to study chosen themes within a wider historical context. A wide range of choice is offered. Candidates will be expected to have studied a substantial period of History and a variety of topics for both of their chosen papers.
• Papers 1–3 are divided into smaller sections by chronology and themes. Paper 4 is divided by regions and themes. Depending upon period and region, papers are divided into five to seven sub-periods and two to three theme sections.
• In each paper, candidates will be expected to answer three essay questions in 2¼ hours, choosing their questions from at least two sections.
• Depending upon period and region, the number of questions across a whole paper will be between 40 and 50, with sub-periods and regions normally attracting five questions and themes eight questions.
• Candidates will not be permitted to answer questions on an Outline Paper which are directly connected with their chosen Special Subject and this prohibition will be indicated by a rubric.
• It cannot be guaranteed that there will be a question on every topic in each examination session. However, the division of papers into smaller sections should provide a reasonable degree of predictability. Some of the larger topics in the contents lists may attract more than one question in any one session.