Course Overview
Discover the past and unearth some of history’s most surprising and enlightening secrets.
Did the 80th anniversary of VE Day leave you wanting to know more about past events? IGCSE History delves into significant events, influential figures and transformative periods in history enabling you to gain a deeper perspective on our present by better understanding the past.
Our IGCSE History online course uncovers the key events that have shaped our world. From ancient civilisations to modern history, studying IGCSE History allows you to explore and understand these meaningful events. You’ll have the opportunity to examine the past and address some of the pivotal moments in history that have defined the world we are living in today.
Historians play a crucial role in interpreting past events and providing an insight into current societal structures. Our History IGCSE online course will develop your range of key practical skills such as critical thinking, evidence-based research, communication, problem-solving, analytical and independent thinking — essential for a range of careers and further study.
Through the study of various historical periods and themes, IGCSE History uncovers the key connections between the past and present, helping you to understand the parallels between historical and recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
History is a well-respected and sought-after subject if you are intending to move on to further study and for employers.
Start your journey to understanding the complexities of the past and their impact on the present.
If you are looking at completing a GCSE in one year, or if you are looking for more structured support including live online teaching from subject specialists, check out our fully supported one-year Structured History IGCSE course. Achieve your goals, your way.
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100% pass rate in 2024
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Interactive course
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1:1 tutor support
IGCSE History at a glance
Our (I)GCSE courses are offered in conjunction with leading UK examination boards and you’ll have to sit exams to get your qualification. Our Exams and Assessment page provides more information on sitting your exams.
Edexcel 4HI1
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade.
No additional set texts required.
Exams (two)
50% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes)
50% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
Reading (not included in the course fee):
There are some recommendations you may with to refer to for additional reading.
Internet access:
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
Edexcel 4HI1
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
No additional set texts required.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Reading (not included in the course fee):
There are some recommendations you may with to refer to for additional reading.
Internet access:
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
Exams (two)
50% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes)
50% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
Edexcel 4HI1
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade.
No additional set texts required.
Exams (two)
50% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes)
50% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
Reading (not included in the course fee):
There are some recommendations you may with to refer to for additional reading.
Internet access:
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
Why study IGCSE History
Future opportunities
- Studying History at A level.
- A range of diverse career avenues including: law, civil service, politics, business, finance, marketing, journalism accountancy, economics, heritage, teaching, academia, insurance, crime investigation, social work, archaeology and social research.
IGCSE History taster
Do historical facts spark your curiosity to find out more about the world we live in today? Studying IGCSE History allows you to explore and understand significant events and their impacts on the present and the future.
This free PDF taster provides an example of a topic from the course.
Download your free taster today, have a look around and contact us if you have any questions about the IGCSE History course.
Flexible payments and financial help
- As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
- NEC’s fees for (I)GCSEs offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts and affordable finance options.
- Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
- Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.
Visit our Fee information page or
Study now, pay your way
It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 monthly repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.
To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.
The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and replayment plans see our Fee Information page.
| Course fee | £470 |
| Deposit | £47 |
| Amount of credit | £423 |
| Monthly payment | £35.25 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Total repayment | £470 |
| Cost of credit | £0.00 |
| Rate of interest | 0% APR representative |
Enrolling on more than one GCSE or IGCSE? Use voucher code GCSEMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.
Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor
You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.
MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS“I am a firm believer that passionate tutors who enjoy the subject can pass on their enthusiasm to their learners. My knowledge and experience as a tutor has been built up over many years within sixth form colleges, universities and within the online environment. My academic background has seen me gain a BA in Modern History and Politics, a Masters in Politics and Irish Studies and a PhD in Politics, all from Liverpool University. I am an examiner for two major exam boards and have had a significant amount of academic work published in various books and study guides.”
Additional support for under 18s
We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.
Talk to one of our course advisors
Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.
NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.
Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.
Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.
Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.
We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.
Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.
Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.
Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.
If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!
If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.
Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!
If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.
Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.
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Want to study more than one subject? We offer a 10% multi-buy offer when you enrol on two or more courses together.
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