How to Choose Edexcel IAL History: Four Options for Each of the Four Units, and Three Prohibited Combinations
Based on the official Pearson IAL Humanities Guide, this article outlines the four units of Edexcel IAL History, the four options for each unit, the three prohibited combinations, exam sessions and computer-based testing arrangements, compares them with Cambridge 9489, and provides subject selection advice.
Our previous A-Level History articles (Articles 175, 189, 203, and 214) only covered Cambridge 9489 because we didn't have access to the Edexcel IAL History syllabus at the time. This article fills that gap with Edexcel: based on the official Pearson guide International AS/A Levels Humanities: Geography & History (April 2026 edition), we have organized the four units of IAL History, the four options for each unit, and the combinations that are not allowed to be taken together. Please note: this guide does not provide details on question types and marks for each unit, so this article will not cover question types; please refer to the latest Pearson IAL History syllabus for specifics.
1. Overall Structure
- Four units, all written exams: The guide states that IAL History is 100% externally assessed with no coursework;
- Each unit: 2 hours, 50 marks, accounting for 25% of the IAL;
- Exam sessions: January and June each year;
- On-screen testing: The guide notes that from 2026, IAL History can be taken either on-screen or as a paper-based exam;
- Course start date: The current IAL History has been taught since September 2015.
According to the guide, IAL History focuses on three perspectives: depth, breadth, and interpretations. Depth study involves a detailed study of a country's history over a shorter period; breadth study examines a country over a longer timespan through four key themes; and international study explores the development of international relations over a longer historical period. The guide also mentions that the course aims to develop the ability to construct well-substantiated arguments in extended writing and to make judgments on historical issues or interpretations.
2. Four Units and Options
| Unit | Type | Options (Choose One) |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 (WHI01, IAS) | Depth Study and Historical Interpretations | 1A France in Revolution, 1774–99 1B Russia in Revolution, 1881–1917 1C Germany, 1918–45 1D Britain, 1964–90 |
| Unit 2 (WHI02, IAS) | Breadth Study and Source Evaluation | 1A India, 1857–1948: From the British Raj to Partition 1B China, 1900–76 1C Russia, 1917–91: From Lenin to Yeltsin 1D South Africa, 1948–2014 |
| Unit 3 (WHI03) | Breadth Study and Source Evaluation | 1A The USA: From Independence to Civil War, 1763–1865 1B Britain's Experience of Warfare, 1803–1945 1C Germany: Unification, Division and Reunification, 1870–1990 1D Civil Rights and Race Relations in the USA, 1865–2009 |
| Unit 4 (WHI04, IA2) | International Study and Historical Interpretations | 1A The Making of Modern Europe, 1805–71 1B The World in Crisis, 1879–1945 1C A Divided World: Superpower Relations, 1943–90 1D The Cold War and Hot War in Asia, 1945–90 |
Note on Unit 3: In the guide's table, the third unit is labeled "IAS Unit 2" with a weight of "50% of IAS". Based on the sequence of the unit code WHI03 and the IAL structure comprising two IAS units and two IA2 units, it should be Unit 3 of the second year (IA2) (this is our judgment; please refer to the official syllabus).
3. Combinations Not Allowed
The guide lists three prohibited combinations that must be avoided when selecting options:
| Cannot be taken together | Two options |
|---|---|
| Unit 1 Option 1B + Unit 2 Option 1C | Russia in Revolution (1881–1917) and Russia (1917–91) |
| Unit 1 Option 1C + Unit 3 Option 1C | Germany (1918–45) and Germany: Unification, Division and Reunification (1870–1990) |
| Unit 3 Option 1B + Unit 4 Option 1A | Britain's Experience of Warfare (1803–1945) and The Making of Modern Europe (1805–71) |
Looking at the content of the options, the first two groups are both options for the same country with consecutive or overlapping time periods; the third group also has overlapping timeframes (an empirical observation, as the guide does not explain the reason). When planning, determine the options for all four units together and eliminate these three groups first.
4. Comparison with Cambridge 9489
- Assessment method: Both exam boards are 100% written exams with no coursework; Cambridge consists of two AS papers and two A Level papers (see Article 175), while Edexcel has four units;
- Exam sessions: Edexcel is in January and June each year; Cambridge is in June and November (see Article 175);
- Similar themes (empirical comparison): Edexcel Unit 1's Germany (1918–45) is similar to Hitler's Germany in the European option of Cambridge Paper 4; Edexcel Unit 4's "The World in Crisis, 1879–1945" is similar to the Origins of the First World War in Cambridge Paper 3; Edexcel Unit 4's "Superpower Relations, 1943–90" is similar to the Origins of the Cold War in Cambridge Paper 3 and the Soviet Empire in Eastern Europe in Paper 4 (see Article 214). The themes are similar, but the question types and grading requirements differ between the two exam boards, so refer to your own syllabus when using study materials.
5. How to Choose
Here are some practical recommendations:
- Check which options your school offers: Schools may only offer a selection of options, so confirm this first;
- Avoid prohibited combinations: Write down your choices for all four units together and check them against the three prohibited groups above;
- Consider chronological continuity: Within the allowed rules, choose options from similar eras or regions so that background knowledge can support each other. For example, choosing the French Revolution for Unit 1 and "The Making of Modern Europe, 1805–71" for Unit 4 creates a chronological link;
- Consider language and materials: Chinese students might be more familiar with the background of "China, 1900–76", but the exam is answered in English. Historical facts and terminology must be mastered in English, and analysis must follow the perspectives required by the syllabus, rather than relying solely on domestic textbook narratives;
- Practice both sources and interpretations: Based on the unit names, Units 2 and 3 include "Source Evaluation", while Units 1 and 4 include "Historical Interpretations". You need to prepare for both skill sets (for writing techniques, you can refer to the source questions in Article 203 and the historical interpretations section in Article 214, but always follow Edexcel's question types).
Conclusion
Edexcel IAL History consists of four units, all written exams. You choose one option from four for each unit, but there are three combinations that cannot be taken together. When selecting options, first confirm what your school offers, then avoid the prohibited combinations, and try to ensure chronological and regional continuity. Please refer to the latest Pearson syllabus for details on question types and grading. If you need A-Level History tutoring or advice on option selection, feel free to chat with our teachers.
Verification note: This article was verified in September 2026. The names, codes, duration, marks, weightings, options for each unit, three prohibited combinations, 100% external assessment, January and June exam sessions, on-screen option from 2026, teaching start date of September 2015, and descriptions of depth, breadth, and international studies are all from the Pearson guide Pearson Edexcel International AS/A Levels Humanities: Geography & History (PDF created in April 2026), which is linked from the official Pearson IAL History (2015) page. The full IAL History syllabus was not available, so this article does not cover question types and mark details. The classification of Unit 3 is our judgment based on the unit code and IAL structure; the Cambridge 9489 details have been verified in Articles 175 and 214 on this site. The Chinese names for the options are our translations. The option selection advice and thematic comparison between the two exam boards are our practical recommendations.
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