GCSE and A Level History Audio Study Guides

Modern Britain 1930-1997

Welcome to our A level history series for OCR's Modern Britain 1930-1997. Ranging from the biggest international economic depression in modern history, through a world war to dramatic economic and social change, our series will provide you with detailed insight and address the key arguments across the core events and protagonists. Written by Professor Eric Evans, recognised as one of the leading historians of this period, and Mike Wells, a highly experienced writer and examiner, the series will not only provide you with the knowledge required for your course but will deliver a deeper look at key aspects affecting Britain during this period.

Cold War in Europe 1941 - 1995

The Cold War sent shivers down the spines of ordinary people, with the world holding its breath and confronting the spectre of nuclear armageddon. In our A level OCR series we cover all the main areas of study as follows: The situation in 1941,The impact of WWII, The start of the Cold War 1945-47, Soviet Expansion and reaction of USA to increased tension, Conflicts over Germany and the creation of NATO, The USSR and Eastern Europe in the 1950s and 1960s, Germany after division ,Development of the Cold War, Attempts at peace and a new Cold War, USSR in crisis, Eastern Europe’s role in ending the Cold War, and the end of the Cold War itself. The series is written by Dr Mark Hurst from the University of Kent and Head of Humanities, Richard Macfarlane.

Cold War in Asia 1945 - 1993

Welcome to our series on the Cold War in Asia. Most people are familiar with the Cold War in Europe, but it was in Asia that the Cold War was at it's hottest. For many the Vietnam war defines the Cold War in Asia but there was a lot more to it than that. Our series examines all the key areas required by your study and sheds light on a conflict that arguably led to more deaths than both the first and second world wars combined. Professor Kevin Ruane, a renowned historian of the period, and head of humanities, Richard Macfarlane are your guides. Each main podcast is supported by one of Kevin's 'Key Topics' which will give you a rare insight into the key events.

COMING APRIL 2022 - Russia and Its Rulers 1855-1964

Thematic Study: Russia and its Rulers 1855–1964  

This series is designed to support OCR's specification for Russia and it's Rulers 1855-1964.

Written by Dr Michael Lynch (Honorary Fellow, University of Leicester and author of Revolution & Dictatorship: Russia 1917-1953 and Reaction & Revolution: Russia 1894-1924) the series covers all key aspects of the required study, together with extracts from original sources which add the colour, depth and insight which is invaluable when seeking the highest grades.

Here's what OCR has to say about the topic:

"The topic focuses on the nature, development and impact of Russian government on the people within its empire or sphere of influence from 1855 to 1964. It covers the similarities and differences in aims, methods and actions between Russian Rulers as well as the effect of government on economic and social conditions, war, empire and the development of political opposition. The thematic approach lends itself far more to the key concepts, and the measurement of progression, stagnation and regression".

Russia 1894-1941

Has there been a more dramatic period in European history? From the fall of the three hundred year old Romanov dynasty, Russia’s fleeting attempt at democracy, to the establishment and consolidation of the world's first Communist state. This series deals with the dramatic transformation of Russia from a backward feudal empire to a modern super power that would be able to withstand the might of Hitler. Revolutions came thick, fast and varied; political, social and industrial. There was not a dull moment in this period in Russia and we help you to understand the nature and impact of those events.

OCR A level Coursework Y100

Not the standard Audiopi series! However by popular demand we explain all aspects of how to tackle the A level Coursework module. The series is designed for both teachers and students and takes you through every aspect of how to approach, manage, self mark and mark the work. The series is delivered as various discussions between an Advisor on Coursework, a teacher and a student. The series is written by Audiopi favourites, Mike Wells and Nick Fellows.

Italy 1896 - 1943

The podcast series for Italy 1896-1943 gives you a detailed overview of what is required for your A Level studies, taking you from the turn of the century, the growing instability of Italian politics, the First World War, the development of fascism and rise and fall of Mussolini, up to and including the Second World War. The series is brought to you by Dr David Brown and Dr Giuliana Pieri, Head of Modern Languages at Royal Holloway University.

France in revolution 1774-1815

Mike Wells and one of the leading academics in the subject, Professor William Doyle, come together to exam a period in history which sent shock waves around the world, inspired millions, and still has the ability to send a shiver down the spine. Napoleon, once a great hero of European history , is now considered in a much more critical light. Our series on the French Revolution and Napoleon is designed to support the AQA A level specification. In addition to the main content Professor William Doyle also helps you develop a deeper understanding with his Key Concepts.

The Consolidation of the Tudor Dynasty 1485-1547

This series takes you through the AQA specification for the Tudor period 1485-1547 step by step. The series is produced by Nick Fellows, an A level examiner who has written many textbooks on The Tudors, Katie Fellows, who is currently studying for her DPhil in History at St Peter's College, Oxford, and Oxford historian, Dr Glyn Redworth, who is a specialist in early modern British & European history. In addition to the main series content Glyn also considers key words or concepts which will give our listeners a neat perspective on each area of study and help them to grasp issues clearly, simply and effectively.

The Tudors - Turmoil and Triumph, England 1547-1603

If one thing makes the later Tudors a fascinating topic to study it is that we are dealing with a crisis of monarchy. After the establishment of the dynasty by Henry Tudor and the iconic rule of his bloodthirsty son, Henry VIII, the reign of each of the last three Tudor rulers shows how potentially weak was their family´s grasp on power. The reign of the Edward VI was, in fact, to leave the country in the hands of a child, or rather the grasping noblemen who surrounded him. This was followed by the first female monarch in English history, Mary I, who threatened the independence of the kingdom by risking marriage with a foreign prince. Even the reign of Elizabeth was not without its risks, as the young queen struggled to impose her will on evangelical councillors who were determined that nothing should prevent the re-imposition of their brand of Protestantism. The rule of the later Tudors also witnessed the threat of both populist and aristocratic-inspired rebellions, and various attempts to assassinate Queen Elizabeth. Matching the threats at home from Catholics to her life and from Protestants to her political authority were the threats from overseas. Ireland rebelled against English colonialism, and Europe´s only superpower at the time, Spain, sent armada after armada in an attempt to unseat the queen and restore the Old Religion. Studying the later Tudors challenges students to think about what it was like to live at a time when religion threatened to push the country into civil war, or to consider what it must have been like to have been a female monarch in a wholly male-dominated society. Each pod for this course will introduce students to bigger questions about the period, at the same time as providing them with the detail needed for examination success. The series brings together once again Nick Fellows and Glyn Redworth.