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Pearson Edexcel · IGCSE

Pearson Edexcel IGCSE World History

World History for Pearson Edexcel IGCSE (syllabus 4HI1) — what the qualification covers, and the study material Marlbridge publishes for it.

Syllabus
4HI1
Board
Pearson Edexcel
Qualification
IGCSE

At a glance

Qualification
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE World History
Spec code
4HI1
Does Marlbridge teach it?
Yes
Are resources available?
Yes — 6 published
Is enrolment open?
Enquire to join — no online enrolment yet
Where was this verified?
2026-08-19, official Pearson Edexcel specification

Compiled and maintained by the Marlbridge Academic Team, checked against the official Pearson Edexcel specification on 2026-08-19.

Spotted something wrong on this page? Report an error — see the corrections policy.

The qualification

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE History (4HI1)

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in History gives students the opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of selected periods and aspects of history, exploring the significance of historical events, people, changes and issues. — Pearson Edexcel, official syllabus page

Two mandatory papers. Paper 1 (Depth Studies, 50%): candidates study at least 2 of 8 named depth studies (The French Revolution; unification of Italy; Germany under dictatorship; colonial rule and nationalism in India; the USSR under dictatorship; superpower relations; US civil rights; South Africa from union to the end of apartheid). Paper 2 (Investigation and Breadth Studies, 50%): candidates study 1 of 5 named historical investigations plus 1 of 8 named breadth studies in change. Available as paper-based or onscreen assessment.

Specifications change between examination series. Always confirm the current syllabus and assessment structure on the Pearson Edexcel syllabus page for your examination year.

Assessment structure

Linear qualification

Assessment components for Pearson Edexcel World History 4HI1
Component Duration Marks Weighting Type
4HI1/01: Paper 1: Depth Studies 1h 30m 60 50% Written exam
4HI1/02: Paper 2: Investigation and Breadth Studies 1h 30m 60 50% Written exam

Source: official Pearson Edexcel specification, verified 2026-08-28. Directly confirmed against the official PDF (Specification Issue 5, February 2026): two externally-assessed written papers, each 1h30, 60 marks, 50%. Paper 1 (Depth Studies): candidates answer two questions on two depth studies chosen from eight named options (e.g. The French Revolution; unification of Italy; Germany under dictatorship; USSR under dictatorship; superpower relations; US civil rights; South Africa apartheid). Paper 2 (Investigation and Breadth Studies): one historical investigation chosen from five named options plus one breadth study in change chosen from eight named options. Both available as paper-based or onscreen assessment. First teaching September 2017, first examination June 2019.

Assessment FAQs

How is Pearson Edexcel World History (4HI1) assessed?

Pearson Edexcel World History (4HI1) is assessed through: 4HI1/01 (Paper 1: Depth Studies) — 1h 30m, 60 marks, 50% of the qualification; 4HI1/02 (Paper 2: Investigation and Breadth Studies) — 1h 30m, 60 marks, 50% of the qualification. It is a linear qualification. Source: official Pearson Edexcel specification, verified 2026-08-28.

The subject

World History teaching and study resources, organised by level and topic.

All World History at Marlbridge

Syllabus topics

The 2 topics below are the official subject content of Pearson Edexcel International GCSE History (4HI1), for the Issue 5, February 2026 examination series, reproduced from the Pearson Edexcel syllabus document.

A topic listed here is part of the syllabus. It does not mean Marlbridge has published material for it — topics with resources are marked. Marlbridge currently has resources for 2 of 2 topics.

  1. 1 Paper 1 – Depth Studies (choose at least 2 of 8)

    3 Marlbridge resources

    The French Revolution, c1780–99 · Development of a Nation: Unification of Italy, 1848–70 · Germany: Development of Dictatorship, 1918–45 · Colonial Rule and the Nationalist Challenge in India, 1919–47 · Dictatorship and Conflict in the USSR, 1924–53 · A World Divided: Superpower Relations, 1943–72 · A Divided Union: Civil Rights in the USA, 1945–74 · South Africa: From Union to the End of Apartheid, 1948–94

  2. 2 Paper 2 – Investigation and Breadth Studies

    3 Marlbridge resources

    Historical Investigation A1: The Origins and Course of the First World War, 1905–18 · Historical Investigation A2: Russia and the Soviet Union, 1905–24 · Historical Investigation A3: The USA, 1918–41 · Historical Investigation A4: The Vietnam Conflict, 1945–75 · Historical Investigation A5: East Germany, 1958–90 · Breadth Study B1: America — From New Nation to Divided Union, 1783–1877 · Breadth Study B2: Changes in Medicine, c1848–c1948 · Breadth Study B3: Japan in Transformation, 1853–1945 · Breadth Study B4: China — Conflict, Crisis and Change, 1900–89 · Breadth Study B5: The League and the UN, 1919–c2011 · Breadth Study B6: The Changing Nature of Warfare and International Conflict, 1919–2011 · Breadth Study B7: The Middle East — Conflict, Crisis and Change, 1917–2012 · Breadth Study B8: Diversity, Rights and Equality in Britain, 1914–2010

Source: Pearson Edexcel — official specification PDF — Issue 5, February 2026 series. Verified 2026-08-19. Always check the current syllabus for your examination year.

Study resources

Revision material

Exam preparation

World History at other qualifications

These are separate qualifications with different syllabuses and assessments — not different names for the same course. Check which one your school enters you for.

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