History · XHI01 / YHI01

How International A level History works

Start here: the units, their exam codes and when you can sit them for Pearson Edexcel International AS and A level History.

Two qualifications in one course

International A level History is modular: you sit it unit by unit.

The International AS (cash-in code XHI01) is Unit 1, Unit 2. It is a qualification on its own.
The full International A level (cash-in code YHI01) is all 4 units: the AS units plus Unit 3, Unit 4.

You can bank AS results in Year 12 and add the A2 units in Year 13.

The units

Each unit has its own exam code. These are the codes your exams officer uses to enter you.

Unit	Code	Title	Level	Exam series 2026/27
Unit 1	WHI01	Breadth study with interpretations: options A to D (France 1774 to 99, Russia 1881 to 1917, Germany 1918 to 45, Britain 1964 to 90)	AS	January and June only
Unit 2	WHI02	Breadth study with source evaluation: options A to D (India 1857 to 1948, China 1900 to 76, Russia 1917 to 91, South Africa 1948 to 2014)	AS	January and June only
Unit 3	WHI03	Thematic study: options A to D (USA 1763 to 1865, British warfare 1803 to 1945, Germany 1870 to 1990, US civil rights 1865 to 2009)	A2	January and June only
Unit 4	WHI04	International study: options A to D (Europe 1805 to 71, World in Crisis 1879 to 1945, Superpower Relations 1943 to 90, Asia 1945 to 90)	A2	January and June only

Source: Pearson Information Manual 2026/2027, International A level

When you can sit them

Pearson runs International A level exams in January, May to June and October, but not every unit is offered in every series. Plan your units with your teacher, and always confirm entries with your exams officer: Pearson updates the manual every year.

Worked example

You finish Year 12 having sat the AS units in History. What can you claim?

The AS units are Unit 1, Unit 2.
Together they give the International AS (XHI01).

Answer: The International AS in History (XHI01); add the A2 units in Year 13 for the full A level (YHI01).

Key idea: International AS History = Unit 1, Unit 2 (XHI01). Full International A level = all 4 units (YHI01). Not every unit is offered in October.

Check yourself

What is the cash-in code for the full International A level in History?
- XHI01
- YHI01
- ZHI01
- WHI01
Show answer
YHI01. YHI01 is the full International A level; XHI01 is the International AS.
Which code is the International AS in History?
- YHI01
- WHI01
- QHI01
- XHI01
Show answer
XHI01. XHI01 is the International AS cash-in code.
How many units make up the full International A level in History?
Show answer
4. The full A level is 4 units: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4.
In 2026/27, in which exam series can you sit History Unit 1 (Breadth study with interpretations)?
- October, January and June
- June only
- January and June only
- January only
Show answer
January and June only. Pearson's 2026/27 manual lists Unit 1 as available in: January and June only.
Which History unit has the code WHI02?
- Unit 2
- Unit 1
- Unit 3
- Unit 4
Show answer
Unit 2. WHI02 is Unit 2: Breadth study with source evaluation: options A to D (India 1857 to 1948, China 1900 to 76, Russia 1917 to 91, South Africa 1948 to 2014).

Practise with instant feedback

Sources

Last updated 7 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email alevel@lifereadysociety.com.