History and Geography for Private Candidates: GCSE, IGCSE and A-Level Coursework Explained

Last updated: 30 September 2026

History and Geography are two of the most popular subjects our private candidates sit at GCSE, IGCSE and A Level — six qualifications across three levels. The biggest difference between them is whether coursework is required at all, and if it is, whether you're allowed help with it. Here's exactly where each of the six qualifications stands.

Which History and Geography qualifications can private candidates sit here?

Private candidates can sit History and Geography with us at GCSE, IGCSE and A Level, six separate qualifications in total, each with its own exam board and coursework rules:

Qualification	Exam board(s)	Coursework	Tutor help with coursework
GCSE History	AQA or Pearson	None	Not applicable
GCSE Geography	AQA	Required fieldwork	Check with the centre
IGCSE History	Edexcel	None	Not applicable
IGCSE Geography	Edexcel	None	Not applicable
A Level History	Edexcel	For some options	Distance learning provider accepted
A Level Geography	AQA, Edexcel or OCR	Required fieldwork	Not accepted

Does GCSE Geography require coursework?

GCSE Geography requires every candidate to complete fieldwork coursework, and there is no way to opt out. GCSE Geography's product page states that the exam board requires all candidates to complete coursework: fieldwork you carry out yourself to test a hypothesis, submitted as a short written report. No specialist equipment is needed. Paper 3 is based on pre-release material issued 12 weeks before the exam, sent to you electronically, with a clean copy provided in the exam room.

Does GCSE History require coursework?

GCSE History has no coursework or fieldwork requirement at all, so it is entirely assessed by exam. Instead, you choose which historical periods to study and enter the matching option code when you book, generated via the AQA or Pearson website depending on your board. If you're choosing between GCSE History and GCSE Geography to avoid coursework, History is the one with none.

Is there coursework in IGCSE History or IGCSE Geography?

Neither IGCSE History nor IGCSE Geography requires coursework, as both Edexcel qualifications are assessed by exam papers only. Their product pages list only exam equipment — a calculator for Geography, and an HB pencil for graphs and diagrams on both. If GCSE Geography's mandatory fieldwork is putting you off, IGCSE Geography is a coursework-free alternative.

Does A Level Geography require coursework, and can a tutor complete it?

A Level Geography requires fieldwork-based coursework, and coursework completed with a tutor is not accepted for this subject. You'll need to arrange and complete the fieldwork yourself, propose a research question that meets the exam board's criteria, and have it checked by the centre's Geography specialist before you start. The specialist marks and authenticates the finished work but doesn't teach the fieldwork itself. If you need support collecting data, the Field Studies Council runs courses that can be booked separately.

Does A Level History require coursework, and can a tutor complete it?

A Level History requires coursework for some option choices, and coursework completed with a distance learning provider is accepted. The provider must mark the work, complete and sign the relevant forms, and send everything to the centre before the May deadline. That's the opposite of A Level Geography, so always check the FAQ on the specific product page before arranging outside help.

Can I carry my coursework mark forward if I'm resitting?

You can carry a previous coursework mark forward when resitting A Level History or A Level Geography, using your original UCI number and evidence the coursework was completed. You select the carry-forward option when booking. Exam boards allow this for non-exam assessment; for example, AQA's carry-forward guidance explains that students retaking a qualification with NEA may request a carry forward of the mark. GCSE Geography's product page doesn't mention carry-forward, so contact the centre if you're resitting it. For more on how coursework fits into your grade, see our guide to non-examined assessments.

Frequently asked questions

Does GCSE Geography require coursework?

GCSE Geography requires every candidate to complete fieldwork and submit a short report as evidence, with no way to opt out.

Does GCSE History require coursework?

GCSE History has no coursework; instead you choose your historical period options and enter the matching option code.

Is there coursework in IGCSE History or IGCSE Geography?

Neither IGCSE History nor IGCSE Geography, both sat with Edexcel, requires coursework or fieldwork.

Can a tutor complete my A Level Geography coursework?

A tutor cannot complete your A Level Geography coursework, because coursework completed with a tutor isn't accepted for this subject.

Can a tutor complete my A Level History coursework?

A distance learning provider can support your A Level History coursework, provided they mark the work, sign the forms and send everything to the centre before the May deadline.

Which exam boards run these subjects?

GCSE History runs with AQA or Pearson and GCSE Geography with AQA; both IGCSEs and A Level History run with Edexcel; A Level Geography runs with AQA, Edexcel or OCR.

New to sitting exams outside school or college? Read our full guide to what a private candidate is, or get in touch and our team can talk you through options and coursework routes before you book — entry is always subject to JCQ regulations and the relevant exam board's requirements.