Politics (A-Level)

Outline

The course explores UK politics and government, major political ideas and global politics, giving you a broad understanding of how political systems operate and how power is exercised.

Unit 1 – UK Politics

Explore voting, elections, political parties and pressure groups, examining how people participate in politics and influence political decision-making.

Unit 2 – UK Government

Study how the UK is governed, including:

• The Constitution
• Parliament
• The Prime Minister
• The Cabinet

Unit 3 – Political Ideas

Explore some of the major political ideologies that have influenced politics and society:

• Liberalism
• Conservatism
• Socialism
• Nationalism

Unit 4 – Global Politics

Expand your studies beyond the UK by exploring politics at a global level.

Enrichment opportunities

Lower Sixth students can take part in a residential trip to London, including visits to the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court.

There are also opportunities to participate in Sixth Form Politics conferences and workshops, allowing you to engage with political issues beyond the classroom.

Progression

A-Level Politics develops widely transferable skills and can support progression to university and careers across government, public policy, law, journalism and communications.

Government and Public Policy

Potential career areas include:

• Local or Central Government
• Public Policy
• Civil Service
• Charity and Advocacy Campaign Groups

Law, Journalism and Media

The course can also support progression towards areas including:

• Law
• Journalism
• Media
• Public Relations

Higher Education

Politics can provide a strong foundation for university study in areas including:

• Politics
• Law
• History
• Social Studies
• International Relations
• Journalism
• Geography
• Other related degree specialisms

Assessment

A-Level Politics is assessed through three written examination papers, accounting for 100% of the qualification.

Written Examinations

Papers 1, 2 and 3 all include:

• Essay questions
• Source-based questions

The examinations will require you to apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course, including critical thinking, analysis and evaluation, research, academic writing and the ability to construct and communicate arguments.

Entry Requirements

A combination of 5 Grade 4’s and 5’s or above at GCSE (including maths and English). * One Vocational Qualification in a related subject area will be considered in place of a GCSE. Subject Specific Entry Requirements: GCSE English Language at Grade 5.

*Fees

Don’t let the cost of studying put you off – most of our students study for FREE, and those who don’t qualify for funding are very often eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Eligibility depends on both the course you have chosen to study and your individual circumstances.

Apply

To add a course to your application, click 'Apply', once you have selected all your courses, click 'My Applications' top right, to continue the application process.

* Subject to Eligibility