Do you have an enquiring mind, an interest in current affairs and want to study a challenging and contemporary subject? Yes? Then Politics A Level is for you!

During the course, you will study the following key elements:

UK Politics and UK Government: where you will look at the core institutions, ideas and concepts of UK Government and Politics as well as a range of topics relating to UK Government such as the UK constitution, Parliament, Prime Minister and the relationship between the branches. You will also look at topics relating to UK politics such as UK democracy and participation, elections, political parties, voting behaviour and the role media plays in UK politics.

Comparative Politics (of the USA): consideration will be given to core institutions, ideas and concepts of US Government and Politics. You will study topics including The US Constitution and Federalism, US Congress, US Presidency, The Supreme Court and civil rights, democracy and participation and comparative theories. You will be required to look at the interrelationships between the different branches of government and draw comparisons between UK and US political systems.

Core Political Ideas: this will take you beyond UK and US politics. You will also look at core political ideas, concepts and thinkers whilst studying 3 core ideologies: - Socialism, Liberalism and Conservatism.

You will also study one additional non-core political idea from a choice of Nationalism, Feminism, Anarchism, Ecologism or Multiculturalism. You will also have to look at core thinkers for each ideology.

How will I be assessed?

The course is assessed by written examinations

What do I need?

You will need GCSEs with 2 grade 6s and 3 grade 5s including English Language. Retaking GCSE Maths as part of your programme is required if you do not have grade 4.

Where can it take me?

You can progress to an exciting range of higher level courses, including the Social Science Foundation Degree. You could also consider a degree in a related subject, such as Politics, International Relations, History, Philosophy, Sociology, Journalism, Law or Teaching.

Additional information

Politics A Level combines well with Business, Economics, English, Geography, History, Modern Foreign Languages and Law.

An interest in current affairs is important for success on this course.

For more information on this course, please consult the Edexcel/Pearson exam board website: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/politics-2017.html

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