Why study government and politics?
Government and politics A-level offers a fresh area of study for students entering the sixth form. If you have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in politics and current affairs, and a desire to explore new ideas, then this is the subject for you. No previous experience is expected or needed.
You will learn how to develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics in the UK and the United States including the role of political parties and pressure groups; the structure of power in each country, featuring the relationship between prime minister, parliament and the judiciary in the UK, and that between the president, Congress and the Supreme Court in the USA; the rights and responsibilities of individual citizens; and a clear understanding of the theories and values that underpin these two modern systems of government.
The course is ideal for students who enjoy debating issues related to politics and current affairs appreciate the need to form clear opinions on the key issues of the 21st century want a qualification which proves to universities and employers.
What our students say
“Politics is a subject which links well with a variety of other subjects and its ever changing nature means there is always a range of fascinating information to submerse yourself in.” Charlotte
“Politics is vital to understanding the way the world around you works. It has applications within so many other subjects.” Manasvi
“Politics is one of the very few subjects that facilitates you for life.” Millie
Entry requirements
Grade 6 in history or English at GCSE.
Potential courses
- Economics
- Philosophy
- International Relations
- History
- Law
- International relations
Potential careers
- Journalism & broadcasting
- Civil service
- Political lobbyist
- Political advisor or strategist
- Public administration
- Solicitor/barrister
The A-level course
| Topics studied | ||
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 UK politics 33% | Democracy and participation in the UK, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media, together with the core UK political ideologies of liberalism, conservatism and socialism | At the end of the course, you will have roughly six hours of examination split across three papers. The questions will cover literature, historical and visual material. |
| Unit 2 UK government 33% | The topics studied are the UK Constitution, the respective roles of Parliament, the judiciary, prime minister & executive and the ideology of nationalism | |
| Unit 3 Comparative politics: USA 33% | The topics studied are the US Constitution, US Congress, the presidency, the US Supreme Court, civil rights, democracy and participation and US Elections; this unit also has two questions comparing the US system to that of the UK |
Recent alumni – where are they now?
Matthew (2014) after achieving a first at Oxford, he gained fast stream into the civil service and is currently working in the treasury at Whitehall
Dominic (2009) has so far worked on a national election campaign, as a lobbyist at Westminster during the Coalition and managed an environmental project in India for the Bloomberg Corporation
Tess (2017) studying politics and international relations at the London School of Economics
Isabella (2012) training to be a barrister
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