Politics - A Level (Edexcel)

A Level Politics gives you an understanding of the workings of the British political system, an in-depth analysis of political ideologies and global politics including international relations. You will explore the extent to which governance in the UK is democratic, what is freedom, how is it best promoted and protected and question whether or not we even need a government at all.

You will look why should we be governed, what is democracy and how close does the UK political system come to meeting this ideal. These are some of the concepts we will discuss that will enable you to develop an in-depth understanding of British politics. We will explore the political ideas associated with liberalism, conservatism, and socialism and the extent to which these can be found within the parties competing for our votes. In year two we focus on global politics and questions around globalisation, conflict, human rights and the environment.

Topics covered can include:

UK Politics

• Democracy and participation
• Political parties
• Electoral systems
• Voting behaviour and the media
• Conservatism, liberalism, socialism

UK Government 

• The constitution
• Parliament
• Prime Minister and executive
• Relationships between the branches
• Anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism, nationalism

Comparative Politics

• Sovereignty and globalisation
• Global governance: political and economic
• Global governance: human rights and environmental
• Power and developments
• Regionalism and the European Union

You will need:

• Grade 5, and at least one grade 6, or above in GCSE English Language plus one other written subject, such as History, Geography, Humanities, English Literature, Business, Media Studies, Religious Studies, Drama and Film Studies
• Three further GCSEs at grade 4 or above

If you wish to study 4 A Levels, you will need 7 GCSEs at grade 7 or above, including two at grade 8.

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that A Levels are suitable for them.

Assessment is through three exams at the end of the second year.

School Leavers

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, it will be free. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.

A Levels are widely regarded as the standard entry qualification for top universities in the UK, and the rest of the world. Many of our students go onto study for a degree at the university of their choice, with some choosing to progress into apprenticeships or other employment.