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Politics – A Level

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About the course

Lively, relevant, controversial… there are many ways to describe A-level Politics. There’s no denying that it’s one of the most interesting and engaging qualifications you can choose. Covering news and current affairs from the UK and US, it helps you understand how the UK country is run and develops research, written communication and debate skills. It also helps grow your confidence. It’s ideal if you’re considering studying politics, sociology, ethics, advertising or journalism at university and is highly regarded by employers in industries including politics, international organisations, the media, government and the civil service.

Topics and units

The nature and sources of the British Constitution

  • codified
  • uncodified
  • statute
  • common law
  • conventions •
  • authoritative opinions
  • The royal prerogative
  • rule of law
  • parliamentary sovereignty
  • individual and collective rights

The structure and role of Parliament

  • scrutiny of executive
  • Commons
  • Lords
  • MPs and peers
  • delegates and trustees
  • Burkean theories of representation
  • delegate theories
  • mandate theories
  • trustees
  • parliamentary privilege
  • opposition
  • legislation
  • debate
  • redress of grievances
  • campaign
  • referendum.

Elections and Referendums

  • majoritarian and proportional electoral systems
  • representative democracy
  • suffrage
  • participation
  • voting behaviour
  • manifesto
  • campaign
  • referendums

 

 

Entry requirements

5 GCSE’s at grades 4 – 9 including English Language.

 

Additional information

Excellent preparation would be to start obtaining a working knowledge of key political roles and processes. These include Commons, Lords, MPs and peers delegates, trustees, parliamentary privilege, opposition, legislation, debate , campaign, referendum.

For the exams, you will answer a mixture of medium length ‘explain’ and essay style questions relating to:

Component 1 – Government and politics of the UK

Component 2 – The government and politics of the USA & Comparative politics

Component 3 Political ideas

 

What to do next

If you are interested in applying for this course, please click ‘apply now‘ on this page or at the top of any page, and create an website account or sign in an account you have already created and complete the application form. 

To find out more information about our courses and college life, you can visit an open event to meet our team and check out our facilities for yourself.

Type

Full time

Duration

2 years

Campus

Haybridge Road

Support

We understand that there are many barriers when you look at coming to college. Find out more information about the support we offer.

Talk to us

If you need some more information you can contact our course information, advice and guidance team using our online form.

Upcoming events

Open event
13 November 2024
5.00pm — 7.30pm
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Open event
22 January 2025
5.00pm — 7.30pm
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Open event
12 March 2025
5.00pm — 7.30pm
View event