A-Level Politics
Course Summary
Politics is a much sought after Advanced Level qualification that Russell Group universities, as well as Oxbridge, recognise, in conjunction with other ‘facilitating’ A Levels, within their admission criteria. The course is academically rigorous and covers UK political structures and systems as well as a comparative, global element. This new, linear programme of study prepares candidates for full and active engagement within UK political life as well as developing students understanding of Britain’s role within the global community. In the context of a fluid, post-Brexit political climate, there has never been a more engaging time to study A-level Politics.
Course Introduction
Course Outline
Exam Board: Edexcel
Component 1: UK Politics
(33 1/3 % of A level: 2 hour exam)
Political Participation: democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media. (Two 30-mark questions).
Core Political Ideas: conservatism, liberalism, socialism. (One 24-mark question).
Component 2: UK Government
(33 1/3 % of A level: 2 hour exam)
UK Government: the constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive, relationships between the branches. (Two 30-mark questions).
Optional Political Ideas, students will study: multiculturalism. (One 24-mark question).
Component 3: Comparative Politics
(33 1/3 % of A level: 2 hour exam)
Global comparative politics: theories of Global Politics, sovereignty and globalisation, global governance: political and economic, global governance: human rights and environmental, power and developments, regionalism and the European Union. (Two 12-mark questions & two 30-mark questions).
Subject Entry Requirements
In addition to the general Sixth Form Entry requirements students will need the following:
GCSE English Literature or Language: Grade 5 or above
GCSE Mathematics: Grade 4 or above
GCSE Humanities: Students will need to have a Grade 5 or above in a humanities subject
