Government and Politics

Course summary

If you're interested in UK and global current affairs, enjoy lively debate and are fascinated by the drama of Westminster, then politics A level is for you. You don't need to have studied the subject at GCSE but an interest in history and good literacy skills will be of benefit for this course. You might be heading for a career in central or local government, law, journalism or political research, though Politics A level will give you transferable skills which are useful in a wide range of careers. Politics combines well with other arts, humanities and social science subjects such as history, English, sociology and economics. There are 3 core components of the course covering UK politics, UK government and Comparative Politics. You'll study mainstream political ideas within conservatism, liberalism and socialism as well as topics such as feminism or multiculturalism, focusing on some of their important thinkers and ideas. You'll explore the ways that people and politics interact, how electoral systems operate and the role of the media in contemporary politics. You'll find out about the UK constitution and the workings of Parliament and the political decision-making process. You'll have the opportunity to compare and contrast UK politics with either the government and politics of the US or from the perspective of global politics. Through classroom-based lectures, debates and discussions. There will be talks from visiting political speakers and visits to political organisations and institutions.