The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to develop knowledge and an informed understanding of contemporary political structures and issues in their historical context, both within the United Kingdom and globally. Students will develop a critical awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, institutions and processes. Students will acquire knowledge and an informed understanding of the influences and interests which have an impact on decisions in government and politics. They will develop knowledge and an informed understanding of the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups. Overall students will develop the ability to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate political information to form arguments and make judgements. Component 1: UK Politics and core political ideas: This looks at the arrangements for ensuring representative democracy and participation in the UK and students will study liberalism, conservatism and socialism. Component 2: UK Government and non-core political ideas: This encourages students to develop a critical understanding of the institutions in the UK’s governing system and students will study feminism. Component 3: Global politics gives students an opportunity to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity. It also gives them the opportunity to explore the political issues that affect all of us. Students will gain understanding of abstract political concepts through grounding them in contemporary real world examples and case studies that will develop an international awareness and knowledge of multiple perspectives. The course is examined through 3 two hour written examinations which include a range of source based and essay style questions.