Courses

Politics

Faculty: Humanities
Level: A-Level

Examination Board/website: AQA

www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/politics

Course outline:

The new A-Level Politics course comprises three units of study, which are:

1. The government and politics of the UK,
2. The government and politics of the USA
3. Political ideas.

This is fascinating time to study politics. By choosing this option you will understand better why Britain voted for Brexit and why the Americans voted for Trump.

The course allows you to include up to date events in your exam answers. Therefore we study the rise of nationalism in Europe and America, the relations between Russia and the West and what alternative systems of voting there are around the world.  

We also study political ideas, the fluctuating fortunes of political ideologies, and the roots of the liberal democratic way of government both the UK and USA created over the last few hundred years.

Assessment Details: 

A-Level

Skills/Aptitudes required being successful in this course:

Students need to follow the news on a daily basis and have an interest in current affairs. Students will be required to be fully committed through regular attendance, extensive reading, completion of homework, etc.  The ability to read, comprehend and critically examine information is essential. Students will be expected to work independently, as well as in groups in order to analyse and evaluate political developments and historical sources. An interest in discussion and debating is desirable. 

Complementary subjects:

Politics complements a wide variety of subjects ranging from social sciences to the natural sciences, creative arts, and languages. These include History, Psychology, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Art, Language and Law. 

Pathways – Careers:

Students who study Politics can consider pursuing courses that lead to the following professions in particular:

• Law
• Journalism
• Social Work
• Education
• Government/ Civil Service
• Business/Finance