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Politics
A Level

Entry Requirements

Grades 9-4 in English and four or more GCSEs at grades 9-4.

Assessment

• 100% exam

Course Duration

• Two years

Exam Board

• Edexcel

Why Choose Politics A Level?

Politics A Level is an exciting and dynamic course that gives you a deep understanding of how political systems work, both in the UK and around the world. If you’re interested in current affairs, passionate about democracy, and eager to influence the future, this subject is perfect for you. Politics helps you develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and an appreciation for the complexities of power, governance, and political ideologies. It’s a subject that has real-world relevance, impacting every aspect of society, from the economy to human rights and environmental policies.

What You Will Explore

In Politics A Level, you’ll dive into the fascinating world of political ideas, institutions, and processes. Some of the core topics you will study include:

    1. UK Politics and Government
      Explore how the UK political system works, including the roles of Parliament, the Prime Minister, political parties, and electoral systems. You’ll also examine key political ideologies such as conservatism, socialism, liberalism, and feminism.
    2. Global Politics
      Discover the interconnectedness of the world through the study of international relations, global governance, and major political issues like globalisation, climate change, and the impact of superpowers such as the USA and China.
    3. Political Ideas
      Delve into influential political thinkers and the ideologies that have shaped the modern world. From equality to freedom, justice to power, you’ll critically evaluate different political ideas and their real-world implications.
    4. Current Political Debates
      Engage with contemporary political issues, learning to analyse, debate, and understand policies that affect society today, from Brexit to immigration, climate policy, and social justice movements.

Click here for link to Exam Board specification for Politics A Level

Skills You Will Develop

Politics A Level equips you with a wide range of valuable skills that are transferable to many areas of life and work:

  • Critical Thinking: You’ll learn to evaluate complex arguments, identify bias, and assess evidence to form balanced judgments.
  • Analytical Skills: Politics will help you break down intricate political processes and events, understanding the underlying causes and consequences.
  • Communication: Develop your ability to articulate ideas clearly, both in writing and verbally, which is essential for debates, essays, and exams.
  • Research and Investigation: Learn how to gather, interpret, and synthesise information from multiple sources to support your analysis.
  • Problem-Solving: Through debates and discussions, you’ll be challenged to find solutions to political problems, developing your strategic thinking abilities.

 

Transferable Skills and Real-World Impact

One of the greatest strengths of studying Politics is the number of transferable skills you gain, such as:

  • Leadership: You’ll learn about decision-making processes that apply to leadership roles in business, government, or community organisations.
  • Empathy and Global Awareness: Understanding diverse political systems helps you appreciate different perspectives and cultures, essential for working in international and multicultural environments.
  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: Learn how to mediate and negotiate, skills essential for diplomacy, business, and law.
  • Resilience and Adaptability: Politics is ever-changing, and studying it prepares you to adapt to new situations and think on your feet in fast-paced environments.

Real-World Impact

By choosing Politics, you aren’t just learning about the world—you’re learning how to change it. Politics A Level empowers you to understand and engage with the world around you. Whether it’s through influencing policies, participating in campaigns, or simply being an informed citizen, the knowledge you gain has a tangible impact on society. Politics gives you the tools to become an active participant in shaping the future, no matter which career path you choose.

Where Can Politics A Level Lead?

Studying Politics A Level opens the door to numerous exciting opportunities, both in higher education and the world of work.

Further Education:

Many students who study Politics A Level go on to pursue degrees in:

  • Politics
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • History
  • Economics
  • Sociology
  • Public Policy

Universities highly value students with a background in politics, as the subject demonstrates strong analytical, research, and communication skills, making it ideal for a range of academic paths.

Career Opportunities:

A Politics A Level can lead to a wide variety of career paths, including:

  • Law: Many politics students become lawyers, specialising in human rights, constitutional, or international law.
  • Civil Service: Work at the heart of government, shaping policies and decisions that affect millions of people.
  • Journalism: Become a political journalist or analyst, reporting on and interpreting political events and trends.
  • Public Relations and Communications: Work in media, campaigning, or advocacy, using your skills to influence public opinion.
  • International Organisations: Careers in the United Nations, World Bank, or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on global issues like poverty, healthcare, or climate change.
  • Political Advising or Consultancy: Work behind the scenes in government, helping to develop and communicate political strategies.
  • Business and Finance: Politics teaches you the skills to navigate the economic and regulatory environments, making it highly relevant to careers in business, finance, and management.

Where next?

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Useful Information

For more information contact:

Melanie Lockheart

Position: Director of Curriculum for Humanities, Travel and Tourism & Modern Languages

Apply for 26/27 now!

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