Government & Politics (A level)

Key Facts

Starts September
Course Type Full Time
Duration Two Years
You Need 1 Requirements needed View

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Government & Politics taster session recording

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Click here to watch the recording of our live, online taster session that took place on Thursday 19th November. (Please note that taster session recordings are available via Microsoft Teams. If you are accessing the recordings using a mobile or tablet device you may need to download the MS Teams app).

Introduction What do we study How will I learn What's next What else do I need to know

Introduction

Few subjects are as central to our everyday lives as politics. It is about people and power, who has it and how they use it. Politics focuses on studying modern society and the relationships between people, political systems and political ideas. If you want to understand how our nation works, how UK politics is different to the politics of the USA and how we might improve our community and country, then Government and Politics is the course for you.

What do we study

Developing a wide range of transferrable skills such as researching and analysing information, argument and evaluation, we consider important concepts such as democracy, power and influence. We will analyse how the UK parliament and government works, and why some are now calling for big changes to the current political system. We will also examine key political beliefs such as Liberalism, Socialism and Conservatism that have shaped the UK political system and the impact of newer ideas such as Environmentalism or Feminism. We also explore a comparative topic, looking at the USA political system in detail, as an important democratic contrast to the UK.

How will I learn

In true politician style, we will hold regular class and group discussions, debates, alongside written analysis and essay work. The contemporary nature of politics means that we will not rely solely on the use of textbooks; you will be expected to research a good deal of material independently via the internet or newspapers. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in a vibrant student-led politics group which meets to discuss and debate the issues of the day.

What's next

The list of potential careers this course can open up to you is extensive. Students with politics as one of their A-levels have often followed career paths such as business and commerce, journalism and the media, teaching, local government, finance, public sector and private sector administration, human resources…the list is vast. Also, what is stopping you aiming for a career in national politics itself?

What else do I need to know

Depending on your previous grades you may need to study English and maths alongside your other courses. These are essential skills that all employers value.

You will be able to speak, develop and argue your points confidently – and accurately weigh up and assess the views of others.

You will also get the opportunity to attend political conferences/debates where they occur locally, and we organise trips such as a tour of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster, and central London.

Studying politics allows you to understand your rights as a citizen and to have an informed say in the political decisions made by government and parliament.

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