Course overview
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.
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.
Course information
This course is assessed by 100% written examination, no coursework. For the full A-level you will sit three examination papers at the end of two years. For A level we study both UK and USA politics and political ideology. For AS level you will sit two papers, on UK Politics and UK Government.
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?
Grades 9-4 in seven GCSEs (AGCSE 5.00 – 5.50) pluis Grade 5 in GCSE English Language strongly recommended.
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.
Head to our website and complete our simple online application form: www.stockton.ac.uk/apply
Alternatively, you can find a hard copy of our application form at the back of our prospectus. Complete this and post it back to us, or hand it in at our Reception.
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.
