Politics - A Level

"Politics helps you understand how decisions that affect our lives are made – and gives you the tools to challenge them. Every lesson feels relevant to the real world."

Entry Requirements

Three GCSEs at grade 4 plus a grade 5 in GCSE English Language. An interest in current affairs and political debate is highly recommended.

Subject Intent

To develop students’ understanding of the systems, ideologies, and institutions that shape political decision-making in the UK and USA, and to foster independent, critical thinkers who can analyse and evaluate competing political ideas. The course aims to deepen engagement with democracy and citizenship while preparing students for higher education and careers that demand strong analytical and communication skills. Students of A Level develop vital logical, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Course Introduction

A Level Politics explores how political decisions are made, how people participate in politics, and how power operates in the UK and beyond. Students study the structures of government, political ideas and movements, and comparative politics. They develop skills in argumentation, evaluation, and data analysis while debating the key political questions of our time.

Course Modules

Component 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas

• Democracy and participation
• Political parties, elections, and the media
• Core political ideologies: Liberalism, Conservatism, and Socialism

Component 2: UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas (Nationalism)

• The UK Constitution, Parliament, Prime Minister, and Executive
• Relations between branches of government
• Non-core ideology: Nationalism – liberal, conservative, and expansionist forms

Component 3: Comparative Politics (USA)

• The US Constitution and Federalism
• Congress, Presidency, and Supreme Court
• Civil rights, democracy, and participation in the USA
• Comparative analysis between UK and US systems

Assessment

Three written examinations at the end of Year 13, each worth one-third of the qualification:

• Paper 1: UK Politics & Core Ideas (2 hours, 84 marks)
• Paper 2: UK Government & Nationalism (2 hours, 84 marks)
• Paper 3: Comparative Politics (USA) (2 hours, 84 marks)

Each paper includes short, source-based, and essay questions assessing knowledge, analysis, and evaluation (AO1–AO3).

Course Fact

You will analyse both the UK and US constitutions, exploring how power, rights, and democracy differ across two major political systems.

Policy Officer | Political Risk Analyst | Politician | Public Affairs Consultant | Journalist | Diplomatic Service Officer
Local Government Officer | Academic Researcher