Program Overview

POLITICS

Overview

The study of government and politics is a fast-moving, dynamic subject that is never dull. In a world of limited resources, it is the way we determine who gets what, having an impact on everyone in society, from big businesses to individuals.

Course Breakdown

To achieve your Politics A-level, you must study the following topics:

UK Politics

• Democracy and political participation
• Voter behaviour
• Electoral systems
• Political parties

UK Government

• The UK constitution
• Parliament
• The Prime Minister and the executive branch of government
• The relationships between the branches of the state

Core Political Ideas

• Socialism
• Liberalism
• Conservatism

Comparative Politics

• The US Constitution and Federalism
• US Congress
• US Presidency
• US Supreme Court and US civil rights
• US democracy and participation
• Comparative theories

Non-Core Political Ideas

In addition to the core political ideas, you will also study one of the following:

• Multiculturalism
• Feminism
• Nationalism
• Ecologism
• Anarchism

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• We ask for a minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 5 or higher, including GCSE English Literature or Language and Maths.

Supporting Documents Required

• School applicants will be required to provide a school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.

Guaranteed Progression

Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.

Key Information

Teaching and Assessment

You will be assessed through three written exam papers in the Summer of your second year. These exams will assess:

• your knowledge and understanding of political institutions, processes, concepts, theories and issues.
• your ability to analyse political information and issues, to identify parallels, connections, similarities and differences
• your ability to evaluate aspects of politics and political information

Your class work and directed learning are designed to prepare you well for your exams and to help you to develop a range of skills that will help you in your future studies and work.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy.

Why Choose A-Levels at Our Sixth Form Centre?

• PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY AT A UNIVERSITY – We can provide you with relevant work placements, masterclasses, guest speakers, trips and more
• AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT – We have won national awards for our student support, which our sixth form students can tap into, from tailored academic support to financial assistance and health and wellbeing services
• OUTSTANDING LEARNING FACILITIES - We have invested £5.5 million into our brand-new sixth form centre, which includes lecture theatres, classrooms, science and computer labs, practical training facilities and open study spaces
• MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY– Want to keep studying at a higher level? This A-level will support your progression to degree level

What Will This Course Prepare You For?

The study of politics will prepare you for careers in the Civil Service, policy and research, journalism, law and business-related roles.

• Lawyer: Average Salary: £50,000
• Journalist: Average Salary: £33,000
• Business Manager: Average Salary: £50,000
• Researcher: Average Salary: £39,000
• Business Support: Average Salary: £29,000

A-Levels This Goes Well With:

• English Literature A-Level: The study of English Literature will enable you to explore the world in different time periods and in different social and cultural contexts. You will need to have a passion for reading, as you will cover a minimum of eight texts, including poetry, prose and drama.
• Sociology A-Level: The study of sociology provides a lens through which we can critically analyse the structures, institutions and interactions that shape our world. An understanding of sociology is beneficial for everything from policing, law and politics to teaching, social work, journalism and business.
• Law A-Level: Get yourself ready for working in the legal system with our Law A-level college course. Learn about the nature of law, criminal law, tort and the English legal system, as well as boosting your real-world experience through work placements.
• Criminology Level 3: The reduction of crime is a key focus of any government as the achievement of this key goal is fundamental to the health, happiness and success of our citizens. On this course, you will explore how our awareness of crime changes over time, investigating the methods used to reduce crime.
• Psychology A-Level: Studying A-level Psychology, you will delve into topics such as memory, perception, social influence, abnormal behaviour and more. By embarking on this captivating journey of discovery, you will explore the complexities of human behaviour and the inner workings of our minds.
• Business A-Level: An understanding of business is beneficial in a wide range of careers, from accountancy to financial advice through to sales management and consultancy, while it is also invaluable in setting up your own business and working in senior management and strategic roles across the sectors.
• History A-Level: History is a vibrant subject that can teach us much about human social, political and technological development and can help us make change for the better. Through the study of A-level History at our sixth form centre, you will explore the achievements and struggles that have led us to the societies in which we now live.