Politics (AQA)

About this course

Politics is the study of how governments function and exercise their authority at the local, national and international levels and how citizens engage in political thought and activity. You will learn how ideologies develop, how governments are elected and how states interact with one another.

You develop competence in written and spoken communication, critical- thinking and research. You will also be able to analyse and evaluate statements and arguments and apply your knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of politics and society in both theoretical and practical contexts.

A Politics A level is suitable for entry to many Social Science and Humanities courses.

It can be combined with History, Sociology, Politics or English Literature to open up a wide range of study options.

It develops your understanding of Britain, the USA and other global powers and the role that citizens play in shaping politics.

What you will study/learn

A level in Politics covers the following units:

  1. 1 Government and Politics of the UK: British Constitution, Parliament, Prime Minister and Cabinet, Judiciary, Democracy and Participation, Elections and Referendums, Political Parties, Pressure Groups, The European Union
  2. 2 Government and Politics of the USA and comparative politics: The Constitution, Congress, Executive, Judiciary, Electoral Process, Political Parties, Pressure Groups, Civil Rights
  3. 3 Political Ideas: Core ideologies: Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, Nationalism, Feminism, Multiculturalism, Anarchism, Ecologism

Assessment:

The AQA A Level in Politics assessment comprises three externally examined papers.

  • Paper 1: a two-hour exam testing Government and politics of the UK- 33.3% of A level
  • Paper 2: a two and a half hour exam testing Government and Politics of the USA and comparative politics – 33.3% of A level
  • Paper 3: a two-hour exam testing Political Ideas- 33.3% of A level

Entry requirements

Students applying for A Level programmes must have the equivalent of 4 GCSEs with a grade 5-8 (A-C grade) or better, or have taken A Levels previously, with unsatisfactory results, and level B2 English according to the CEFR for Languages; either IELTS 5.0 or better, or Cambridge FCE Grade C or above (this only applies to applicants whose first language is not English).

Students may also apply for A Level programmes if they have a satisfactory high school leaving certificate, or secondary school exit qualification, which is not equivalent to the A Level for UCAS purposes.

There are no specific previous learning requirements for AQA Politics.

Awarding Body

AQA

Career Prospects and further study

Students with an A level in Politics can pursue further study in Social Science, Business, Education, Law and International Relations and careers in Law, Journalism, Government, Public Relations, Education and Politics.