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In a rapidly changing world, politics has never been more important. If you're interested in current affairs, ideas, and how the UK and the wider world are governed, this could be the course for you. A Level Politics will give you an in-depth understanding of political systems, institutions and ideologies, while encouraging you to explore the big questions surrounding power, democracy and society. You'll also study American Politics, examining how the US political system works and debating issues such as democracy, race, the role of the Supreme Court, the powers of the President, abortion, voting rights and foreign policy.
What will I study in Politics A-level (USA)?
In the first year you will discover the key issues in British politics and government. This means exploring topics such as how the branches of government fit together, analysing whether the UK should change its electoral system and investigating what motivates people to vote in the way that they do. We look at issues like the participation crisis, ask if there is a democratic deficit and evaluate how effectively government deals with challenges at home and abroad. It is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the specification from Edexcel to see what we'll cover in Year 1 for British Politics.
Across both years of the course, you will learn more about political ideas. This includes studying the compulsory ideologies of liberalism, conservatism and socialism, as well as discovering more about other political ideas such as feminism.
If you decide to study US Politics, you will be studying the following topics:
1. The US Constitution and federalism
2. US Congress
3. US presidency
4. US Supreme Court and US civil rights
5. US democracy and participation
6. Comparative theories (comparing the US and UK, as well as looking at three theoretical ways to interpret US Politics)
Around two-thirds of centres across the country study US Politics in their second year of A Level study, which means there is a host of resources to support you and your studies. US Politics is very currrent at present, with President Trump's return to politics in 2024, allowing you to assess the impact of his actions on the United States and by extension the world. The course allows you to explore US Politics in depth and revisit/revise UK Politics too, as you have to compare and contrast the two. This course would suit anyone who may be studying Democracies and Change pathway for A Level History (which includes US History and British Politics) and studying US Politics instead of Global does not mean you cannot go onto study International Relations at University.
Entry Requirements
At least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above all from the core subjects including a Grade 5 in English Language. History GCSE is also recommended although not necessary to study Politics A Level.
How will I learn?
Politics is an exhilarating subject which provokes lots of debate. With that in mind, we spend a lot of time discussing the big issues of the day. Not only will you learn to refine your skills of debate but you will also get to experience a range of differing teaching methods including lectures, group work and personal study. This course poses many questions about the world in which we live and we really aim to get students to develop not only their knowledge of the subject but also their perspective on the big political controversies.
Along with participating in lessons, you will need to complete tasks at home, including keeping up with the news and current affairs, and then thinking how you can apply these stories as examples to illustrate key ideas and concepts in the course.
Some of our students gain work experience through a placement or internship with one of our local MPs. There will also be the opportunity for you to speak to local politicians, in Q&A sessions that we host at College, or virtually, through programmes run by Parliament.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is through three exams at the end of the two-year course; there is no coursework. The first two exams comprise of source-based essay questions and a choice of knowledge-based essay questions, while the final exam assesses students through short answer questions and longer essay questions. All exams are out of 84 and each exam is 2 hours long; this means approximately, that each essay is 45 minutes and the 24 mark/12 markers in Papers 1, 2 and 3 are 30 minutes long.
Any trips?
We aim to ensure all Politics students have an opportunity to participate in study trips, which could include a conference in London, a trip to the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court, as well as visits to local univerities. Poliics is a lovely and diverse subject, and it is great to visit the institutions that we study.
Are there any costs involved?
- You should expect some small costs for course booklets as lots of your course materials are avaliable as packs to support your learning
- We usually run trips to Parliament and other institutions such as the Welsh Parliament.
Device Requirements
COURSE_DEVICE
If you already own a device that meets the technical requirements of your course, you are welcome to bring it with you to college.
If not, more information on a convenient rental and help-to-buy scheme designed specifically for Cirencester College students is linked below.
FAQs
Do I need to read the news?
In short - yes! This is a key element of the course, as there is a focus on current affairs and you will be expected to keep up with political developments. You will be expected to get into the habit of watching/listening to/reading up on the news and take your turn presenting a “Story of the Week” or participating in regular news quizzes.
I love arguing about politics - is this the course for me?
Absolutely! Debating in the classroom is a key skill which we develop as it really helps you to see both sides of the argument, which is necessary for creating balanced essays. However, although there are plenty of opportunities to debate, you will not necessarily be arguing your own viewpoint – this is political science with no room for ranting! Tolerance and respect of others' views is also very important in the politics classroom.
Is is just about British politics?
No. Although the first year is mainly focused on British politics, we make comparisons to other countries suh as the British and American constitutions. The second year is dedicated mostly to the study of either American or global politics. If studying American Politics you will focus on the US political system, rights and democracy.
Are there any politics enrichments?
Yes. We invite in a variety of guest speakers in order to enrich students' learning. Recent notable speakers include Dr Roz Savage, the MP for the South Cotswolds constituency. At election time, the College hosts a hustings for local candidates to speak and answer questions. Many of our students are also active in the successful Debating Society, where they learn key skills to help them in the classroom and with essay writing.
When do I decide which pathway, American or Global?
Students enrol onto a pathway before they start with us in September (either US or Global), however if students wish to switch pathways, we are happy to have discussions with students on a case by case basis, with decisions being made before the end of the Summer term.
Is there a lot of reading and writing?
Yes, Politics is an academic A Level, which requires you to write essays, which roughly are 4 pages long as a minimum (handwritten). We also expect you to do a lot of reading using the booklets and extended reading to deepen your understanding of Politics, political theory and how current affairs aligns with what we teach in class.
Awarding Body
EDEXCEL
Available As
A Level
[56 UCAS pts. available]
[56 UCAS pts. available]
Add to Application
What can I do after I have taken this course?
Available As
A Level
[56 UCAS pts. available]
[56 UCAS pts. available]
Add to Application
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